Middle School Mathematics
The Mathematics Program of Studies (POS) define the instructional programs that must be implemented in mathematics in the middle school.
The Mathematics Program of Studies (POS) define the instructional programs that must be implemented in mathematics in the middle school. Each POS describes the curriculum content and identifies the essential knowledge and skills taught in the instructional program.
Mathematics Course Sequence
Mathematics course standards in grades 6, 7, and 8 are sequential, allowing students to build skills and pre-requisite knowledge each year.
Open Enrollment
All seventh grade students can enroll in Prealgebra or Prealgebra Honors. There are no pre-requisites.
All eighth grade students can enroll in Algebra or Algebra Honors. There are no pre-requisites.
Early Access to Algebra
All students enrolled in Math 6 Advanced will have the option to enroll into Algebra 1 Honors as a seventh grade student.
Considerations
Families are encouraged to consider their options carefully when choosing between Prealgebra, Prealgebra Honors, and Algebra 1 Honors.
- Prealgebrabuilds a strong foundation in Grade 8 mathematics standards. Students will also have an opportunity to reinforce Grade 7 mathematics concepts as needed.
- Prealgebra Honorsis a robust study of Grade 8 mathematics concepts plus extensions into more complex mathematics. The inclusion of extensions results in a quicker pace than Prealgebra. The course equips students for Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors in eighth grade.
- Algebra 1 Honorsis an intensive study of high school level mathematics that requires abstract thinking and includes honors extensions. The course moves at a rapidly accelerated pace to accommodate the additional content. The course grade will be included on the student’s high school transcript including their high school GPA.
For more content information, see the additional information .
Courses
Note: Prealgebra Honors is available for open enrollment to any 7th grader. Algebra I is available through open enrollment to any 8th grader.
Additional Information
Prealgebra
- Grade 8 Mathematics Standards of Learning
- The SOL test assesses Prealgebra standards.
Prealgebra Honors
- Grade 8 Mathematics Standards of Learning plus Extensions
- The SOL test assesses Prealgebra standards.
Algebra 1 Honors
- Algebra 1 Standards of Learning plus Extensions
- The SOL test assesses Algebra 1 standards.
- Algebra 1 Honors is a high school credit course with an additional 0.5 weight. It is reported on a student’s high school transcript.
If a student takes Prealgebra in 7th grade:
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 1 Honors
If a student takes Prealgebra Honors in 7th grade:
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 1 Honors
If a student takes Algebra 1 Honors in 7th grade, they can enroll in Geometry Honors.
Prealgebra
The student will have opportunities to develop:
- Problem solving
- Reasoning
- Collaboration with others
- Mathematical communication with words, pictures, numbers, and symbols
- Perseverance when engaging in rigorous work
Prealgebra Honors
The skills required in Prealgebra AND the student is:
- Enthusiastic for challenging math problems
- Eager to solve problems 2 or more ways
- Excited to explain thinking and ask others about their thinking
- Seeking connections between topics in math class and with other classes
- Willing to take initiative in rigorous work
Algebra 1 Honors
The skills required in Prealgebra and Prealgebra Honors AND the student is also:
- Passionate about intensive mathematics coursework
- Interested in pursuing two years of college-level mathematics during high school (such as multivariable calculus)
Prealgebra
Practical Problems
Multi-step word problems with integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios.
Equations and Inequalities
- Solve word problems with equations or inequalities
- Equations with 2 to 4 steps
- Inequalities with 2 to 4 steps
Functions
Represent relationships with 2 operations as word sentences, tables, graphs, and equations.
Prealgebra Honors
Practical Problems
Multi-step word problems that include proportional reasoning, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios
Equations and Inequalities
- Solve word problems with equations or inequalities
- Equations with 2 to 4 steps
- Inequalities with 2 to 4 steps
Functions
Represent relationships that have 2 operations as word sentences, tables, graphs, and equations
Honors Extensions
- Additional depth and complexity to course content
- Some additional content is included, which means the course moves more quickly.
Algebra 1 Honors
Model and Solve Practical Problems
- Linear equations and inequalities; quadratic equations
- Systems of equations and inequalities
- Linear and quadratic functions
Expressions and Operations
- Laws of exponents
- Radicals
- Polynomials
Honors Extensions
- Additional depth and complexity to course content
- Some additional content is included, which means the course moves more quickly.
