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7th Grade Math Placement Information

May, 2010

Welcome, 6th Graders and 6th Grade Families!

We are looking forward to all of you having a fantastic career at one of our four middle schools. Please take the time to review the following links before you make any final decisions on your student’s 2010-11 7th grade math placement.

In June, each middle school will mail a letter home, which will recommend your child’s math course for next year, along with directions on what to do if you have any questions or concerns.

Again, welcome, and good luck with the rest of 6th Grade!  

SDUHSD Middle School Math Placement Philosophy and Policy

Most students will be enrolled in their grade level math course. Some students may elect to access our honors level math courses. Other students will be recommended for a below grade level math course.

6th grade students will be given a math placement test to help ensure students select the correct math class for 7th grade. We will also use 5th grade STAR Math scores and 1st semester 6th grade classroom Math performance as indicators for 7th grade Math placement.

Using the above criteria, SDUHSD will recommend a 7th grade Math course for each student. SDUHSD believes students should meet 2 out of the three criteria to enroll in Honors Pre-Algebra as a 7th grader:

  1. 34/45 on “Math Diagnostic Testing and Placement Algebra 1 Readiness Test”

  2. Advanced 5th grade Math STAR score

  3. “B” or better in 1st semester/2nd trimester 6th grade Math
Research and history show this criteria is a successful indicator to help students select the correct 7th grade Math course. You will receive a letter from your son or daughter’s middle school with your child’s 7th grade math placement recommendation. If you believe this recommendation is incorrect or have any questions, that letter will provide you information on how to change 7th grade math courses.

Honors Algebra 1 for 7th graders is considered a “grade skip”. In order for 7th graders to enroll in this course, they must meet the following criteria. No exceptions.

A student must meet both criteria listed below to be eligible to enroll in Honors Algebra 1 as a 7th grader:

    1. 75% or better on the SDUHSD Honors Algebra 1 Readiness Test

    2. Advanced 5th grade Math STAR score

SDUHSD Board Policy allows for a student to drop or change math course levels up to the end of the fourth week of school. It is important that students are placed carefully. Please follow our recommendations for math placement. Transferring Math levels, even during the first four weeks is difficult for 7th graders. After four weeks, students are not allowed to transfer, per SDUHSD Board Policy.

7th Grade Math Placement Recommended Criteria 2010-11

Middle School Math Courses 2010-11