Pathways. Over the years, we have found that the best pathways for all of our students is to begin middle school in Math-6. The math department has implemented a system that we feel will work very well in reaching as many 6th graders as possible who have potential to enter Algebra in the 7th grade. First of all, we will test all 6th graders who meet the following criteria: 1) Earned an "A-" minimum on the first Benchmark test for 6th graders, and 2) maintained an "A-" on their first 3 report card grades. The students meeting this criteria will be tested during the school day in the library near the end of the 3rd quarter. The students will take the same two tests we have been using for years: Algebra Readiness and Arithmetic. All cut-offs will be final. There will be no re-testing.

Parents will be contacted to request permission to place their child in Algebra in the 7th grade, should passage of both tests occur. Also, it is expected that they do extra Pre-Algebra homework during the fourth quarter and throughout the summer. There is a chance that we will test them at the end of the 4th quarter and/or in the fall to see if they actually studied and know how to solve multi-step equations and graph linear equations. Please bear in mind that our Math-7 course is VERY rigorous and should not be seen as a less challenging course. The vast majority of our students take Math-7, then proceed to Algebra I in the 8th grade.

Pre-Algebra Seminar. If there is enough interest, a Pre-Algebra Seminar could be offered once a week during lunch or after school. Let the math department know if your 6th grader is interested. During the seminar, students will be provided with a Study Guide for the Arithmetic Test and a Study Guide for the Algebra Readiness Test. While it is not necessary to study for these tests, some students find it useful.