Math Placement Guidelines & FAQ

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Math Placement Guidelines

The Olympia School District aims for all students to be successful in math.  Our goal is that each child is placed in the math course that is most appropriate for their learning needs as they move through their middle school and high school years. The rigorous Washington State Standards for Mathematics (Common Core State Standards) require students to begin learning Algebra in much earlier grade levels.  Many of the topics that used to be taught in a high school Algebra 1 or Geometry course are now being taught in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.  The effect of this is that all students are being accelerated in their mathematics learning through middle school.  Recognizing that some students are able to learn more quickly, and that the progression of learning through each grade level is dependent on students having the opportunity to learn and master the standards from previous grades, the Olympia School District has modified courses and placement guidelines for middle school students in the Olympia School District.

 

Students who demonstrate readiness for early advancement in mathematics may be eligible for placement into an Accelerated Mathematics Pathway.  Indicators of readiness include a high level of conceptual understanding, procedural skill and application of mathematics.   A willingness to engage in problem solving, reasoning, communication, and connections, will also be indicators for students who are ready for early advancement.

 

If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact the Olympia School District Teaching and Learning Department [email protected].

 

Recommendation for placement is based on the following

  • Spring Measure for Academic Progress (MAP) and Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) scores

  • Standards for Mathematical Practice as indicated by SBA scores and teacher input

  • Prior math course

  • Parental consent

Grade level pathway
Students in the grade level pathway will learn the standards for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade standards while in middle school.  They will take Algebra 1 in 9th grade and have the opportunity to progress through four years of math and be ready for college-level math upon graduation.   Students who need extra support may have the opportunity to enroll in an intervention support class in grades 6 through 9.
6th grade acceleration pathway

Students who qualify for acceleration may choose to enter into the 7-8-Algebra 1 two-year compacted pathway as 6th graders. These students would typically take Geometry in 8th grade and have the opportunity to take multiple AP or IB level math courses in high school.

 

Accessing 6th grade acceleration

Students who score a 240 or higher on the Spring MAP will qualify for the the Acceleration Screener, the data from the screener will be used alongside Spring SBA data (2610 and Level 3 on claims 2, 3, and 4) to make placement recommendations (Claim data will not be available for the 2021-2022 SBA).  The screener is an assessment of students' mastery of 6th-grade standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. If your student is screened and eligible for an accelerated pathway, you will receive notification from the district.
 
Students in the accelerated pathways must demonstrate success at the end of each school year in order to continue in that pathway. Success can be determined by course success as well as MAP and/or SBA scores. Students who choose an accelerated pathway should be planning to take four years of math in high school, including AP or IB level mathematics. For those who do not choose an accelerated pathway in middle school, there may also be opportunities for acceleration in high school.

7th-8th-Algebra 1 two-year compacted pathway

Students who qualify for a compacted pathway may be placed in an accelerated course in which standards are “compacted,” requiring students to learn at a faster rate.   Typically students will be selected for this course after completion of 6th grade.  Qualification will begin with students who achieve a score of 240 on the spring MAP or 2610 on the SBA.  Students who are placed into the compacted pathway will learn all of the 7th grade, 8th grade, and Algebra 1 standards in two years (typically 7th and 8th grade) instead of three.   These students would typically take Geometry in 9th grade and have the opportunity to take an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate level math course in high school.


OSD Math Pathway (detailed description)

  • 5th Grade – 5th Grade Math
    • 6th Grade - 6th Grade Math (Possibly with support)
      • 7th Grade - 7th Grade Math (Possibly with support)
        • 8th Grade - 8th Grade Math (Possibly with support)
      • 7th Grade - 7th/8th Grade Compacted (All 7th & ½ 8th grade standards)
        • 8th Grade - 8th Grade Math (Possibly with support)
        • 8th Grade - Algebra (½ 8th & all Algebra standards)
      • 7th Grade - Algebra (½ 8th & all Algebra standards)
        • 8th Grade - Geometry
    • 6th Grade - 7th/8th Grade Compacted (All 7th & ½ 8th grade standards)
      • 7th Grade - 8th Grade Math
        • 8th Grade - Algebra (½ 8th & all Algebra standards)

 

Math Acceleration - Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some 5th grade students being given a screener test over 6th grade standards?  

