ACCELERATED MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH PATHWAYS

How can students qualify for an accelerated math pathway?

Students may qualify for an accelerated math pathway based upon the following information:

  • Demonstrating deep understanding and critical thinking during classroom activities

  • Scoring at or above grade level on most assessments and classwork

  • Classroom performance on assignments, math tasks and assessments 

  • Students enrolled in AVID courses receiving additional support

  • Students and parent input


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

Contact

Melina Dyer
K-12 Math & Science Curriculum Specialist
360-313-1037

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:

  • Demonstrating deep understanding, critical thinking and depth of knowledge during classroom activities.

  • Demonstrating at or above grade level scores on classroom assessments, quizzes, and class work

  • Historically scoring at or above grade level on Washington State assessments.

  • Students enrolled in AVID course(s) receive additional support that could contribute toward success in Honors placement

  • Parent support of an accelerated pathway

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:

  • Demonstrating deep understanding, critical thinking and depth of knowledge during classroom activities.

  • Consistently demonstrating above grade level scores on classroom based assessments and activities.

  • Historically scoring above grade level on State assessments

     

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 historical assessment data, classroom assessments and evidence of critical thinking during math class to recommend each 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.