Math
Math
The Galvin Middle School Math Department is made up of highly qualified teachers committed to providing every student with a rigorous mathematical experience. Our standards-based curriculum is grounded in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Standards for Mathematics. The math department has made a strong commitment to the integration of technology into our instruction as well as high quality instructional materials designed to challenge and engage students.
Math 6
The Grade 6 math course is a rigorous, standards-based course as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Essential standards that are taught include those of our Number System, Ratios and Proportion, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and Expressions and Equations. Students progress from concrete to more abstract operations that challenge their cognitive development at this time. They are presented with math content that tests thinking skills. Such skills include analyzing, predicting, learning through discovery, and making sound conclusions based on mathematics. Students are expected to have a conceptual understanding of the curriculum along with knowing the procedures for solving problems. This course is designed to prepare students to Meet or Exceed Expectation on the sixth grade MCAS 2.0 exam, and to prepare students for Grade 7 Mathematics at all levels.
Math 7
There are two options for students entering seventh grade: Math 7 and Math 7 Advanced.
Math 7
The course is standards-based as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and addresses essentials of Expressions and Equations, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and the Number System. Students progress from concrete to more abstract operations that challenge their cognitive development at this time. They are presented with math content that tests thinking skills. Such skills include analyzing, predicting, learning through discovery, and making sound conclusions based on mathematics. Students are expected to have a conceptual understanding of the curriculum along with knowing the procedures for solving problems. This course is designed to prepare students to Meet Expectations on the seventh grade MCAS exam, and to prepare students for Grade 8 Mathematics. Students will spend approximately 25 minutes on homework daily.
Math 7 Advanced
This fast-paced, rigorous course focuses on algebraic concepts, and is designed for the highly motivated student who has demonstrated exceptional mathematical achievement in grade 6. Due to the accelerated pace, students will be expected to become proficient in concepts and skills more quickly than students in Math 7 Mathematics. The course is standards-based as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with an emphasis on Expressions and Equations while addressing essentials of Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and the Number System. Elements of Common Core State Standards in Mathematics for Grade 8 will be integrated as part of the Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics content. This course is for motivated independent learners that require minimal outside support. Students will be expected to spend 30 to 45 minutes on homework daily.
Criteria for Placement
Term 1 and Term 2 grade of at least 90% in Grade 6 Math (A average)
Test average through Term 3 progress reports of 90% or greater
Recommendation from Grade 6 teacher
Exhibits independence and personal responsibility for learning beyond the classroom
Minimum score of 670 on IXL Diagnostic Test
Placement exam score that indicates proficiency or mastery of standards
Math 8
There are two options for students entering eighth grade: Math 8 and Math 8 Advanced.
Math 8
This course is designed to provide students with the continued opportunity to develop an understanding of algebraic concepts, leading to taking Algebra I CP or Algebra 1/Geometry/Statistics Honors in high school. Emphasis is placed on operations with rational numbers, solving algebraic equations, graphing linear equations, solving systems of equations, Pythagorean Theorem, transformations, and transversals. Within the designation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core State Standards, the course will also address focal points in expressions and equations, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability, with the application of these skills and concepts in a problem-solving context. The curriculum is designed to assist all students in Meeting Expectations on the Grade 8 MCAS Exam. Students should expect about 25 minutes of homework per night.
Math 8 Advanced
This fast-paced, rigorous course is equivalent to a high school Algebra 1 course, in addition to an introduction to Geometry and Statistics to fulfill all of the required Common Core Standards for Massachusetts. The topics covered in the Algebra 1 curriculum include, but are not limited to: Linear Relationships, Graphs and Functions, Systems of Equations, Quadratics, Laws of Exponents, and Factoring Binomial and Polynomial Expressions. This is a standards-based Algebra I course which follows the frameworks set forth by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The topics covered in the Geometry and Statistics curriculum include, but are not limited to: Transformations, Pythagorean Theorem, and Line of Best Fit. Students must exhibit self-motivated and previous high achievement in mathematics to be successful in this class. Students will be expected to spend 30 to 45 minutes on homework daily.
Criteria for Placement:
Term 1 and Term 2 grade of at least 90% in Math 7 and 80% in Math 7 Advanced
Test average through Term 3 progress reports 90% in Math 7 and 80% in Math 7 Advanced
Recommendation from Grade 7 teacher
Exhibits independence and personal responsibility for learning beyond the classroom
Minimum score of 770 on IXL Diagnostic Test
Placement Exam score that indicates proficiency or mastery
