This page shares information  on the math placement process and options at the secondary schools (starting 6th grade)  at Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). The first part describes the program as of fall 2019 .  The bottom of the page includes charts for the de-laned pathway that was  effective for the 2020 6th grade class.  We clarify issues  that are not conveyed well in the  official district math placement document so that parents can calibrate  their expectations from the school programs and  better support their students.  Another goal is to advocate improvements to the program so that all students are supported better at school.  Both the current and prior program do not properly place students in math courses and support students.  The current program has worse results all across. The information here is based on the experience of dozens of parents, mostly from Greene and JLS  middle schools,  on discussions with administration and district staff, and on analysis (included) of 2018 CAASPP data and other data obtained via PRAs.  We compare PAUSD with neighboring districts, evaluate placement versus readiness, and observe trends.

Why the focus on math?  Math is unique among academic subjects.   Math is fundamental to all STEM and allowing students to realize their potential is important not only to their success and satisfaction as individuals but also benefits the economy and society.   

Math instruction poses some unique challenges:  Similar to foreign languages,  continued growth  during childhood and adolescence when the brain is developing is essential (here is one example study). In math, concepts build on each other so  it is important for both student confidence and development  to stay on track or ahead.  Appropriate level of challenge is needed to facilitate both growth and appreciation of math.  Finally, as in any developmental axis, students of the same physiological age can have a wide range of aptitudes (natural learning pace) and levels.  But unlike other topics,  it is not possible to support a wide range in a rigid traditional classroom where all students are required to follow the same lessons.  

Below are the pathways that were in place before the "Math Reboot", implemented after 2019

Information resources for middle school parents 

• It might be helpful for families to know that our MS math program is narrower than MS programs at neighboring districts and is rigid, so it is less suitable to meet students where they are and advance them at a pace that is suitable for them.  Data analysis shows that the PAUSD program is also less effective across cohorts (see data analysis on this site).  The impact can be mitigated to an extent if families know what to expect.   In a nutshell:    (i) Students that are below or just at grade level standards (10%-20% of PAUSD students) are offered at neighboring districts small group specialist support at dedicated sections during the school day (oftern as electives).  (ii) Students that are "well above" standards (~40% at PAUSD) and are nearly proficient at 6th grade standards year start,  are not provided with opportunity for adequate growth at school.   At other districts students advance organically within the school program.  PAUSD has less than 7% of students doing Algebra in 7th grade whereas this is over 40% at districts with similar demographics  (Los Altos,  Saratoga, Cupertino)  (iii)  Students not well above but "exceeding  state standards" (~35% at PAUSD) that  aim for 8th grade Algebra experience a slow 6th grade that is compensated by a packed fast-paced 8th grade.   Other districts offer smoother and more balanced  pathways to 8th grade Algebra with math specialist teachers  starting 6th grade (4 years in 3 instead of 3 years in 2).  These students got o HS more proficient (in a statistically significant way). Finally, PAUSD math courses have a large fraction (30%+) of misplaced students (students that are proficient year start).   The adverse impact of the large-scale misplacement percolate to all students as it impacts the calibration by teachers  and the self perception and attitude of adequately placed students.

• Many middle school students at PAUSD, in particular 6th and 7th graders,  enroll in external math programs.   We  provide pointers and some introduction to  established quality math  courses.  These programs are helpful for a range of  students :  Those that need  re-enforcement of  grade-level concepts, those that sail smoothly when the pacing is slow but could struggle later, and those that are entirely above grade level and use them as their primary math learning venue.  Even 15 minutes a day can go a long way to boost confidence and success.

• Slides that overview the PAUSD program  These slides from May 2018  include points of concern and were shared with board members and district.  Slides include comparison to programs (placement and options) at similar school districts.   These issues were also presented  (slides) to the superintendent Don Austin in a meeting with parents on October 2018.  We hope for some improvements.

• Information and advice for families of incoming 6th graders that are above-grade-level (from 2017/2018 6th grade parents at Greene/Jordan):  What to expect from the program at school and advice on supporting your students:  The PAUSD placement process, placement options,  quality external (after school) programs that offer quality coverage of the curriculum, and how to get objective assessments on your student level.  Document on the 6th grade experience of students at Greene/Jordan  as the 2017/2018 year unrolled.  

• Middle school math curriculum information  (adopted 2017):   Big Ideas  textbooks and accompanying online material.  Free online versions of   6th grade textbook   and  7A textbook.   The exact Algebra 8 text book does not seem to have an online free version but there is a very close newer online version.   Our advice however is that for the purpose of learning math outside of school use other books such as AoPS  (loved by mathematicians, more geared to challenge advanced kids but can also be consumed at standards level) or Singapore math (geared to all).  Also see quality math courses.

• To learn and  share information on teachers see the website Rate My Teachers (Greene/Jordan)    JLS    Fletcher (Terman) .  The district (as many others) does not accommodate requests to change teachers due  to  teaching and learning styles mismatches or teaching quality. The nature of math, however, is such that even one year with a mismatch can impact  the student's long term interest and success in math.  We recommend that parents stay tuned and ready to provide after school support if the instruction is not as effective for their student. 

REVISED AS OF 2021

PAUSD Math pathways effective for 20/21 6th graders  

The main changes for this cohort on were (1) the removal of the "grade level" lane that previously served 25%-30% of students (ii) allow ``skipping'' of 6th grade math (or 7th grade math and in spring '23 but not in spring '22, 8th grade math) but somehow prohibited further acceleration (that many PAUSD students traditionally needed).  Analysis of results shows that (1) the practice of ``holding back'' the majority of prepared students continued (2) based on the objective measures of MDTP and SBAC, fewer students are actually ready for 8th grade Algebra than ever before. 23% of those placed in 8th grade Algebra in 22/23 did not meet grade level standards. 

Updates 2023

• Tips on preparing for the PAUSD middle school math ``skip'' tests 

• Math lawsuit:  PAUSD lost a lawsuit on its placement practices of students entering 9th grade.  PAUSD is also forced to report data on students placement and achievement in 9th grade. 

• Very well researched open letter organized and signed by 290+ PAUSD students asking to be listened to, to be respected, and to be supported.

• Failure of the de-laned math program:  A report on the program was produced by the district for the October 24, 2023 board meeting that presented it as success even though objective data (SBAC and MDTP) shows otherwise. See details.