For many years, students in the United States (including the Olympia School District) have been “accelerated” in math by skipping entire years of math. One common practice was to have 6th graders skip 6th grade math and take 7th grade math in their 6th grade year. The Washington State Standards for math aim to focus students’ learning each year and deliver a coherent development of mathematical understanding through the school years. Students in 6th grade math are taught deep concepts that are foundational for their understanding of math, along with important algorithms.

 

Based on the change in our Standards, research on acceleration, and what other districts across the nation are doing, Olympia School District has determined that it only makes sense for students to skip 6th grade math if they can demonstrate that they know the content.

 

That said, we do want students to have that opportunity if they are ready. We are therefore giving a screener test over 6th grade standards to students who achieve a spring MAP score of 240 or above to determine whether it would make sense for them to skip 6th grade math.

 

What students are selected to take the screener test?
Students who achieve a spring MAP score of 240 or above will be given the screener test over 6th grade standards. If they also score a Level 4 on the SBA, pass Claims 2, 3, and 4 of the SBA with a Level 3, and achieve a high enough score (at least 60%) on the district 6th grade screener, parents will have the option of deciding whether or not they want their student to skip 6th grade math.
When and where will students take the screener test?
The screener test will be given in the final quarter of the school year, once the spring MAP has been given. The district will work with schools to schedule the test, to be given at each school, during the school day.
My student will be in JAMS. Should they take the Screener test?
Administrators for the JAMS program use all of the data they receive to determine the best plan for each student. They request that students who are eligible take the Screener test in math.
Is the screener test timed?
While we desire to give ample time to students to complete the screener test, we also recognize that our students endure a lot of testing each spring, and do not want students working on this test beyond a reasonable amount of time. The intent of the screener is to see what students know with respect to the mathematics content of 6th grade, including vocabulary, notation, procedures, and ability to use their skills. While there is some problem solving involved, the majority of the questions should be available to a student who demonstrates the readiness to skip 6th grade math. For these reasons, we are limiting testing time to two hours (Most students will complete the test in 45 to 90 minutes).
When and how will parents be notified as to the results of the testing?
Parents will receive notification from the students’ middle school, informing them as to whether or not they have qualified to skip 6th grade math. For students who have qualified, parents will be asked to respond as to whether they want their student to be placed in 6th grade math or directly into the 7/8 compacted class. The letter to families will be sent out after all testing is completed and Smarter Balanced scores have been received by the district.
What class will students take who skip 6th grade math?

Students who qualify and have parent consent will be placed in the 7/8 compressed class in 6th grade.  Assuming that goes well, they will take Algebra in 7th grade and Geometry in 8th grade.

If there are not enough students who are enrolled in Geometry at the middle school, students may opt to commute to their local high school for Geometry (District transportation will not be provided).

If my child does not skip 6th grade math, what other options for acceleration will there be?
Students who complete 6th grade math and receive a score of 240 on the spring MAP or Level  4 on the SBA will be placed in the 7/8 compacted class in 7th grade. In this class they will be taught all of the 7th grade standards and about half of the 8th grade standards. Assuming all goes well, in 8th grade, these students will take Algebra 1, and also receive instruction on the remaining 8th grade standards.

Students who do not accelerate in middle school may have the option of accelerating in high school by taking two math classes in their 10th grade year. Based on their achievement in 9th grade Algebra 1, demonstrated motivation to learn, parents signing a course waiver, and space and teacher availability, a student may decide to take two periods of math in 10th grade: Geometry and Algebra 2.
Why would a student want to be accelerated through math?
We recognize that some students grasp concepts more quickly than others, are very motivated to learn math, and have a desire to complete some college level math, including AP or IB courses, while in high school.  For these students, it may be appropriate that they are accelerated through the sequence of math courses.
Where do I get more information?
For more information about math placement options, please visit the OSD website. For further questions, please contact the counselor at your student’s middle school.
What if I do not want my student to take the Math Acceleration Screener?
If you do not want your student to complete the Math Acceleration Screener, complete the Test Refusal form and send it to [email protected].