Math

*For the 25-26 school year, we are piloting a year-long geometry elective that is equivalent to the actual geometry class that is a part of our pathway. Students who performed strongly in 7AS and have been recommended by their teacher, may take algebra and geometry concurrently in their eighth-grade year. Geometry would count as one of a student's electives. Both the geometry class that is part of the pathway and the geometry elective are taught as an enriched, advanced class. Students who earn a "B" or higher in either class will start in high school in Algebra 2/Trig.

MATH PLACEMENT

Incoming 6th Graders

For incoming 6th graders there are three metrics used for 6th grade math placement:

• Inspect (Standards Based Assessment) 

• MARS Tasks (Performance Tasks)

• SBAC (CA State Tests)

Each metric is assigned a number of points that correspond to scoring bands. The Inspect is out of 5 total points, while the MARS Tasks and SBAC are each out 4 total points. To place into Math 6AS, a student must score 12 or 13 points. The majority of 6th graders will be placed into common core math. However, we do move students throughout the first semester when we see that Math 6CC is too easy based on in-class and assessment performance.

More specifics about math placement for incoming sixth graders will be shared in April 2026 when we host a meeting to discuss math placement. The date and time will be announced soon.

7th/8th Graders

There are four different metrics during sixth and seventh grade that are used for math placement. Two of the measures are created internally and two are created externally. 

• First and second semester classroom assessment average

• Midterm and final exam average

• MAC - Mathematics Assessment Collaborative

• Summative Standards-Based Assessment

Here is a sample placement letter that explains math placement in more detail.

If you are interested in learning more about math placement, Ralston math data, and more, here are the slides from the most recent yearly Principal's Coffee about math: Principal's Coffee - Math (October 2025) 

*Please note that we do not use outside math courses for placement.