Dear Parents/Guardians:
In the spring, District 103 staff review fifth-grade student assessment data in order to make math placement decisions. Math placement is determined through a review of your child's classroom performance on the 5th-Grade Benchmark Assessment (Administration Date: April 16) as well as data derived from the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment and CogAT scores. Additionally, classroom teachers provide input on a student’s learner characteristics. The continuum of courses and corresponding rubric used for placement was created by the consortium school districts (96, 102 & 103) in collaboration with Stevenson High School. We believe this process leads to appropriate math placement when students enter Stevenson High School. The documents below provide a description of each math course offered at Daniel Wright and a flowchart that shows the course progression through Daniel Wright and into high school.
The courses and pathways, aligned to Common Core State Standards in 2013, provide ALL students in grades 6-8 with algebra content prior to entering high school, a rigorous benchmark set by the consortium. These mathematics standards emphasize students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics and focus on students’ use of mathematics, not just the acquisition of knowledge about the discipline.
When determining placement, the results of the student assessments mentioned above are incorporated into a matrix with each assessment carrying a particular value or weight. In June, you will receive a letter with your child’s projected sixth-grade math course. Please note, that the projected course placement is appropriate for the vast majority of students for the year. To ensure that students are placed according to their skill level, each student’s placement is reviewed in the fall using the following measures: fall MAP assessment, the beginning of year benchmarks, and a sixth-grade extended response question. Your child’s teacher will contact you if there is a math placement change. Due to the fact that we reassess students in the fall, student math placement will not be changed or re-evaluated during the summer.
Sincerely,
Katie Reynolds, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
