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Middle School Advanced Math

Desoto County SchoolsCommunity Meetings

Highlights:14 standards now taught BEFORE Algebra I

4 standards still taught IN Algebra I 1 standard now taught AFTER Algebra I

2 standards NO LONGER notated in the CCSS

OLD MS Algebra I vs. New MS-CCRS Algebra

I

Skip a math course –MS math was repetitive over years.

Take both 8th grade math and Algebra I state test at end of year - skills based.

High school Algebra credit.

Single period class,(50 minutes)

Currently in 8th grade Algebra I

Current Mississippi Algebra

SA

TP

3

Next Y

ear’s

Mississip

pi A

lgeb

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Next Y

ear’s

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pi A

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Highlights 11 standards currently taught at lower rigor

levels

6 standards currently taught in MS Algebra II

4 standards currently taught in MS Pre-calculus

2 standards currently taught in MS Adv. Algebra

1 standard – currently taught in MS Engineering

Next Year’s MS Algebra I

vs. Current MS Algebra I

No longer skip a courseStudents must take two full years of content in one year.

Blocked class period all yearThis will force some students to choose between electives/sports.

Testing time increases2 tests per course versus one per course before. (Over 16 hours worth of state assessments – not to include any benchmark assessments throughout the school year.)

Offering 8th grade Algebra

I…

What are the

issues?

Additional Options

What is in the best interest of our students?

① Content to cover all of 8th grade and into concepts in Algebra I. Less state testing/stress at end of year Will not have to be a blocked course;

therefore, more options for electives/sports/keyboarding, etc.

② Weighted GPA (1.05) - not an option with Algebra I.

③ Carnegie unit, (math credit), for high school.

Accelerated 8th Grade Math

① Content to cover all of 7th grade and part of 8th grade. Will be a blocked course; however, since

keyboarding is not offered in 7th grade, students will still have 2 elective choices.

② Option of Accelerated 8th grade math the following year.

Compacted 7th Grade Math

#1 P

are

nt C

on

cern

How will my child be able to take advanced math courses required by prestigious Universities if they do not take Algebra I until the 9th grade?

Semester blocks enable high performing students to take two math courses in one year if needed to meet college and University admission requirements.

#2 P

are

nt C

on

cern

How will it be determined if my child is placed in an advanced 7th and/or 8th grade math course?

90% average for the year in current math class.

Teacher recommendation form

Absences

Grades

Participation

Homework completion

District assessment (cut score to be determined)

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