Mathematics in Middle School
As you receive information regarding your student's placement in a mathematics class, please carefully consider the increased requirements and rigor of secondary mathematics.
1. Starting with the graduating class of 2011 ('07-'08 ninth graders), three mathematics credits are now required for high school graduation. This has significant implications for 7th grade placement in mathematics.
2. The 2007 Utah Mathematics Core is more rigorous than the previous core. Success in a given course requires mastery of each previous course.
- Math 7: Students focus on deep understanding and fluency in computing and solving problems involving fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios.
- Pre-Algebra: Students build on concepts learned in Math 7 by focusing on algebra-basics; integers, symbolic representations, algebraic properties, and solving multi-step equations.
- Algebra: students apply algebra-basics mastered in Pre-algebra, in the comprehensive study of linear and quadratic functions.
3. Taking mathematics every year in high school is beneficial to your student.
- Students who attempt to bypass Math 7 or Pre-Algebra in order to accelerate their progress through their mathematics studies, may not develop a strong foundation in rational number sense and algebra basics.
- Taking Pre-calculus is the recommended minimum for college-bound students. (Edelman 1999) Students who study Math 7 or Pre-algebra in 7th grade may study Pre-calculus or AP calculus as a senior.
- University mathematics professors in Utah report that studying mathematics closer to college entrance prevents course repetition in college and increases retention and success rates in college mathematics courses.
To help place incoming 7th grade students, each sixth grade student will take a placement test in early spring. Sixth grade teachers will fill out an assessment for each student. Based on the information collected, middle school math departments will develop a rubric to determine student placement in 7th grade math courses.
Back