Susan Grierson is off to a strong start.
The new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction will host two forums to explain the Math and English Language Arts curriculum to parents of students in grades K-2 and grades 3-5.
She also recently sent a letter to parents of 5th graders explaining the process of middle school math placement. While elementary school students are in heterogeneous math groups, they are broken into three levels in middle school (grades 6-8): College Preparatory, Honors, or Accelerated Mathematics. Students in the district continue to be placed in heterogeneous groups for English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies in middle school.
In the letter, Grierson explains the testing process that takes place throughout fifth grade in order to determine students placement in middle school math. Five assessments are given from October through February and a placement test is administered in March. Letters are sent to all 5th grade families in the spring advising them of their child’s “recommended” math placement, as well as opportunities for summer “step up” programs that can help students move up a level.
In an attached sheet titled “Sixth Grade Mathematics Frequently Asked Questions,” Grierson provides information on the middle school math levels, the sequence of courses for middle school math, and opportunities for students to “step up” levels within middle school.
Read the letter below and see the FAQs in the attached document for more information:
Families of Fifth Grade Students,
We hope the new school year is off to a wonderful start for you and your students!
Fifth grade is the last year of heterogeneous grouping for mathematics. Beginning in sixth grade, students are placed in leveled math classes in order to ensure that students are appropriately challenged and well prepared for high school.
As part of fifth grade math instruction, students take assessments at the end of each unit of study. These assessments are scored, sent home for adult signature, and reflected on the progress report each marking period. Some of these assessment scores are also part of the middle school math level placement process.
This year, five end-of-unit scores from 5th grade will be sent to the middle school math department as part of level placement data:
- Exponents and Order of Operations
- Whole Number Computation
- Fraction Addition and Subtraction
- Fraction Multiplication and Division
- Cumulative Assessment Sept-Feb. (Chap. 1-4)
All of these assessments will take place between October and February of Fifth grade. Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to view the assessments and scores when they are sent home for adult signature.
I have attached an overview of our secondary school math programs so that you can see the sequence of courses available as students advance through middle and high schools. You will receive additional communications about your child’s progress in math this year and about the placement process for next year in the coming months. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.
We look forward to partnering this year to foster a love of mathematics in all our students.
Sincerely,
Susan Grierson
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
