Mathematics

Recommended math placements for rising middle school students are determined by their team of teachers and math specialists. Numerous factors are considered in making this decision and include: STAR scores, SOL results, cumulative student growth assessments and performance on a rich mathematical task. Parents are notified of their student’s testing data and math placement in June. No movement to a higher course will be made after the first two weeks of school. The graphic below outlines general math course progressions. We work with every student to ensure they find an individualized mathematics pathway that meets their academic and post high school goals.

*-this course is an advanced course at this grade level

+-this course is a high school credit course

Math 6

311007 MATH 6

Grade 6

The sixth-grade standards provide a transition from the emphasis placed on whole number arithmetic in the elementary grades to foundations of algebra. The standards include a focus on rational numbers and operations involving rational numbers. Students will use ratios to compare data sets; recognize decimals, fractions, and percents as ratios; solve single-step and multistep problems using positive rational numbers; and gain a foundation in the understanding of operations with integers. Students will solve problems involving area and perimeter, and begin to graph in a coordinate plane. In addition, students will build on the concept of graphical representation of data developed in the elementary grades and develop concepts regarding measures of center. Students will solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, and use algebraic terminology. Students will represent proportional relationships using two variables as a precursor to the development of the concept of linear functions. Students will concentrate on strategies of problem solving throughout the year. At the end of the year, the students will take the 6th grade math SOL test.

This is not a high school credit class; therefore, grades from this course do not appear on high school transcripts.

Math 7

311107 MATH 7

Grades 6*, 7

The seventh-grade standards continue to emphasize the foundations of algebra. The standards address the concept of operations with rational numbers by continuing their study from Math 6. Students will build on the concept of ratios to solve problems involving proportional reasoning. Students will solve problems involving volume and surface area and focus on the relationships among the properties of quadrilaterals. Probability is investigated through comparing experimental results to theoretical expectations. Students continue to develop their understanding of solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable by applying the properties of real numbers. Students discern between proportional and non-proportional relationships and begin to develop a concept of slope as rate of change. Students will concentrate on strategies of problem solving throughout the year. At the end of the year, the students will take the 7th grade math SOL test.

This is not a high school credit class; therefore, grades from this course do not appear on high school transcripts.

Math 8

311207 MATH 8

Grades 6*, 7*, 8

The eighth-grade standards continue to build on the concepts needed for success in high school level algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students will explore real numbers and the subsets of the real number system. Proportional reasoning is expounded upon as students solve a variety of problems. Students find the volume and surface area of more complex three-dimensional figures and apply transformations to geometric shapes in the coordinate plane. Students will verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem creating a foundation for further study of triangular relationships in geometry. Students will represent data, both univariate and bivariate data, and make predictions by observing data patterns. Students build upon the algebraic concepts developed in the standards for grades six and seven mathematics, which include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving multistep equations and inequalities, and graphing linear functions. The grade eight standards are vital to providing a solid foundation in Algebra I for students in middle school mathematics. Students will concentrate on strategies of problem solving throughout the year. At the end of the year, the students will take the 8th grade math SOL test.

This is not a high school credit class; therefore, grades from this course do not appear on high school transcripts.

Algebra I*+

313007 ALGEBRA I

Grades 8-10

Recommended: Math 8 or its equivalent with a grade of C or better, and passing score on the 8th grade math SOL test

This course is the standard algebra course in the college-bound academic sequence. It is a challenging course which stresses the importance of and synthesis of abstract algebraic concepts as well as the connections between algebra and arithmetic, geometry, and statistics. Tables and graphs will be used to interpret algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities and to analyze functions. These algebraic skills and concepts are used as tools to represent and solve practical real-life problems. Technology including computers and graphing calculators will be used to assist in problem solving. At the end of this year, students take the Algebra I SOL test.

This is a high school credit course, and will go on the student’s high school transcript upon successful completion of the course.

Algebra I Honors*+

313007 ALGEBRA I , HONORS

Grades 7-10

Recommended: Math 8 or its equivalent with a grade of B or better, and passing score on the 8th grade math SOL test

The Honors Algebra I course is designed for students who desire a more rigorous course at an accelerated pace and for students who are comfortable analyzing and manipulating mathematics both with and without access to a calculator. This challenging course includes topics in the Algebra I course description and provides more inquiry based learning opportunities and an introduction to some Algebra II concepts. This course is appropriate for students who have strong abstract reasoning skills and a firm understanding of algebraic concepts and who consistently complete all assigned work and go above and beyond to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. At the end of this year, students take the Algebra I SOL test.

This is a high school credit course, and will go on the student’s high school transcript upon successful completion of the course.

Geometry Honors*+

314309 GEOMETRY HONORS

Grades 7-10

Recommended: Algebra I Honors with a grade of B or better, or teacher recommendation

This is a very challenging course that emphasizes the study of geometric proofs. Inductive and deductive reasoning are included in topics such as transformations, congruence, similarity, and measurement of two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional figures, and an introduction to trigonometry. Connections and extensions are made to algebra throughout the year. Students will be expected to recall those topics and integrate previously learned skills with new concepts. This is an inquiry-based course, where students will be expected to collaborate often with their peers on investigations and difficult mathematical problems. Technology, including computers and graphing calculators, provides an important component of this course. At the end of this year, students take the Geometry EOC SOL test.

This is a high school credit course, and will go on the student’s high school transcript upon successful completion of the course.

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