Single Subject Acceleration in Mathematics October 5, 2016
Goals for the meeting Provide clarity for the transition process Provide information about the course pathways in mathematics Provide parents with an opportunity to ask questions
Questions you may have or have heard I heard about double-honors from one of my neighbors How do I get my child into double (triple) honors class? The current math class my child is in isn t challenging him/her
What is Single Subject Acceleration (SSA)? A state designated process in which students skip the following math course in the sequence.
Profile of a typical SSA student 98th or 99th percentile on MAP test Enjoys doing mathematics outside of class Exemplary work habits and study skills and confident problem solver Solid conceptual grasp of mathematics, not just strong at fluency
Considerations Will the student be OK if they skip an ENTIRE year of content without any instruction? Does the student have a strong desire to pursue SSA? What is the ultimate goal for pursuing SSA? Does the student have the confidence, maturity, work habits and study skills to succeed? Will the student be better off in the long run in getting a broad, solid, conceptual understanding of key mathematical topics?
Characteristics to Foster: Healthy Competition Collaborative Problem-Solving Organization Classroom Contributor Eagerness to Learn Process-focused
Typical Math Path for Subject Accelerated Students 6th grade- Intro to Algebra 7th grade Honors Algebra I A and B 8th grade Honors Geometry A and B 9th grade Honors Algebra II A and B 10th -12th grade AP Statistics Honors Pre-Calculus A and B AP Calculus AB or BC Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, Multidimensional Calculus, Differential Equations
Criteria for SSA selection Scores on the following tests: MAP (fall and spring) Aspire (Mason Middle School) Classroom grades and assessments AIR (state test) Local Placement Test
Timeline for MI October- Attend SSA meeting November-December- Discuss SSA option with student to determine if SSA is appropriate February 10- SSA form due to Nancy Kelly February 22- Take SSA test (during school day) End of March- SSA results shared with parents Summer Students continue to study/review topics as needed August to December - teacher reviews progress for students; shares any formal concerns with students/parents Note: Students currently in Intro to Algebra at MI will follow the timeline listed on the next slide for MMS
Timeline for MMS October- Attend SSA meeting November-December- Discuss SSA option with student to determine if SSA is appropriate April 28, 2017- SSA Applications are Due to Mr. Murzynowski May 26, 2017- Take test at MMS (8am) - only 7th grade students Summer Students continue to study/review topics as needed August to December - teacher reviews progress for students and shares any formal concerns with student and parents
Considerations 7th Grade Honors/Intro to Algebra-Placement becomes permanent after 6 week trial period Honors Algebra I A/B - Students take the mid-term evaluation, after which the placement becomes permanent in December Grades are on HS transcript Must take End of Course exams
Written Acceleration Plan (WAP) Section 1 Contains information particular to your child Academic Factors specific content that the child may need help with Non-Academic Factors social skills, work habits, study skills that the child is still developing Section 2 Contains course pathway information
How do I apply for SSA? 1. On the Masonohioschools.com website under Gifted Services: a. b. c. d. 2. Read the SSA Guidelines Complete the SSA form Return to Nancy Kelly (MI) or Mark Murzynowski (MMS) Sign up for testing through the classroom teacher
Click on Students button
Click on Departments
Click on Gifted
Click on Acceleration Guidelines
Select Single_Subj_Accel_Guidelines_2015.pdf & Acceleration_Single_Subject_Request_Form_2015_V.pdf
Contents of the tests Each test covers the content of the next year s course. Each course s content is linked below: Grade 6 honors math Grade 7 honors math (Intro to Algebra) Algebra I
Questions? What happens if my child is not doing well in their accelerated math course next year? Your child s teacher will work with you to monitor progress in the accelerated math course. If the determination is made that your child is not ready to move forward in the course, he/she will be placed back in the course he/she would have taken without acceleration. It does not prohibit the student from participating in honors classes in the future.
Questions? Can I access the textbook or a workbook over the summer to prepare? You can access the textbook online until July 1. If you want to continue to use a textbook after that, then you can contact Michelle Lienemann at MMS after May 29th to request a copy. We also suggest using other resources as well Khan Academy, LearnZillion, and TenMarks, to name a few to help with content support We do not have a workbook or other print materials to share for preparation
Questions? How long do we have to decide if we want our child to accelerate? Mark Murzynowski has asked that you contact him by JUNE 15 if you want to change your child s placement. He will start building student schedules at that time and it may be difficult to ensure that other course selections are not impacted by a change after that date.
Questions? When will we find out who my child s math teacher is for the Accelerated Math Course? MS schedules will be available for pickup on August 7th or 8th. Your child s math teacher will be listed on the schedule. If you see a math course other than the accelerated math course on your child s schedule, please alert Mark Murzynowski.