What is accelerated math?
Students who are registered in accelerated math will have a year to learn all 7th and 8th grade material.
In 7th grade, we will cover all 7th grade material, as well as some 8th grade material. Next year, in 8th grade, the students will be enrolled in the Common Core Algebra course with 9th grade students. This means that we will be going through topics at a much quicker pace. At the end of this school year, students will only take the Grade 7 Common Core Mathematics Test. Next year, they will take the Common Core Algebra Regents.
Common Core Curriculum and Testing Information:
In Grade 7, the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) focus on four critical areas:
(1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships
(2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions
and linear equations
(3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working
with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume
(4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
In Grade 8, the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) focus on three critical areas:
(1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an
association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations
(2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships
(3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and
congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem
The Common Core Mathematics Tests are designed to measure student mathematical understanding as defined by the CCLS. As such, there will be a noticeable change in rigor and depth in mathematics. Many of the questions on the Grade 7 Common Core Mathematics Test are more advanced and complex than those found on prior tests that measured prior grade-level standards. Many questions will require that students be fluent in earlier-grade level skills, capable of showing their procedural and conceptual proficiency on a single standard in several distinct ways, and capable of negotiating multi-step questions that require knowledge and ability across more than one grade-level standard. Students will be expected to understand math conceptually, use prerequisite skills with grade-level math facts, and solve math problems rooted in the real world.
Units to be Covered
Real Numbers
Algebraic Expressions
Equations and Inequalities
Ratios, Proportions, and Percents
Functions and Linear Relationships
Probability and Statistics
Measurement: Area and Volume
Systems of Equations
Geometry
The Common Core Mathematics Test will be administered as follows:
TBD– Part 1
TBD – Part 2
Homework:
There is an assigned homework every night, even if the assignment is to study. Most nights, students will have a math worksheet to complete for the following class. My objective for homework assignments is to practice and refine mathematical skills. For that reason, assignments generally will not take longer than 20 minutes to complete, and students are given time in class to get started on it. There are many ways for students to solve problems in class. I do not require one way of showing work. Please do not hesitate to help your child work out a problem – however it is important that your child understands and is able to explain what they did and why. Please do not show your child “tricks” to solving math problems. They cannot use something that they do not understand and can’t explain!
Extra Help:
I am available after school to help students most Mondays through Fridays. I announce the dates of meetings as soon as I know about them. I recommend that you encourage your child to take advantage of staying after school for extra help. I am also available before school from 7:30 to 7:45.
Parent/Teacher Communications:
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me through email at lclifford@leroycsd.org or by phone at 768-8131 ext. 4333. The best way to reach me is through email, where I check it often. It is hard for me to call each parent every time there is a problem, but I will always get back to you as soon as possible. I really welcome your calls and notes.