Lanier Math Pathways

Any questions or concerns regarding any math placement please reach out to Ms. Pitt, Assistant Principal & Head of the Math Department, via email at jashana.pitt@houstonisd.org.

At Lanier, we are currently offering a series of courses: Math 6, Math 7, Math 8, Pre-AP Algebra I, and Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics. Students in Algebra 1 (9th-grade level) and Geometry (10th-grade level) are high school credit courses.  Advanced placement into Algebra I requires that students be able to demonstrate proficiency in all the Grade 8 Math TEKS before enrolling in Algebra I.

6th Grade

• Students have an opportunity to be placed into Grade 7 Mathematics.

7th Grade: 

• Students have an opportunity to be placed into Algebra I.

8th Grade: 

• Students have an opportunity to be placed into Algebra I. Students who already completed and passed the Algebra I EOC will be automatically be placed into Geometry.

Advanced Course Policy

HISD Advanced Courses are based on the following two important premises. The first is the expectation that all students can perform well at rigorous academic levels. This expectation should be reflected in curriculum and instruction throughout the school such that all students are consistently being challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the next level. 

The second important premise of the Advance Course Opportunity is the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible. Addressed effectively, the middle and high school years can provide a powerful opportunity to help all students acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning

Apex Grade 8 Math Pathway

Apex Learning Math 8 refers to an online 8th-grade math course offered by Apex Learning, covering typical middle school math topics like solving equations, graphing linear relationships, working with percentages, geometry basics, data analysis, and an introduction to algebraic concepts, essentially preparing students for high school algebra.

Study Guides for each unit are available by clicking here.

Important Dates 

• February 3 – Apex Learning Mathematics 8 pathway opens.

• April 29 – Grade 6, 7, 8 Math STAAR and Algebra I EOC STAAR.

• May 16 – Apex Learning Mathematics 8 pathway closes. Apex units must be completed with at least a score of 80%.

• May 21 – End-of-the-Year (EOY) NWEA MAP Assessment

• May 27-30 – Houston ISD Algebra Placement Assessments. 

  • • Algebra I Readiness Skills Test (16 questions totaling 17 points) without a graphing calculator

    • Algebra I Prerequisite Skills Test (24 questions totaling 27 points) with a graphing calculator

• Week of June 10 – Students who earned placement, and their parents will be notified of student’s placement, the Algebra I Packet, and camp log in.

• End of June: Letters will be sent to all students of their 25-26 math placement. 

• June & July 2024 – Summer Algebra I Bridge Camp is a virtual and optional open lab for all incoming Algebra students. Students will receive instructional materials to complete independently for the summer, but can receive guidance through participation in Virtual Algebra Readiness Camp. The purpose of the sessions are to prepare students for Algebra I, but participation is optional. The camp will function as a drop-in, virtual lab with one of our esteemed math teachers.  Students who earn placement into Algebra I and their parents/guardians will receive the link directly via email before the camp.

There are two sessions tentatively scheduled. Students have the option to attend any of the sessions.

• • June 12

  • July 8

• Mid July – Letter notifying parents of student’s placement for the next school year will be sent out via mail for all rising 7th and 8th students.

  • Check with the Lanier SIR, Cindy Bonilla, for the most updated address. Ms. Bonilla can be emailed at cindy.bonilla@houstonisd.org.

Future 7th Graders

Total 21 points for 5 components with a minimum score of 16 for placement.

• Component 1: STAAR is a standardized academic achievement test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 

  • Masters Grade Level : 4 points

  • Meets Grade Level: 3 points

  • Approaches Grade Level: 1 point

  • Does NOT Meet Grade Level: 0 point

• Component 2: End of the Year (EOY) NWEA MAP Assessment: Maximum 4 points. NWEA MAP Growth is an adaptive assessment that precisely measures student achievement and growth. Students will earn points towards their matrix by scoring in the following percentiles:

  • 90th percentile and above: 4 points

  • 80th - 89th percentile: 3 points

  • 70th - 79th percentile: 2 points

  • 60th - 69th percentile: 1 point

  • Below 60th percentile: 0 points

• Component 3: Apex Mathematics 8 Texas: Maximum 5 points. Apex Learning courses are designed to engage students through a variety of interactive and multimedia resources, such as videos, animations, and simulations that help students understand and retain the information necessary to succeed in advanced classes.  Students earn points by completing and passing unit assessments with at at least an 80% score: 

  • 9 - 10 units passed: 5 points

  • 7 - 8 units passed: 4 points

  • 5 - 6 units passed: 3 points

  • 3 - 4 units passed: 2 points

  • 1 - 2 units passed: 1 point

  • 0 units passed: 0 points

• Component 4: HISD Placement Test Readiness Skills # of points earned out of 17 points: Maximum 4 points. This test is 16 total questions, for 17 points. If your scholar gets 

  • 14 - 17 points: 4 points

  • 12 - 13 points: 3 points

  • 11 points: 2 points

  • 8 - 10 points: 1 points

  • 0 - 7 points: 0 points

• Component 5: HISD Placement Test Readiness Skills # of points earned out of 27: Maximum 4 points. This test is 14 questions worth 27 pointsIf your scholar gets 

  • 23 - 27 points: 4 points

  • 20 - 22 points: 3 points

  • 17 - 19 points: 2 points

  • 13 - 16 points: 1 points

  • 0 - 12 points: 0 points

On June 3 – Students and parents will be notified of student’s placement. Students with 16+ total points on the matrix will be placed in Algebra class for next school year, following completion of the Summer Algebra I Readiness Camp. 

Future 8th Graders

Total 21 points for 5 components with a minimum score of 15 for placement.

