Math Pathways - REED

 Mathematics at Reed Intermediate School

The fifth and sixth grade math curriculum at Reed Intermediate School is aligned with the Connecticut Common Core Standards. Instruction is delivered during variable instructional blocks which allow students time to engage in guided and independent practice. In addition, extended blocks of time allow teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners. The goal of our mathematics program is to ensure that students develop procedural and computation skills along with solid conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts that will cultivate an aptitude and interest in higher level mathematics. 

Children have developmental differences which can impact their ability to fully comprehend abstract math concepts. Since students enter Reed at age 9 or 10, our goal is to provide each child with the instruction that is appropriate for him or her. Therefore, Reed Intermediate School offers two levels of math: Standard Math 5 for all 5th grade students and both Standard Math 6 or Math 6-7 for our 6th grade students. It is important to note that the entry into the higher level math does not represent a tracking system. Students are reevaluated annually to determine the best placement for their learning.  Occasionally, students present with skill sets outside of these established paths.  In those rare instances, curricular decisions may be determined on a case by case basis.

Reed Intermediate School Advanced Math

Reed Intermediate School offers an advanced program for students in grade 6 who demonstrate, through a variety of measures, a need for more challenging math. 

Our course, called Math 6-7, provides an enriched curriculum that allows for a deeper exploration of concepts at an increased pace. Grade level curriculum serves as the foundation for this course while delving deeper into selected topics to promote critical thinking and higher level math skills. 

The goals of Math 6-7 are:

• To create a challenging learning environment which fulfills the grade level curriculum

• To offer a rich curriculum which accommodates the developmental needs of advanced mathematical thinkers

• To satisfy the intellectual curiosity of mathematically precocious learners

It is expected that advanced math students will be motivated learners with strong work habits that will allow them to independently meet  the demands of a more rigorous curriculum and a strenuous workload. 

Math 6-7  will prepare students for advanced placement in 7th grade.

Criteria for Participation

Fifth to Sixth

In late May, all 5th grade students will be considered for placement into Math 6-7. Placement into Math 6-7 will be based on the following measures: iReady Math Overall Scores, Smarter Balanced Assessment and their unit test average. Each of those measures will contribute to an aggregate score for each student.  Based on the aggregate score, students will be invited to participate in the Math 6-7 Readiness Assessment.  

Aggregate scores are based on the following criteria:

Math 6-7 Readiness Assessment:  This assessment will be given to any student who has a total aggregate score, from the criteria listed above, of either 6 to 9 points.  Each student MUST score at least an 80% or higher on the curriculum based assessment for placement into Math 6-7.

Parents of all students will be notified regarding their child’s math placement before the end of the school year, even if they are remaining in standard math 6. 

New Students

New students who enroll in Reed Intermediate School will be offered the opportunity to be assessed for qualification for Math 6-7. All available records from the student’s prior school will be reviewed and considered.  Placement into Math 6-7 will be based on all available information and a score of at least an 80% or higher on the Math 6-7 Readiness Assessment.

Resources

All fifth grade students will utilize the grade appropriate edition of Bridges in Mathematics (also available online).  

All sixth grade students will utilize the grade appropriate edition of HMH Into Math (also available online).  

For additional information, please contact the Reed Intermediate School Math Specialist, Jess Fonovic

fonovicj@newtown.k12.ct.us