Medford Public Schools

489 Winthrop Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155 Carolyn A. Joy K-12 Director of Mathematics and Science cjoy@medford.k12.ma.us 781-393-2214

May 22, 2012

Dear parents/guardians of sixth graders, As we are nearing the close of the school year thoughts are on student placement for next September. In June 2012 all sixth graders will be tested to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. This testing will serve as one tool in determining placement into the Grade 7 Pre-Algebra course. The other indicator will be the childs end of year grade in mathematics. Students with a final grade of A- or better in Grade 6 Mathematics and a qualifying score on the placement exam have the option of enrolling in Pre-Algebra in grade seven. Note that the grade in course alone does not warrant placement in Pre-Algebra. Performance on the exam will not impact students' report card grades. Middle School Principals will notify parents and guardians of their childs placement by the end of July 2012. Most students enroll in Grade 7 Mathematics and begin their study of Algebra 1 in grade nine. The Pre-Algebra 1 option in grade seven is an accelerated mathematics placement. The PreAlgebra curriculum will focus on seven critical areas of mathematics by compacting the grade 7 and grade 8 curricula into one year of study. Students who excel in this course of study will have the option of enrolling in Algebra 1 in grade 8. It gives students an opportunity to begin their study of mathematics one year earlier so they meet prerequisites for Advanced Placement Calculus in their senior year of high school. Students who desire to take Calculus the senior year but do not enroll in Pre-Algebra in grade seven have another opportunity to accelerate during their high school years. The Medford Public Schools K-12 Mathematics Curriculum is undergoing revision to align with the new Massachusetts State Curriculum Framework for Mathematics. This new curriculum will be implemented in SY2012-13. It is a rigorous course of study preparing students for college and career modeled after the Common Core State Standards. Courses are thoughtfully planned to provide students readiness for variety of college and career paths If you have any questions about the Grade 7 Pre-Algebra option, please feel free to ask your child's teacher or contact me. Thank you for supporting your child in his/her efforts to succeed in mathematics. Sincerely,

Carolyn A. Joy
Director