7th Grade Parent Seminar: Middle School Math

1
7th Grade Parent Seminar Middle School Math
2
Purpose Goals

• Share information about middle school math
  including standards and benchmarks
• Offer information about 8th grade math options
  and criteria for placement
• Review different math pathways through Arcadia HS
  and beyond
• Provide suggestions for helping students at home
• Answer questions and address concerns

3
7th Grade Math

• Current program
• Focus on Pre-Algebra
• Program is standards-aligned
• Textbook
• Benchmarks
• CST
• Challenges for students

4
Monitoring Progress

• Evidence of learning
• In class response to checking for understanding
• Review of class work
• Review of homework
• Math tests and quizzes
• District Benchmark Assessments (3)
• California Standards Test (Math CST)
• MDTP Algebra Readiness Test

5
Is your child ready for algebra?

• Are his/her basic skills strong, particularly in
  fractions?
• Does he/she have a firm grasp of math academic
  vocabulary?
• Does he/she understand functions and equations?
• Is there a comfortable approach to solving word
  problems?
• Is he/she confident?

How do you know?
6
Four Options for 8th Grade Math

• Options
• Algebra 1
• Algebra Honors
• 2-Year Algebra (Algebra 1GA)
• Geometry (students must have completed Algebra 1)

7
Indicators 8th Grade Math Placement

• Multiple Criteria
• All students have access to Algebra 1
• CST Math Target Scores
• Benchmark Target Scores
• Algebra Readiness Assessment, by Strand
• Teacher Recommendation (Grades)

8
Algebra 1 vs Algebra Honors
Algebra 1
Algebra H
Same standards Same textbook Same CST Meets
graduation requirement Stepping stone to Geometry
and Alg 2
Instruction is scaffolded to meet the needs of
all students Benchmarks are multiple choice
(ALS) Intervention support available Peer
tutoring
Faster pace More complex problems Open-ended
Benchmark tests (AUSD) Students should not
require tutoring Supplemental text
9
Algebra 1G Series

• 8th Grade
• 1 year course
• Review of pre algebra foundational skills
• First ½ of Algebra 1
• Slower pace
• Scaffolded lessons, conceptual focus
• Guided support

• 9th Grade
• 2 semesters (Alg 1GB and Alg 1GC)
• Review of foundational algebra skills
• Completes Algebra 1 graduation requirement
• Same textbook

10
(No Transcript)
11
What is the Traditional pathway through
mathematics at Arcadia High School?
12
What is the Honors track through mathematics at
Arcadia High School?
13
What is the Accelerated track through mathematics
at Arcadia High School?
14
What if my student is better suited for the
2-year Algebra program?
15
Top 5 Ways To Help Your Student

• 5. Show your child how to be organized.
• 4. Urge your child to listen and participate in
  class.
• 3. Help your child tackle assignments and check
  work for accuracy.
• 2. Encourage your child to ask for help when help
  is needed
• 1. Support a positive relationship between home
  and school.

16
(No Transcript)
17
Thats all folks any questions?