GRADE 6
Level III Accelerated Sixth Grade Mathematics
This rigorous course is designed to challenge students who enter the sixth grade with very strong mathematical skills and to begin the transition from arithmetic to algebra and geometry. Building number sense is emphasized, including whole number computation and work with decimals,fractions, and percents. Students are introduced to the language of algebra and begin solving equations and developing rules to describe patterns. Two-dimensional geometry and measurement are also explored in-depth. Proportional reasoning is stressed through applications of ratios, rates, and proportions. An investigation into data, statistics,and probability rounds out the curriculum. Problem solving is interwoven with all course content, enabling students to develop strong mathematical reasoning abilities as well as written and oral communication skills. In addition, students become more proficient with estimation, mental math, and calculator use through various projects and activities during the course.
Level II Sixth Grade Mathematics
This course provides a strong beginning for students‟ middle school mathematics studies. Number sense is emphasized through varied activities requiring whole number computation and practice manipulating decimals, fractions, and percents. Relationships between number theory and fraction concepts are also developed. Students learn to describe patterns and understand the use of variables. Two-dimensional geometry and measurement also make up an important unit. Data, statistics, and probability complete the curriculum. Problem solving is practiced throughout the year, enabling students to develop their mathematical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills. In addition,estimation, mental math, and calculator use are addressed through projects and activities during the year.
Level I Introductory Sixth Grade Mathematics
Designed for students who need extra support around math content, this course moves students toward meeting grade level expectations. These small classes use materials from the Everyday Mathematics program andFASTTMath software. Students address each standard from theMassachusetts curriculum frameworks, either in grade-level or modified form, depending on the particular student‟s needs. Topics span whole numbers, decimals, percents, data, probability, geometry, measurement,and some beginning algebra concepts. Students who excel in this program will be prepared to move into Pre Algebra for 7th grade, while others who are still working below grade level will continue in the Level I program the following year.
GRADE 7
Level III Accelerated Pre-Algebra
This course is designed to quickly move students from concrete mathematical applications to an abstract understanding of algebra. Students engage in contextualized problem solving and critical thinking as they study integers and expressions and solve multi-step equations. As the year progresses, the program addresses number theory, proportional thinking,and graphing on the coordinate plane. Three-dimensional geometry with a focus on the algebraic formulas for area, perimeter, surface area, and volume is a critical component of the course. In addition, students continue to develop facility in estimation, mental math, writing, and calculator use through activities throughout the course.
Level II Pre-Algebra
The content of this course has been carefully sequenced to provide a smooth transition to algebra. Real world problems and a focus on solving them set the tone for the year. Students build upon their number sense reviewing fractions, decimals, and percents as well as studying integers and their operations. They study three-dimensional geometry and the algebraic formulas that govern area, perimeter, surface area, and volume. Finally, students explore algebra through one-step, two-step,and multi-step equations. Students continue to engage in activities involving estimation, mental math, writing, projects, and calculator use throughout the year.
Level II Pre-Algebra with Math Boost
Students who are identified by their sixth grade teachers as needing additional support to succeed in the Pre Algebra course in seventh grade take MathBoost along with their regular Pre Algebra class. They attend a small group tutoring session twice per week when most might otherwise be in study hall. These sessions provide individualized attention in their areas of difficulty with understanding and retaining previously taught skills. They also help move students toward dealing with the increasingly abstract nature of the 8th grade Algebra I course.
Level I Introductory Pre-Algebra
Designed for students who need extra support around math content, this course moves students toward meeting grade level expectations. These small classes will use materials from the Everyday Mathematics program andFASTTMath software. Students will address each standard from theMassachusetts curriculum frameworks, either in grade-level or modified form, depending on the particular student‟s needs. Topics span whole numbers, decimals, percents, data, probability, geometry, measurement,and some beginning algebra concepts. Students who excel in this program will be prepared to move into Algebra for 8th grade, while others who are still working below grade level will continue in the eighth grade introductory program the following year.
GRADE 8
Level III Accelerated Algebra I
This course provides a rigorous exploration of the abstract mathematical subject of algebra. The foundation of the course includes a review of the basic language of algebra and solving linear equations with one variable. Students then study inequalities, systems, polynomials, and rational expressions. Finally, functions and graphs, irrational numbers and quadratics, radicals, and statistics are addressed. Algebraic problem solving and mathematical reasoning will be applied to real world problems throughout the course. As in previous grades, mathematical writing, project work, estimation, mental math, and technology remain important components of the course. Students who master the content ofAccelerated Algebra I are prepared to succeed in Honors Geometry as freshmen.
Level II Algebra I
This course is designed to ease students into the abstract mathematical topic of algebra.Real-life situations motivate the major ideas and provide the settings for the practice of algebraic skills. In this course, students explore linear relationships through writing, solving, and operating with equations, inequalities and systems of equations. Examples of other strands of mathematics such as geometry, statistics, probability, and number and operations are revisited through an algebraic lens. As in previous grades, mathematical writing, projects, estimation, mental math, and the use of technology remain important components of this course. Students who successfully learn the content of Algebra I are generally ready to enroll in College Geometry during their freshman year of high school.
Level I Introductory Algebra
Designed for students who need extra support around math content, this course moves students toward meeting grade level expectations. These small classes,which meet 5 times per week, will use materials from the ASSISTments web-based program. Students will address each standard from the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, either in grade-level or modified form, depending on the particular student‟s needs. Topics span whole numbers, decimals, percents, data,probability, geometry, measurement, and some beginning algebra concepts. Students who excel in Introductory Algebra will be prepared to move into Intro Geometry as freshmen. (This course is offered based on student enrollment.)