ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH PATHWAYS

How do students qualify for an accelerated pathway?

Students qualify for an accelerated pathway based on the following information:


The combination of these four items makes up a student’s data portfolio.

Contact

Gail Moore
Math curriculum specialist
360-313-1020
Email

Seventh grade accelerated pathway

Curriculum and standards

Qualifying for an accelerated math pathway in seventh grade (most common)

Most seventh-grade students who qualify for an accelerated pathway will take Math II/III. This combines two years of math courses (Math II and Math III) into one year for accelerated learners. 

To join an accelerated pathway in seventh grade the following criteria is considered:

  • Have an overall Winter i-Ready score of 540 or above

  • Have 80% or above grade average on classroom based assessments 

    • Grades can be viewed in the Student Information System

  • Student exhibits characteristics of a high ability student

  • Parent support of an accelerated pathway

  • Students on the accelerated pathway then take either Algebra or Geometry in eighth grade.

Pathways for students beginning in Math I in sixth grade

Sixth grade accelerated pathway

Qualifying for an accelerated math pathway in sixth grade (rare)

Occasionally, and rarely, a student qualifies to skip sixth-grade math and begin in Math II/III during sixth grade. This option is seldom recommended since it is equivalent to skipping a grade of math and then combining the next two years of math into one school year – all during the important transition to Middle School that happens in sixth grade.

Students on the accelerated pathway then take either Algebra or Geometry in eighth grade.

To join an accelerated pathway in sixth grade the student should meet the following guidelines:

  • Have an overall Winter i-Ready score of 540 or above  

  • Know 50% of sixth grade math concepts during fifth grade based on their iReady performance

    • iReady data reports for reading and math are available through Family Access after the fall, winter and spring iReady windows close, typically in October, February and June
    • If you need help accessing your child’s iReady data, please contact your child’s school

  • Have 90% or above grade average on classroom based assessments 

    • Grades can be viewed in the Student Information System

  • Student exhibits characteristics of a high-ability student

  • Parent support of an accelerated or traditional pathway

Pathways for students beginning in Math II/III in sixth grade

*Please note that students taking Geometry in the 8th grade must travel to a high school for the class, or take the course online.

Math pathways placement decisions

How will I know my child’s math placement decision?

Just prior to students selecting schedules, teachers will review the iReady, classroom performance, and high-ability characteristics of each student to determine that student’s math placement. 

Information will be sent home to parents/guardians with the student’s recommended math pathway for the next school year based on these assessments. 

Can parents appeal a decision?

Yes. If you have questions or feel your child was placed at a different level than anticipated, please contact your child’s school.