Walnut Creek School District
Acceleration in Middle School
We will host an information night for parents on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 7 pm.
The accelerated math pathway in middle school compacts three years of course work into two years. This means that the content of Common Core State Standards Math 7, Math 8 and Algebra I are compressed into two years requiring a faster pace to complete. The courses in the accelerated path will not be skipping content. All students need a solid foundation in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8 before moving into Algebra I a course designed for ninth grade. The accelerated path is differentiated to provide increased rigor and challenge to highly motivated students.
All students will be required to demonstrate evidence of conceptual understanding knowledge of procedural skills, fluency, and ability to apply mathematics before moving into the accelerated path. Students who do not accelerate in middle school will have opportunities for acceleration in high school.
Course Sequences
Middle School Course Sequence / Accelerated Path Sequence6th Grade / Math 6 / Math 6
7th Grade / Math 7 / Pre Algebra – Math 7/8
8th Grade / Math 8 / Algebra I (Math 8)
Criteria for Pre Algebra – Compacted Math 7/8: current 6th graders
3 / 2 / 1 / 0Grade Average
Q1-Q3 / 95% and above / 93-94.9 % / 92.9 -90 % / 89.9% and below
Test Average
Q1-Q3 / 93% and above / 90-92.9 % / 87-89.9 % / 86.9 % and below
MDTP- Pre-Algebra Readiness / 35-40 / 34 / 33 / 0-32
MARS Exam* / 32-40 / 26-31 / 22-25 / 0-21
*Only students who maintain a B or better in math on the report card in quarters 1-3 in math may take the MARS Exam. The MARS Exam will be given before school on Wednesday mornings in April. The dates, times and locations for the MARS testing will be posted in the March WCI Gazettes.
Eligible Students must meet the following criteria:
Case 1
Matrix Score 10-12
No Zeros
Case 2
Matrix Score 8-9
Teacher Input Score 28-35
No Zeros
Parents may appeal for students who do not meet the above criteria.
Seventh grade math students who are interested in Algebra 1 will miss essential curriculum that is covered in Math 8.
This curriculum is vital to students experiencing success in Algebra 1 and is included in the assessments for eligibility
(see below). In order to prepare students for this, we are offering after school sessions to cover the gap. These sessions will be on the following dates: Monday, February 29, Thursday March 3, Monday March 7, Thursday March 10, Monday March 14, and Thursday March 17.
Criteria for Algebra I: current 7th graders
3 / 2 / 1 / 0Grade Average
Q1-Q3 / 95% and above / 93-94.9 % / 92.9 -90 % / 89.9% and below
Test Average
Q1-Q3 / 93% and above / 90-92.9 % / 87-89.9 % / 86.9 % and below
MDTP – Algebra I Readiness / 38-45 / 37 / 36 / 35
District Assessment / 100-90% / 89-80% / 79-70% / 69% and under
MARS Exam / 14-16 / 12-13 / 10-11 / 0-9
*Only students who maintain a B or better in math on the report card in quarters 1-3 in math may take the MARS Exam, MDTP and District Assessment. The exams will be given before school on Wednesday mornings in April. The dates, times and locations for the exams will be posted in the March WCI Gazettes.
Eligible Students must meet the following criteria:
Case 1
Matrix Score 16-13
No Zeros
Case 2
Matrix Score 12-11
Teacher Input Score 28-35
No Zeros
Parents may appeal for students who do not meet the above criteria.
Criteria to Remain in the Accelerated Course Sequence
- A student who meets the criteria for the accelerated course in either grade 6 or 7 must maintain levels of achievement during the fourth quarter.
- Students who earn below a C- while enrolled in the accelerated path will receive a progress report and parents will be notified.
- Parents will be notified if their student will continue with a grade below a C at the semester.
- Decisions to remain will be made on a case by case basis.
Appeal Process
If a student does not meet the minimum criteria for eligibility parents may choose to appeal. Parents will complete a written appeal document and submit it to the principal by Friday, June 24. The principal and math department chair will review the information and contact the parents to discuss the best placement for the student. Parents and students should carefully consider all criteria factors in their decision to pursue the accelerated path.
All appeals must be received by Friday, June 24.
Written Appeal for the Accelerated Math Path
Student’s Last Name ______First Name ______
Current Math Teacher ______Current Grade ______
Please explain the reason(s) you believe your child should be considered for placement in the Accelerated Path.
Please be very specific.
Parent’s Name: ______
Parent’s Signature: ______
Phone: Home ______
Work ______
Cell ______
1-28-16