Superintendents Report on High School Mathematics Program

1
Superintendents Report on High School
Mathematics Program

• March 25, 2004

2
District Preparation for 2003-04 Algebra 1
Requirement for Graduation

• 4 years ago Math Department Chairs, all Algebra
  teachers, and a Program Specialist from Special
  Ed were brought together to discuss the following
  changes
• 8th grade Algebra standards
• Algebra 1 requirement for graduation in 2003-04

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District Preparation for 2003-04 Algebra 1
Requirement for Graduation

• Results were as follows
• No more Pre-Algebra at high school
• District purchased standards aligned Algebra
  textbooks for all middle schools and high schools
• All 8th graders would be in Algebra 1 whether a
  two-year program (Alg. AB then Alg. CD) or a one
  year program
• SDC students would take Algebra over 4 years with
  each semester of Algebra being divided into 2
  years
• Algebra 1 and Algebra CD would be offered during
  Summer School

4
Mathematics Articulation Meeting in 2003-2004

• 17 Mathematics teachers, including department
  chairs and algebra teachers from across the
  district, came together for a full day, March 18,
  2004, to share pathways and procedures for
  advancement to higher levels at their respective
  schools
• While there was much consensus there are still
  areas to explore
• Administration is also reviewing and addressing
  these same areas

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Purpose

• To address issues raised at the last School Board
  meeting
• Inform the learning community of the pathways for
  students to reach higher levels of mathematics
• Continue discussions on defining pathways and
  looking at data to increase student achievement

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8th Grade Algebra 1 Student Current Pathway

• LPHS
• Grade B to Geometry 9th gr.
• Grade below B to Alg. 1 repeat in 9th gr.

• LAHS
• Grade B to Geometry 9th gr.
• Grade below B to Alg.CD in 9th gr.

• WIHS
• Grade B to Geometry 9th gr.
• Grade below B to Alg. 1 repeat in 9th gr.

• WoHS
• Grade B to Alg. 2 9th gr.
• Grade below B to Alg. 1 repeat in 9th gr.

7
8th Grade Algebra AB Student Current Pathway

• LPHS
• Grade C to Algebra CD in 9th gr.
• Grade below C to Algebra 1 repeat in 9th gr.

• LAHS
• Grade B to Algebra CD in 9th gr.
• Grade below to Algebra 1 repeat in 9th gr.

• WiHS
• Grade C to Algebra CD in 9th gr.
• Grade below C to Algebra AB repeat in 9th gr.

• WoHS
• All to Algebra 1 in 9th gr.

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• Math Department Chairs and Algebra teachers have
  met and begun to identify revisions and possible
  changes to current pathways which includes Fall,
  Spring and Summer courses.
• Following meeting date April 22, 2004

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One Example of theseDiscussions

• If a parent requests a class different from the
  teacher recommendation,
• parent will meet with teacher, counselor, and
  principal so there is a clear understanding of
  the expectations for the student in the higher
  level class
• the school may require a parallel class or after
  school tutor to build success of the student

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District Commitments

• Students have and will continue to have the
  opportunity to apply for UC and Cal State schools
  and submit their SAT 1 and SAT 2 test scores in a
  timely fashion for admission consideration.
• Algebra CD and Algebra 1 is offered and will
  continue to be offered across the district in
  summer school both as repeat and original credit.
• The building of Algebraic understanding/thinking
  begins at the Kindergarten level and continues at
  each grade level.

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District Commitments

• Professional development has been and will
  continue to occur monthly for middle school/high
  school Algebra teachers.
• Articulation between high schools and their
  feeder schools is occurring and will continue
  each year.
• Open access for all students will be expanded,
  while we continue to meet our responsibilities to
  support students.