Math Placement FAQs

Due to the effects the pandemic has had on the school year, the District has reconsidered the process for determining 6th grade math placements for the 2021-2022 school year. Please review the updated FAQ, and if you have questions please contact the principal of the middle school your child will be attending.


Middle School Math FAQ


  • What are the math courses for sixth graders?


Math 6 – 6th grade Illinois Learning Standards

This course covers all the 6th grade Illinois Learning Standards. Students will cover multiple concepts in great depth so that a broad foundation of skills are established prior to moving into 7th grade.


Math Accelerated A – 6th grade and half of 7th grade Illinois Learning Standards

Students enrolled in this course will move more rapidly through the 6th grade learning standards and through part of the 7th grade learning standards. This course is for students that consistently master new curriculum quickly, move quickly through grade level curriculum, and have learner characteristics that support learning in an accelerated environment.


Math Accelerated B – Half of 7th grade and all of 8th grade Illinois Learning Standards

Students enrolled in this course will actually skip 6th grade math content and move directly into the 7th grade curriculum. This course is reserved for students that consistently master new curriculum quickly and exceed grade level curriculum. This course is intended for students that may be interested in math or science related fields as these students will be ready for Algebra II their freshman year, Pre-Calculus their sophomore year, and AP Calculus their junior year, and Calculus III their senior year. Students in this track may also consider an alternative option for math their senior year (at local college/university or virtual coursework).

  • How will my child’s 6th grade math course be determined?


Fifth grade math teachers provided basic information to the middle school math building chairs. The information includes grades, as well as anecdotal information regarding the pace in which students learn new material. Due to students moving between remote learning and in person learning, and with many students being remote learners for the entire school year,the District suspended MAP testing that normally takes place throughout the school year. In the absence of math scores, middle school math building chairs will review and consider classroom achievement information, and learner characteristics provided by the 5th grade teachers in making their 6th grade math placement decisions.


  • What is the sequence of courses if a student starts in each of the courses listed above?


Math 6 --> Math 7 --> Math 8


Math Accelerated A --> Math Accelerated B --> Algebra


Math Accelerated B --> Algebra --> Honors Geometry


  • Is it possible for a student to jump to a different sequence of courses? When might this occur?


Yes, some students may move quickly through material and provide evidence to the teacher that they can handle a faster paced course. This move must be supported by the teacher. There has also been movement at the semester based on what the teacher has seen from a student in class.


  • If parents would like to request a different placement, what is the process?


Please review the information and process regarding Subject Matter Acceleration found within the District’s Curriculum and Instruction site under Students and Parents, or use the link provided to directly access the form. https://drive.google.com/file/d/19t2ScpBtFDMsVxpdl6vysVyq9EkVrq-B/view

After a Subject Matter Acceleration Form is completed and submitted, the math teacher, the math building chair, and the principal will consider each request. It might be determined that more time is needed by the math teacher before making a final decision regarding subject matter acceleration. This allows the teacher to get to know the student and complete other assessments before responding to the request. Final placements will be based on data and determined by teacher and principal recommendation.


  • If a student is placed in Math Accelerated A or Math Accelerated B (any accelerated course) are they automatically placed in the next course in the accelerated sequence?


There are established exit criteria that will show if students are ready for another accelerated course. Teachers will consider student progress and achievement to determine if a student should continue in the accelerated track or be moved to a more appropriate course.


Placement recommendations for 8th graders must are made in December since high school course selections occur in January for the following academic year.