Math Pathways-Middle School

Our academic focus at Newtown Middle School is building critical thinking, problem solving, and 21st Century learning skills to prepare our students for college and career readiness. Because all students learn at different rates and have varying background knowledge, we offer multiple opportunities for acceleration in the mathematics area. Our intention is to have each student in a mathematics course that will be both engaging and challenging to the individual, without being overwhelming. We understand the huge growth and maturation that occurs in this age group, in addition to the development of good study habits, and we are fortunate to have some flexibility within clusters to adjust a student’s math placement as needed. Our teachers are also able to differentiate for students who are ready for more of a challenge, as well as for students who need more support to learn a concept.

7th Grade

In 7th grade, we offer Math 7 and Math 7-8. Algebra I is available off-cluster.

All students who were enrolled in Math 6 at Reed will be placed into Math 7 at NMS. However, these students will be evaluated for potential placement testing into Math 7-8.

Selection for testing into Math 7-8 will be based upon the following measures: the 5th grade SBAC math score and the highest iReady math score from 6th grade. Those measures will contribute to an aggregate score for each student.

Students earning an aggregate score of at least 4 points will be invited to take the Math 7-8 Readiness Assessment to determine if Math 7-8 is a more appropriate placement. To test into Math 7-8, students must demonstrate proficiency on critical Math 6 content and concepts otherwise missed from the Math 7 curriculum by scoring at least 70% on the Math 7-8 Readiness Assessment. Students new to the district, or missing one or both measures may either request to test, or be invited to test on an individual basis depending upon data that is available.

Students who have taken Math 6-7 in 6th grade typically join our Math 7-8 class. This class covers the remaining 7th grade units that were not taught in Math 6-7, as well as most of the 8th grade curriculum. At the end of 7th grade, students who have successfully completed Math 7-8 (average > 83%) are well prepared to take Algebra I as 8th graders.

In addition to our Math 7 and Math 7-8 courses, we also offer an Algebra I course off cluster. Since this represents a 2-year grade level advancement, students who are interested need to take a placement test, the Algebra Readiness Assessment, to qualify. The Algebra Readiness Assessment covers critical Math 7 content, and most of the Math 8 curriculum, as students who take Algebra I as 7th graders will not be taught these topics in school. Students who successfully complete Algebra I in 7th grade (average > 90%) will take either Algebra II or Geometry as 8th graders.

Algebra Readiness Assessment

Students who are interested in taking Algebra I in 7th or 8th grade without completing the prerequisite course (Math 7-8) may take the Algebra Readiness Assessment to demonstrate proficiency with critical Math 7 content and most of the Math 8 curriculum.

The assessment is given in two parts: Part A and Part B.

Part A covers Solving Algebraic Equations and Number Operations and Computation. To advance to Part B of the assessment, students must answer 5 out of 9 questions correctly in the Solving Algebraic Equations section and 3 out of 8 questions correctly in the Number Operations and Computation section.

Part B covers Real Numbers, Pythagorean Theorem, Volume, Linear Equations (2 variables), Powers and Exponents, Angles and Angle Relationships, and Transformations (including Congruency and Similarity).

In addition to the minimum required scores in Part A, students need to have a cumulative score > 60% on Part A and Part B to qualify for Algebra I.

8th Grade

In 8th grade, we have several offerings: Math 8, Algebra I, and either Algebra II or Geometry, depending upon the needs of the students.

Students who were in Math 7 are placed into Math 8.

Students who have successfully completed Math 7-8 (avg > 83%) are scheduled into an Algebra I class. Math 7-8 students whose average is below 83% are scheduled into a Math 8 class but may request to take the Algebra Readiness Assessment to test into Algebra I.

Resources

Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, Newtown has adopted HMH: Into Math as the essential resource for Math 6, Math 6-7, Math 7, Math 7-8, and Math 8/Math 8 Enriched.

For additional information please visit the Newtown Middle School Math Webpage

Please email our math specialist if you have any questions:

Mrs. Meg Johnson -- NMS Math Specialist -- johnsonm@newtown.k12.ct.us

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