Mathematics

The Galvin Middle School math department is a collaborative team 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. 

Textbook: Reveal Math by McGraw Hill

Reveal Math™, a core math program for grades 6-8, provides a truly active classroom experience through a seamless approach to blended print and digital delivery. With purposefully integrated technology and plentiful opportunities for students to explore, collaborate, and reflect, Reveal Math increases both student engagement and students’ confidence in their own math abilities.

Online Diagnostic Resource: IXL

IXL is a personalized learning experience for all students. With a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, individualized guidance, and real-time analytics, IXL meets the unique needs of each learner.

GRADE 6 MATH

Math 6 - Reveal Math by McGraw Hill Course 1

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 exam, and to prepare students for Grade 7 Mathematics at all levels.   

GRADE 7 MATH

There are two options for students entering Grade Seven.  

1.  Math 7

2.  Math 7 Advanced

Math 7- Reveal Math by McGraw Hill Course 2

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 - Reveal Math by McGraw Hill Accelerated

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. 

Recommendation Math 7: Overall Score of 5-15

Recommendation Math 7 Advanced: Overall Score of 16-20

GRADE 8 MATH

 There are two courses available for students entering Grade Eight.

1. Math 8

2. Math 8 Advanced 

Math 8 - Reveal Math by McGraw Hill Course 3

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 - Reveal Math by McGraw Hill Algebra 1

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: 

Recommendation Math 8: Overall Score of 5-15

Recommendation Math 8 Advanced: Overall Score of 16-20