Middle School Math

Below please find the pedagogy and  process that our district has successfully used to place students in math classes at the middle school.  

Listed below are brief descriptions of the sections as well as the criteria needed to meet the requirements for the Accelerated  and Honors  sequences. Please note that there have been course name changes for the 23-24 school year.  These changes have not impacted the curriculum or course sequencing in any way.  This was done to standardize middle school course names across all subject areas.  

Grade Level Mathematics Sequence (previously called the Enriched Math Sequence)

6 Math, 7 Math and 8 Math are grade level math courses.  They are challenging courses whose curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS).  In each grade, students will study content covering number and numerical operations, geometry, data and statistics and algebra.  Students will be engaged in challenging problem solving tasks to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills.  The goal of these courses is to develop students’ understanding of number and its relations to algebra and algebraic thinking.  Students leaving these courses will have a strong foundation in algebraic concepts and reasoning and will be prepared for Algebra I in high school and on track for the college prep math program at the high school.    At the end of each school year, students in the grade level sequence are reassessed for possible movement into the Accelerated sequence.

Accelerated Sequence

The 6  Math Accelerated, 7 Math Accelerated, and 8 Algebra courses are recommended for students with advanced abilities in math who learn and understand new math content at a fast pace.  Students complete three years of middle school math content in grades 6th and 7th and then take the high school Algebra I course in grade 8.  The depth and pace of the courses are accelerated.  Students will take the NJSLS End of Year Course for Algebra I test at the end of their eighth grade year.  Students in the 7 Math Accelerated course who have an A+ average over the first three marking periods and are in the 95th percentile for Spring MAP will be considered for the 8  Algebra Honors class.   Please note: students must have an 86% average by the end of the school year to continue in the accelerated course for the following school year. 

Criteria for Accelerated Sequence:  

5th to 6th grade:  Students must make 3 out of 3,  Students who make 2 out of 3 go to Committee

• • MAPS Assessment: 60% or above (Spring Administration)

  • Cogats Assessment: Non Verbal 112 or higher

  • Cogats Assessment: Quantitative 112 or higher

*Students’ progress on grade level standards will be incorporated into the placement committee meetings.

6th to 7th grade: Students must make 3 out of 3,  Students who make 2 out of 3 go to Committee

• • 92% or higher average of First Three Marking Period Grades

  • Algebra Aptitude Test Score

  • MAPS Assessment: 70% or above (Spring Administration)

7th to 8th grade: Students must make 3 out of 3,  Students who make 2 out of 3 go to Committee

• • 96% or higher average of First Three Marking Period Grades

  • Algebra Aptitude Test: Raw score of 57 or higher

  • MAPS Assessment: 80% or above (Spring Administration)   

Criteria for 7 Math Honors: The following criteria are entered into a weighted matrix to determine eligibility

• • Cognitive Ability Test - Quantitative Battery

  • Average of First Three Marking Period Grades

  • Placement Test

In order for students to move from 7 Math Accelerated to 8  Algebra Honors, they must meet the following criteria:

• • 90th percentile or higher on Spring MAP

  • A 97% average for marking Periods 1-3

Honors Sequence

The honor courses are designed for students who have demonstrated an exceptionally high aptitude for mathematics.  These courses will explore topics in 7 Math Accelerated and 8 Algebra at a deep level, focusing on problem solving and application.  Students will be expected to be self- motivated, hardworking and inquisitive.   Students will take the NJSLA End of Year Course for Algebra I test at the end of their eighth grade year.     Please note students must have a 90% average in the 7 Math Honors course to continue to the 8 Algebra Honors course.