Dear Parents/Guardians of 6thgrade Math Students,

The purpose of this letter is to provide information about the process used to place 6thgraders into next year’s 7thgrade math classes. CCMS 6thgraders will be placed into one of two possible math classes for next year; Math 7 or Accelerated Math 7.

Accelerated Math 7 covers all of the Common Core Standards for Math 7 and approximately half of Math 8.If your child successfully completes Accelerated Math 7 in 7th grade, they will be placed into Algebra in 8th grade. Algebra at CCMS consists of the same material as high school Algebra as well as approximately half the topics covered in Math 8.The additional content in Accelerated Math 7 and Algebra require both courses to move at a very rapid rate.These two courses are challenging and we place students in them with a goal toexcel, not simplypassthe course.Moving quickly through an accelerated math course without a high level of mastery is counterproductive in the long run.

The following criteria are used for math class placement:

  • Student test grades in 6thgrade math class
  • Teacherrecommendation
  • Placement test score

In May, all CCMS 6thgrade math students will take the placement test during math class time. Students do not need to do anything specifically to prepare for the math placement test other than to do the best job possible throughout the year in Math 6.

Although your child may have already selected either Math 7 or Accelerated Math 7 on their course registration sheet for the 2015-2016 school year, the placement test will be used to accurately determine the best course for your child.

Students who receive qualifying scores on the placement test, AND have qualifying math test grades in Math 6, AND have teacher recommendation will be placed into the Accelerated Math 7 class in 7thgrade. All other students will be placed into Math 7. In either case, you will be notified of your child’s placement results. You will also have the opportunity to provide input regarding your child’s math placement.

Appropriate math placement is one of the most critical tasks for math teachers. We take into consideration short and long term student comprehension, confidence, work habits, and academic success. We want all our students to not only pass their math classes, but to excel and enjoy mathematics to the greatest extent possible. Moving at a suitable pace is crucial to ensuring their long-term success.

For more information, please contact your child’s current math teacher.

Regards,

The Culver City Middle School 6th Grade Math Team

Please detach and turn in the form below.

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Student Name (please print): ______

Math Teacher (please circle one): BergonziVandeverFairfield Borcherding

I have received information regarding 7th grade math placement.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date