May 23, 2014
Dear parents/guardians of sixth graders,
The middle school mathematics program changed last year due to the adoption in Massachusetts of the new Curriculum Framework for Mathematics. This new K-12 curriculum reflects a more rigorous mathematics education than in the past. One of the most striking changes is to the Algebra 1 Curriculum. In the past some students could skip grade 8 mathematics and enter directly into Algebra 1 and be successful. This is no longer the case. The new Algebra 1 requires a deep understanding of the K-8 mathematics curriculum. It’s no longer sufficient for students to only use algorithms; they also need to be able to explain how the algorithms work and apply that knowledge to model the mathematics. In addition to changing mathematical practices, the content level for the new Algebra 1 includes some standards originally from Algebra 2.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recommends that students wait to take the new Algebra 1 until grade 9. The course sequence recommended consists of a full year of study each of the new Grade 6 Mathematics, the new Grade 7 Mathematics followed by the new Grade 8 Mathematics curricula. The students then take Algebra 1 in grade 9. The vast majority of our students follow this recommended pathway which provides a solid foundation for upper level mathematics in high school. The students have options when in high school to accelerate their learning.
While we acknowledge that the recommendations and cautions of DESE are sound, the Medford Public Schools does recognize that a small number of students may be capable of accelerating their mathematics learning earlier. To meet their needs the district created an accelerated pathway leading to Algebra 1 in grade 8. This requires that accelerated students complete two years of rigorous mathematics. They are expected to master and have a deep understanding of all standards in the grade 7 AND grade 8 curriculums as a seventh grader.
On June 5th and 6th, 2014 all sixth graders will be tested (Pre-Algebra Placement Test) to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. Performance on the placement test will not impact students’ report card grades. The following criteria will be used to determine placement into the Grade 7 Accelerated Pre-Algebra course:
- Report card grade in grade 6 mathematics (year average)
- Performance on the Pre-Algebra Placement Test (meeting the benchmark)
- MCAS test results (advanced)
Sincerely,
Jacob S. Edwards
Principal