• Component 1: STAAR is a standardized academic achievement test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

  • Masters Grade Level : 4 points

  • Meets Grade Level: 3 points

  • Approaches Grade Level: 1 point

  • Does NOT Meet Grade Level: 0 point

• Component 2: End of the Year (EOY) NWEA MAP Assessment: Maximum 4 points. NWEA MAP Growth is an adaptive assessment that precisely measures student achievement and growth. Students will earn points towards their matrix by scoring in the following percentiles:

  • 90th percentile and above: 4 points

  • 80th - 89th percentile: 3 points

  • 70th - 79th percentile: 2 points

  • 60th - 69th percentile: 1 point

  • Below 60th percentile: 0 points

• Component 3: APEX Mathematics 8 Texas: Maximum 5 points. Apex Learning courses are designed to engage students through a variety of interactive and multimedia resources, such as videos, animations, and simulations that help students understand and retain the information necessary to succeed in advanced classes.  Students earn points by completing and passing units: 

  • 9 - 10 units passed: 5 points

  • 7 - 8 units passed: 4 points

  • 5 - 6 units passed: 3 points

  • 3 - 4 units passed: 2 points

  • 1 - 2 units passed: 1 point

  • 0 units passed: 0 points

• Component 4: HISD Placement Test Readiness Skills # of points earned out of 17 points: Maximum 4 points. This test is 16 total questions, for 17 points. If your scholar gets 

  • 14 - 17 points: 4 points

  • 12 - 13 points: 3 points

  • 11 points: 2 points

  • 8 - 10 points: 1 points

  • 0 - 7 points: 0 points

• Component 5: HISD Placement Test Readiness Skills # of points earned out of 27: Maximum 4 points. This test is 14 questions worth 27 pointsIf your scholar gets 

  • 23 - 27 points: 4 points

  • 20 - 22 points: 3 points

  • 17 - 19 points: 2 points

  • 13 - 16 points: 1 points

  • 0 - 12 points: 0 points

On June 3rd – Students and parents will be notified of student’s placement. Students with 15+ total points on the matrix will be placed in Algebra class for next school year, following completion of the Summer Algebra I Readiness Camp.

Resources

TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator

Students in Math 8, Algebra I, and Geometry will have access to a classroom set TI-84 Plus CE calculator. The TI-84 calculator helps students visualize mathematical concepts like functions and graphs, making abstract Algebra I topics more concrete. Its built-in features allow for quick calculations and data analysis, promoting problem-solving skills and efficient learning.

The TI-84 calculator helps students better understand Algebra I by making it easy to graph equations and explore how math works visually. It's a powerful tool that builds confidence and saves time on homework, tests, and future math classes. Proficiency with this tool is critical for students to excell in Algebra I.

Families can download the TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator for a 90 day-free trial to serve your learning needs in Algebra and Geometry classes.    Physical copies can be purchased through retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Micro Center, etc.

Getting started with the TI-84 is easy. Utilize this link to help familiarize your student with the calculator. 

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an approved and free resource for students who would like extra exposure to a topic. It is TEKS aligned and is broken down into categories by topic for students to learn at their own pace from the beginning to advanced level. 

So, you are strongly recommended to watch videos and complete assignments at your own pace to help you prepare well for Algebra 1 Placement Assessments at the end of school year. Use your school email to sign up for Khan Academy.

• • Support on the 8th grade math pathway: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/grade-8-math-tx.

Instructions: After watching all topic-related videos, complete all practice questions, exercises, and quizzes correctly. Consistent math practice will advance your skills level and prepare students for future math classes.

FAQ

Advanced Math Placement Information
Parent and Family Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: Which matrix applies to 6th graders currently taking Math 7?

Answer:  6th graders currently in 7th-grade math would follow the 7th-grade Matrix

Q: If your child finished Apex last year in sixth grade do they just repeat those modules in 7th grade to try and get into algebra for 8th grade?

A: All scores from the previous year are not transferable and have been archived. Please have your student complete the current 8th-grade APEX modules

Q: What calculator is used in the HISD placement test?

A: The TI-84 Graphing Calculator

Q: Can 6th and 7th graders get into geometry?

A: Not at this time, based on the pathway, students would need to complete the high school Algebra requirements to advance to geometry.

Q: What grades can you transfer to college courses?

A: None. This placement pathway is only for high school credit courses.

Q: What is the benefit of taking algebra or geometry now in middle school instead of taking these courses in high school?

A: Taking algebra and geometry in middle school instead of high school provides students with a stronger foundation in math early on, allowing them to access more advanced math courses like pre-calculus, AP calculus, and statistics in high school. This opens up opportunities in STEM fields and can be advantageous for college applications by demonstrating a strong math background.

Q: Can my child be placed in a Vanguard (G/T) class if they are not successful on the placement test?

A: No. The Algebra Placement Matrix and testing is only for the Algebra I course.  Vanguard placement is determined by GT testing results. Please contact our Magnet Coordinator, Jennifer Garza Pender, for testing information. Students do need to be identified as Vanguard to earn placement into Algebra I, the students only need to complete the requirements of the Matrix and have earned enough points to be eligible. 

Q: What GPA scale is the Algebra I and Geometry course weighted for my students' high school transcript?

A: High school courses taken at a middle school level are weighted on a 4.0 scale.

Q: Are students required to take the STAAR EOC at the end of the academic year?

A: Yes, students are required to take STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) tests in Algebra I and meet satisfactory achievement standards.  However, students who take Geometry in the 8th grade will take the Math 8 STAAR. Because there is no EOC for Geometry, and the State Board of Education requires students to take three different STAAR tests for math in middle school.