This year the district added two new mathematics courses in grades 6 and 7 - Accelerated 6th Grade Mathematics and Algebra XL. The 6th grade accelerated math course focuses on both 6th grade and 7th grade NJ learning standards simultaneously to prepare students to take either pre-algebra or Algebra XL in 7th grade. The 7th Grade Algebra XL course incorporates some material from the pre-algebra and eighth grade curricula with the majority of the coursework aligning to Algebra I learning standards. The Algebra XL course was designed for students that are developmentally ready for advanced coursework and is only offered to a select number of students. Students currently in the Algebra XL course that meet expectations will take Geometry next year. This will be the first time high school level Geometry will be offered at Maple Place!

Below find a diagram of the possible course progressions for our middle school students:

How are students selected for these courses?

The district uses multiple measures including the Cognitive Abilities quantitative subtest, final grade averages, the spring i-Ready diagnostic math score, NJSLA scores, teacher recommendation, and a placement test to identify students that demonstrate a need for advance courses. We then use a rubric to assign points in each category to select students for the different courses available. We review data at the end of every school year for every student in grades 5-7. Parents are notified in the summer if their child will be placed into an accelerated course for the following school year.

If my child is not placed in the accelerated 6th grade course are they locked out of all advanced courses moving forward?

No! What is important to realize is that participation in an accelerated course does not guarantee placement in the accelerated course the following year, and vice versa. With the exception of the Algebra XL and Geometry courses, students can enter into the accelerated pathway at anytime. Also, if a child is not performing well in an accelerated course, we can also make adjustments to ensure they are placed in a learning environment where they can be successful. We know that students develop at different rates, and always want to make sure that students are placed appropriately. This is why we review data every year for every student.

What if my child does not qualify, but I feel strongly that they would benefit from an accelerated course?

If your child does not qualify and you would like to discuss their placement, it is best that you reach out to the building principal in August to have a conversation about your child and their needs.

What state-assessment will my student take?

All students in Grade 6 will take the Grade 6 NJSLA, regardless of math placement.

Students in Grade 7 mathematics and pre-algebra will take the Grade 7 NJSLA.

Students in Grade 7 Algebra XL or Grade 8 Algebra I will take the high school level Algebra I NJSLA.

Students in Grade 8 mathematics will take the Grade 8 NJSLA.

Students in Grade 8 Geometry will take the high school level Geometry NJSLA.

For more information about our math courses, please visit the Curriculum website linked HERE.

Summer break is typically a time for kids to kick back, indulge in a little extra screen time, play outside, and embrace the kind of freedom that only comes with being young and having zero responsibilities. However, all of this free time can lead to the summer slide, a regression in academic proficiency due to summer break, and experts warn it is hindering kids’ progress when they head back to school.

The concept of the summer slide has been on researchers’ radar since at least 1996, when one of the first comprehensive studies on the phenomenon was published. The study showed that kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break, which tends to have a snowball effect as they experience subsequent skill loss each year. A more recent study of children in 3rd to 5th grades also showed that students lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent of their school-year gains in math during summer break.

From "How to Prevent Your Kids from Losing What They Learned in School During Summer Vacation," by Ashley Austrew