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7th Grade Math Placement Guidelines
The Tahoma School District currently offers three grade seven math course options for the purpose of meeting academic needs of our diverse student population. These options include Math 2, Math 3, and Integrated 1. Math 2 is the continuation of sixth grade math and represents the next logical course in the secondary math curriculum. It is not a remedial class. Math 3 may be most appropriate for students who excelled in the sixth grade program, demonstrating strong math ability. Math 3, taken in seventh grade, represents one year of math acceleration at the secondary level. Integrated I is most typically taken by students in their freshman year of high school and represents two years of math acceleration at the seventh grade level. Since a student's placement is critical for continued growth and success, we have identified four components to be used in the screening process. These include the following:
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Orleans-Hanna Algebra Test
Teacher Recommendation
All Sixth grade students take the ITBS and the CogAT in the spring, and this data is shared with parents. Based on the these scores and classroom performance, grade six teachers will provide parents with their recommendations regarding appropriate math placement into either Math 3 or into Integrated I. Parents will have the opportunity to select either of these options for their children; however, the school district strongly recommends that the parents follow the placement recommendations of the classroom teacher.
To qualify for Integrated I placement, students must meet an established criteria. Taking Integrated I at grade seven represents two years of acceleration in mathematics and can have negative consequences at the high school level if early placement proves to be inappropriate. Only highly capable math students who demonstrate readiness through mastery of certain concepts and academic maturity should be placed in a seventh grade Integrated I program.
With these cautions in mind, parents and the classroom teacher may nominate a student for further testing. Nominated students will be administered the Orleans-Hanna Algebra test. Components for placement will be weighed as follows:
1/5 ITBS
1/5 CogAT
2/5 Orleans-Hanna Algebra Test
1/5 Teacher Recommendation
Prior to seventh grade pre-registration, parents will be informed of the district's recommendation for their student's seventh grade math class. Parents of students who are offered Integrated I placement will be asked to sign a written agreement regarding the impact of this decision.
Please feel free to contact Annette Whittlesey, in the Teaching and Learning Office, at 425-413-3400 if you have questions regarding the testing. We are committed to providing the most appropriate course placement for each child within our district.
Last Updated Friday March 04, 2005
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