Accelerated Mathematics FAQ
What are ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’s options for accelerated math?
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Middle School offers accelerated math for select students in grades 6 – 8. Students are selected based on multiple measures of criteria.
What are the criteria mentioned?
There are two ways to participate in accelerated math. The first way is by scoring a level 4 on the appropriate NYS grade level mathematics assessment. The second way enter the program is by meeting specific criteria based on multiple measures. The criteria used for placement are: 1) overall report card (average of 4 quarters), 2) Spring i-Ready testing score and 3) End of the year.
What if my child does not meet the criteria?
Meeting the stated criteria is the only way to enter the program. Participation in one year does not guarantee participation in the program during future years. In middle school, students generally qualify for accelerated math in 6th grade. In a situation where a student performs exceptionally well in his/her regular math class, consideration may be made for entry into the program after grade 6. These cases are extremely rare and will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with all involved parties.
What if I opt my child out of testing?
If you decide to opt your child out of NYS testing he/she will be not be able to enter the program by way of a 4 on the mathematics assessment. If you opt out of i-Ready testing, he/she will be missing a key piece of criteria needed for consideration to participate in the program. Please note, that only a SPRING i-Ready score is needed for criteria purposes. The score will ONLY be used for selection purposes.
Does the District offer an Advanced math program?
At this time, there is no Advanced math program. Classroom instruction is differentiated for students. Small group instruction is used to ensure students receive the appropriate support to remediate or build their skills. Our accelerated program begins in Grade 6 for students who meet select criteria.
What is accelerated math?
Accelerated math is typically a grade level above the norm. Next Gen mathematics accelerates all students, to a degree. In order to accelerate students at the middle school level and have them ready for a high school course in 8th grade, students will work on a compacted curriculum to help prepare them for the Common Core Algebra Regents at the end of 8th grade.
What does “compacted curriculum” mean?
Compacted curriculum means that students will complete the 3-year middle school curriculum in 2 years. The grade level work of grades 6, 7 and 8 will be completed in grades 6 and 7, leaving grade 8 for Common Core Algebra (a high school course). In this scenario, students will be expected to move at a faster pace to cover the necessary curriculum.
What if my child is struggling in accelerated math?
Students in all levels and programs are consistently monitored and evaluated by their teachers. In the event that your child is struggling and not maintaining his/her grades, the teacher may contact you to discuss a level change. Level changes should occur prior to the end of the second marking period.
What if my child does not qualify based on the criteria but continues to perform exceptionally well in his/her regular math class?
In middle school, moving into accelerated after grade 6. Since the middle school curriculum is compacted, moving into accelerated may cause a gap in student learning. Movement after grade 6 is not recommended, but can be discussed with all involved parties.
What if I am new to the district and do not have all the measures of criteria for consideration?
New entrants will be reviewed on an individual basis. Information from a student’s previous schools, as well as a placement test may be used to determine eligibility.