Math Placement & Pathways

San Ramon Valley Unified School District

Parent Presentation

Updated January 2024

Objectives

Explore Middle School Math Pathways

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(slide 3-7)

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Determining 6th Grade Math Placement

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(slides 8-9)

Middle to High School Pathways

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(slides 10-14)

Advancement Via Outside Institution

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(slide 15)

Considerations for Advancement or Acceleration

• Have a strong desire to learn math independently
• Have already mastered content knowledge above grade level
• Have shown strong performance in prior math classes and standardized tests
• Have strong conceptual understanding in mathematics

• Fear that your child will not have access to high level mathematics in High School and College
• Student shows little interest in math
• Motivation is only for college application competitiveness (consider other ways to stand out, such as math enrichment and competitions).
• Not interested in taking higher math in high school

When to Advance or Accelerate

When NOT to Advance or Accelerate

Middle School Math Pathways

On the College and Career pathway, students prepare for Algebra 1 in 9th grade. After 8th grade, students can utilize SRVUSD Advancement via Outside Institution to take Mathematics courses outside of SRVUSD to be placed on their high school transcript. Conversely, students can still take advanced math in high school without any additional courses outside of SRVUSD.

College and Career Ready

Course 1

Course 2

Course 3

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Middle School Math Pathways Options

5

Course 2 MAP

Option 1: College and Career Ready

Course 1 (6th Grade Course)

Course 2 (7th Grade Gourse)

Course 3

(8th Grade Course)

Option 2: Accelerated

(proficiency in C1)

Course 2 (7th Grade Course)

Course 3

(8th Grade Course)

Algebra 1 (9th Grade Course)

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Option 3: Advanced and Accelerated (proficiency in C1 and MAP)

Course 3 (8th Grade Course)

Algebra 1

(9th Grade Course)

Geometry (10th Grade Course)

Algebra 1 and Geometry are high school courses. They will be transferred onto high school transcripts, however they do not count for high school graduation credits.

Incoming Grade 6 Accelerated Pathway Explained

On this Accelerated Pathway, students show proficiency in 6th grade, Course 1 mathematics via the Math Placement Exam. In addition to scoring 80% or better on this exam, students should have a strong interest in math. Exam contents are not part of the 5th grade math curriculum. Also note that Algebra 1 is a high school course.

6

Course 1 Proficiency

Assessment

Accelerated Pathway, Grade 6

Course 2

Course 3

Algebra 1 (9th Grade Course)

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Algebra 1 is high school course and will be transferred onto high school transcripts, however it will not count for high school graduation credits.

Incoming Grade 6 Advanced and Accelerated

7

Course 2 MAP

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Option 3: Advanced and Accelerated (proficiency in C1 and MAP)

Course 3

Algebra 1 (9th Grade Course)

Geometry (10th Grade Course)

Advancement and acceleration is a opportunity for highly motivated students. This requires that students show proficiency in 6th grade, Course 1 mathematics via the Math Placement Exam with a score of 90% or above. In addition, students participate in the summer Math Advancement Program and successfully complete Course 2. Students should have a strong interest in math. It is not necessary for students to attempt this pathway to get to Calculus in high school. Students will be placed in Course 3 classes with 7th and 8th grade students. Algebra and Geometry are high school courses.

Course 2 MAP

Summer

Algebra 1 and Geometry are high school courses. They will be transferred onto high school transcripts, however they do not count for high school graduation credits.

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Decision for 6th Grade Math Placement and Advancement

Parent Preference

Assessment and Mathematical Readiness

Student Interest

Current Grade 6 and 7 Advancement Explained

Current 6th and 7th grade students have an opportunity to participate in the summer Math Advancement Program. MAP is a 110-hour, self-paced course covering either Course 2 or Course 3 mathematics. Students should complete the course with at least 80% on assessments to advance. We do not offer Algebra 1 summer advancement for current 6th or 7th grade students.

Note: Middle School students may not take Algebra or Geometry outside of SRVUSD for credit on their high school transcript. These courses are only available on transcripts when completed after the 2nd semester of 8th grade.

Course 2

Algebra 1

Course 2 & Course 3 MAP

Advancement on any Pathway

Course 1

Course 3

Algebra 1

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Course 1

High School Math Pathways

On the College and Career pathway, students enter Algebra 1 in 9th grade. While it is possible to utilize SRVUSD Advancement via Outside Institution to take Mathematics courses outside of SRVUSD to get credit for high school courses outside of SRVUSD, it is NOT necessary to do so. Students may take advanced mathematics on the College and Career Pathway and reach their mathematics goals.

College and Career Ready

Grade 8, Course 3

Algebra 1

Geometry

Advanced Algebra 2 / Precalculus

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Calculus

Advanced Algebra 2/Precalculus is offered at our high schools so that students can access Calculus without any additional outside courses.

Sample Middle to High Math Pathway

High School Math Electives

SRVUSD is proud to offer mathematics electives courses.

Students at our high schools may select from innovative courses such as Introduction to Data Science, Personal Finance, and Statistics. Check the SRVUSD high school course catalog for more information.

UC/CSU Math Requirements and Expectations for Admission

• Minimum admission requirement is three years of UC-approved math courses in grades 9-12, but four years recommended for UC schools.
• Must complete topics covered in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
• For the fourth year of math, no specific math course is preferred over another
• Some UC engineering schools prefer students to have completed or be completing Calculus by the end of high school.
• Check individual college requirements for more information.

Planning for High School

Following completion of 8th grade, High School Advancement Via Outside Institution is available for students wishing to advance in mathematics.

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Math Support

Each school offers a variety of supports such as:

• Peer Tutoring
• Student Support Time
• After school help
• Intervention Websites

Ask your teacher what supports are available.

Links to Math Resources

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California Department of Education- Mathematics

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/

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California Math Framework

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf/

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San Ramon Valley Unified School District Mathematics

https://www.srvusd.net/Students-and-Families/Academic-Information/Math-Information/index.html

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Smarter Balanced Assessments

https://smarterbalanced.org/our-system/students-and-families/samples/

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SRVUSD Advancement VIA Outside Institutions

Sample of Approved Outside Institutions and District Courses

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SRVUSD Course Catalog for High School and Middle School

https://www.srvusd.net/Students-and-Families/Academic-Information/Course-Catalog-MiddleHigh/index.html