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The placement process is reviewed each year with the intention of placing students into an appropriate math course for their middle school years. The overall goal is to ensure that students find success in their courses and build confidence in their mathematical abilities.

The following pieces of data are used to determine the placement of students:

Common Unit Assessments
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments
Algebra Readiness Assessment (if eligible)
Application Challenge Problems
Teacher Recommendation
Benchmark Assessments

The Placement Process

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Math 7 Pro

The concepts presented in the MATH 7 Pro course are in accordance with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for seventh grade. Emphasis will be placed on several key areas including, but not limited to, ratios and proportional relationships, operations with decimals and percents, algebraic expressions and equations, geometry, statistics, and probability. Students will work cooperatively and independently exploring the relationships among the ideas presented using an inquiry-based approach. This approach involves the use of manipulatives and technology to gain a true understanding of the reasons for the rules and formulas.

Math 7 ASI

This course parallels the MATH 7 Pro curriculum. Class sizes are smaller to provide more individualized instruction in an effort to transition students to a level of proficiency.

Math 7 Advanced

This course parallels the MATH 7 Pro curriculum with emphasis on the extension of core concepts. Students in advanced math take different and more challenging assessments.

Algebra 1

This first year high school course is extremely rigorous and for students demonstrating superior problem solving abilities and a readiness for abstract concepts presented in algebra. Students taking Algebra 1 must take and pass the rigorous state mandated end of course Algebra 1 exam as part of their path toward high school graduation requirements.

7th Grade Mathematics Courses

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To determine the placement into one of the four courses in 7th grade, the following data is collected during the 6th grade school year will be used:

Common Unit Assessments
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments
Algebra Readiness Assessment (if eligible)
Application Challenge Problems
Teacher Recommendation
Benchmark Assessments

Criteria for each of the courses is outlined on the following slide.

7th Grade Placement

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Math 7 Pro/ Math 7 ASI

All students will be placed into this grade-level course unless they meet the criteria for either Math 7 Advanced or Algebra 1 outlined below.

Math 7 Advanced

Common Unit Assessments > 90%
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments > 90%
Algebra Readiness Assessment > 60 percentile
Application Challenge Problems >70%
Teacher Recommendation
Linkit! Form C Benchmark Assessment Level: Meeting

Algebra 1

Common Unit Assessments > 97%
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments > 97%
Algebra Readiness Assessment > 75 percentile
Application Challenge Problems > 80%
Teacher Recommendation
Linkit! Form C Benchmark Assessment Level: Meeting

7th Grade Placement Criteria

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To determine the placement into one of the four courses in 8th grade, the following data is collected during the 7th grade school year will be used:

Common Unit Assessments
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments
Algebra Readiness Assessment
Teacher Recommendation
Benchmark Assessments

Criteria for each of the courses is outlined on the following slide.

8th Grade Placement

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To determine the placement into one of the four courses in 8th grade, all students will advance to the next course on the mathematics progression:

All Math 7 ASI students will be placed into Math 8 ASI
All Math 7 Pro students will be placed into Math 8 Pro
All Math 7 Advanced students will be placed into Algebra 1
All Algebra 1 students will be placed into Geometry

***To see eligibility for advancement, please see the next slide. Please note that students may not jump from Math 7 Pro/ASI/Advanced to Geometry. All students must take Algebra 1 prior to taking Geometry. These courses may not run concurrently.

***Students advancing within their current track are expected to maintain an 85% average or higher. If they do not, they may be subject to an alternate placement that deviates from their current pathway.

8th Grade Placement Criteria

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Math 7 ASI to Math 8 Pro

Common Unit Assessments > 90%
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments > 90%
Teacher Recommendation
Linkit! Form C Benchmark Assessment Level: Meeting

Math 7 Pro to Algebra 1

Common Unit Assessments > 90%
Cumulative Quarterly Assessments > 90%
Algebra Readiness Assessment > 75 percentile
Teacher Recommendation
Linkit! Form C Benchmark Assessment Level: Meeting

8th Grade Placement Criteria

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Students have multiple opportunities to advance throughout their high school careers.

After successfully completing Algebra 1 in 8th or 9th grade, students may take Geometry Honors over the summer if they qualify

After successfully completing Algebra 1 in 8th or 9th grade, students may take Geometry and Algebra II concurrently if they qualify

After successfully completing Geometry, students may take Algebra II Honors over the summer if they qualify

Pathways to Advancement

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Math Course Sequence at HMS

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Students will be notified of their placement via Genesis during the month of June.

If a student/parent feels their placement is appropriate, no further communication is necessary.

If a student/parent feels that their placement is too advanced, they may contact the math supervisor, Mr. KC Dattola at kdattola@htps.us

If a student/parent feels that their placement is not rigorous enough, they may follow the appeals process on the next slide.

Placement Notification

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Please fill out the appropriate grade level appeal form

This appeal will be reviewed by the math supervisor in consultation with the assistant superintendent.

The Appeals Form becomes live on Monday June 3, 2024

The form must be completed by Friday June 7, 2024

You will receive a letter via email on the final placement decision by Friday June 14, 2024

Any further questions regarding the appeal decision may be sent to the building principal jtrybulski@htps.us outlining the specific rationale.

Appeal Process

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