Middle Level Mathematics: Middle Level Mathematics: Opportunity and Equity for AllOpportunity and Equity for All

Woodmere Middle SchoolHewlett-Woodmere Public Schools

The Proposal

• To replace the current homogeneously grouped 6th grade mathematics offerings with heterogeneously grouped 6th grade enriched mathematics.

• This will prepare all students for acceleration enabling them to take Algebra in 8th grade.

The Rationale• Enable students to develop a deeper level of

algebraic thinking beginning at the elementary school level.

• Allow more students to have the opportunity to take higher level mathematics courses.

• Enable all students to reach higher levels of achievement.

• The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades K – 7 contain the prerequisites to prepare students for Algebra by grade 8.

Why This Proposal?• The Middle School Math Department analyzed WMS Integrated Algebra Regents Data.• The Math Committee examined the current research on mathematical achievement.

% of Mastery over 3 years

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

2007_2008 2008_2009 2009_2010

Year

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continued• Middle School Administrators and Math Chairperson visited

Rockville Centre (accelerating all students since the 1990s) and have communicated with many other districts that have begun universal acceleration.

• Dr. Joyce Bernstein (Director of Mathematics at East Williston) presented to the District Mathematics Committee. The focus was deepening algebraic thinking.

• The District Math Committee and the District Leadership Team examined the WMS Proposal and unanimously supports bringing it forward to the Board of Education.

Data from Rockville CentreOnce students were heterogeneously grouped and began taking

Algebra in 8th grade, achievement increased significantly:

• Percentage of low Socioeconomic Status students taking trigonometry increased from 32 to 67 %.

• Low achievers increased from 46 to 67%.• Average achievers increased from 81 to 91%.• High achievers increased from 89 to 99%.• Percentage of students enrolled in AP Calculus

increased by 50%.February 2004 | Volume 61 | Number 5Improving Achievement in Math and Science Pages 68-71

The Current State of our Mathematics Program

• 35% of 8th graders are enrolled in Algebra • 87% (2007 – 2010) pass the Algebra Regents with Mastery

(score of 85% or better)• Elementary students are being prepared for Algebra using

Math in the City (MitC), an approach to thinking about mathematics

• Elementary teachers are being trained and supported by math staff developers

• In order to facilitate the transition to WMS, 6th grade teachers are being trained by the same MitC staff developer

• K - 6 math curricula has been revised by teachers to include more algebraic reasoning

Current Math Options at WMS

Woodmere Middle School Mathematics Department

Math 6 Math 7 Math 8OR

Math 6 Acc Math 7 Acc Algebra

Current Math Options at HHS

Notes Pertaining to the Flow Chart• A student that is currently in 6th grade math

will not be prepared for a mathematics course beyond Pre-Calculus.

• A student that is currently in 6th grade accelerated will be prepared to choose Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Calculus Honors.

Our Desired State• All students prepared to take Algebra in 8th

grade• Alleviate the pressure of making long-range

decisions regarding mathematics programs at such an early age

• Students to be mathematical thinkers who are able to take on 21st century problems and offer creative solutions

Costs– 8th graders (2013-2014): Amsco’s Integrated Algebra (140 more books @

$34.00 = $4,080) and (140 more workbooks @ $15.00 = $2,100).

– Calculators: In 2013-2014, graphing calculators will be required in the 8th grade Algebra classes (90 more calculators @ $139 = $12,510 plus shipping).

– Curriculum Development: Summer of 2011, Grade 7 will revise the curriculum (6 teachers at $53.75 per hour for 10 hours each = $3,225).

– Based on the number of incoming AIS students, additional staffing is anticipated as follows:

* 2011-2012 .2 Math Teacher * 2012 – 2013 an additional .2 Math Teacher * 2013 – 2014 an additional .2 Math Teacher (for a total of .6 additional math teacher)

These costs may be offset by restructuring current staffing or coursework.

Where Do We Go From Here?• We still need to explore programming issues

surrounding the expansion of Math Lab• We still need to revise the Math 7 Curriculum

next summer• We still need to explore higher level

mathematics courses that can be offered beyond calculus at the High School

• Articulation between the Elementary Schools, Middle School, and High School must continue