Parents/guardians of 6th graders are invited to attend an informational meeting to learn about the middle school mathematics program on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 7-8 PM, in the Science Lecture Hall of Medford High School (489 Winthrop Street).
The Mathematics Curriculum of the Medford Public Schools aligns with the Massachusetts State Curriculum Framework for Mathematics. It is a rigorous course of study preparing students for college and career modeled after the Common Core State Standards. Courses are thoughtfully planned to provide students readiness for a variety of college and career paths.
This meeting will discuss student placements for the 2017-2018 school year. In June of 2017, all sixth graders will be tested to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. Performance on the placement exam will not impact students’ report card grades. This testing will serve as one tool in determining appropriate placement into Grade 7 Mathematics.
Most grade 7 students follow the rigorous grade 7 mathematics curriculum recommended by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. However, a small number of students may qualify for a more accelerated course of study. Student eligibility for the accelerated mathematics is based on many factors, including the placement test, grades in mathematics classes, and performance on past state exams.
Most middle school students follow the sequence of Grade 6 Mathematics, Grade 7 Mathematics, Grade 8 Mathematics and, at Grade 9, enroll in Algebra I. This is the preferred course of student recommended by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Accelerated Grade 7 option, a challenging two year curriculum compacted into one year, is in place to give students an opportunity to begin their study of mathematics one year earlier. However, students who do not quality for the accelerated Grade 7 course will still be able to take all high level math courses at the high school.
“It is my hope that parents/guardians take advantage of this meeting to assist your student in his/her efforts to succeed in mathematics,” said Carolyn Joy, K-12 Mathematics/Science Director.