First, I want to assure all parents that we will continue to offer Algebra 1 for students who are ready for the fast pace and academic rigor of this program. For the past 5 years, we have offered Integrated Algebra or Algebra 1 and the corresponding Regents Test for our 8th graders.

Last year, Ariel and Dawn held an info session for parents on tracking and mathematics. This power point is available on our school website under the for parents tab/math workshops and information/grouping in mathematics. Key findings in mathematics research is that there is surprisingly little benefit of tracking (ability grouping) in math.

Our goals are for our middle school students to have a strong foundation in math concepts, to be able to communicate about mathematics effectively (in problem solving, representing, modeling, writing, justifying and discussion), to work with a diverse (in many ways) population of peers, and to have confidence in their ability to solve complex math problems effectively.

Some of our students are ready to tackle Algebra 1 by the time they get to 8th grade. Some are not.  We want to make sure we are setting students up for successful math experiences in middle school, high school and beyond. We will be sharing some programming considerations, information about middle school math in general, and criteria that we use to consider if students are ready to take on the accelerated pace and academic demands of Algebra 1 at an information session for parents from 8:30 to 9:10 on Friday, November 4 in the auditorium. We look forward to sharing with you how we are working to ensure that each student has a rigorous and enriching math experience.