Grade 8 Criteria

Grade 8 Math 

This level is for students who are on grade level. It is assumed that students enrolled in this course have strong computational skills. Considerably less time is spent on these skills leaving a large portion of the course to deal with concepts critical for the transition to more formal algebraic study in high school. Many mathematical areas are addressed with a more algebraic lens in preparation for future study.

Grade 8 Algebra 1A

Algebra 1A is a course that most students have in one semester of grade 9. For this reason students ready for this course in Grade 8 have demonstrated mastery of the prerequisite math concepts and have the ability to grasp, comprehend, and perform abstract mathematical tasks. They possess superior skills and outstanding problem solving ability. A successful Algebra 1A student is a strong independent learner who shows an interest in the subject area and perseveres through more challenging problems. She or he has a strong number sense and is able to apply skills and understandings to new problems. To be considered for Algebra 1A in Grade 8, there must be a preponderance of evidence to support that decision.

Criteria:

1. Outstanding achievement in Grade 7 or Grade 7 Pre Algebra including mastery of skills and concepts as demonstrated by Curriculum Based Assessments

2. Outstanding performance on Grade 7 or Grade 7 Pre-Algebra Unit Assessments 

3. Mathematical Behaviors - consistently completed assignments on time and with attention to quality and organization

4. Meets or exceeds district cut-off scores on the Orleans Hanna Algebra Readiness Assessment, and other district benchmark assessments

Grade 8 Algebra 1AB

Algebra IA and Algebra 1B are courses that most students take over the course of 2 semesters at Tolland High School. Grade 8 Algebra 1AB is not only an accelerated curriculum, but also a compacted curriculum. It is a more challenging course than the Grade 8 Algebra 1A and THS Algebra 1A or 1B semester courses. For this reason students ready for this course have demonstrated mastery and complete independence of the prerequisite math concepts and have the ability to grasp, comprehend, apply, and perform abstract mathematical tasks. They possess superior skills and outstanding problem solving ability. A successful Algebra 1AB student is a strong independent learner who shows an interest in the subject area and perseveres through more challenging problems. They have a strong number sense and is able to apply skills and understandings to new problems. To be considered for Algebra 1AB in Grade 8, students must have completed Grade 6 Advanced and Grade 7 Pre Algebra and have a preponderance of evidence to support that placement.

Criteria:

1. Outstanding achievement in Grade 7 Pre Algebra including mastery of skills and concepts as demonstrated by Curriculum Based Assessments

2. Outstanding performance on Grade 7 Pre-Algebra Unit Assessments 

3. Mathematical Behaviors - consistently completes assignments on time and with attention to quality and organization

4. Meets or exceeds district cut-off scores on the Orleans Hanna Algebra Readiness Assessment, and other district benchmark assessments

* Algebra 1AB will be offered based on need, it is determine each year if a section can be offered.