Dear Parents,
Yesterday, students began to walk to math. Classes were based on last year’s math placement. New-to-HG students were placed according to their homeroom grade, for the time being. For the next two weeks, we will be doing math games, projects, and assessments with students to gain insight into their math knowledge and fluency. These data will be used to determine final placements for math class for this year. The reason for taking the time is to get students comfortable with math routines and moving classes, activating prior knowledge, and giving students the time to feel comfortable before taking any assessments. This is not lost instructional time as great math is happening in every classroom every day! No final determinations have been made at this point.
We will be using objective data through standardized, curriculum-based assessments to place students. If your child is recommended for a math acceleration, you will receive notification and have the final say in the placement. Not all children are ready for acceleration and that is not a weakness – our students come in many shapes and sizes with many different and unique strengths and challenges.
Our aim is to place your child where they need to be academically. Please reach out to me if you have any questions regarding this math transition time. My number is (907) 742-4818 and email gates_jillian@asdk12.org.
Respectfully, Dr. Gates
Anchorage School District
K-12 Highly Gifted Teacher Expert
