24-25 FAQs: Math Placement
Math placement recommendations will be based on the Spring iReady Math assessment. This assessment has a nationally validated Algebra readiness indicator that will be used. We will also consider the Fall Math SBA, Spring Math SBA, and 6th grade teacher recommendation if available.
All 6th graders take the Spring iReady assessment.
How is my student placed in a Math course at College Place Middle School?
Students' Math course recommendations stem directly from their iReady and Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) math scores. iReady is an assessment and instructional tool utilized by the school district geared to addressing student needs as determined by those assessments.
What are the 7th Grade Math courses?
Math 7 Math 7 is grade-level appropriate for most incoming 7th-grade students. Math 7 has vital concepts that serve as a foundational base for all future math courses, and will cover the core content as outlined by these state standards for 7th grade: ratios and proportional relationships, rational number operations, algebraic expressions and equations, angle measure/surface area/volume, statistics, and probability.
Pre-Algebra(8th-grade standard) Students taking this course will skip over one year of foundational mathematics. Consider this course selection carefully. Students taking this course are expected to continue the year with this choice as our system cannot support complex schedule changes after the school year has begun. Students who take Pre-Algebra as 7th graders will be in a class with 8th-grade students. Pre-Algebra is the bridge from concrete to the abstract study of mathematics. Pre-Algebra students are taught linear equations; systems of equations and functions; properties and relationships in geometric figures; and patterns of association in bivariate data.
Algebra 1(High School level course) - Students taking this course will skip over two years of foundational mathematics. This is a high school credit-bearing course. Students who take Algebra 1 as 7th graders will be in a class with 8th-grade students. This course focuses on generalizing the algorithms of arithmetic to learn how to develop equations and mathematical formulas to simulate real-life problems and solve them through mathematical manipulation. Topics include simplifying expressions, evaluating and solving equations and inequalities, and working extensively with linear, quadratic, exponential, and other functions.
When will my student receive their Math course recommendation as per their iReady scores?
iReady and SBA assessment scores and data are compiled, analyzed, and garner recommendations by end of May 2024 (TBD). Families can expect information regarding their student's scores and Math course recommendations in early June 2024 (TBD).
My 6th grader has their Elective Registration form—do we indicate what Math course on the same form or the same deadline as Electives?
Students will choose their Elective choices much earlier than their Math data and district recommendations will be available. Our district compiles iReady and SBA data and sends recommendations to schools in early June 2024 (TBD). Students will indicate their Elective choices by March 2024 (TBD) for 6th graders and March 2024 (TBD) for 7th graders.
My student received a Math course recommendation I do not wish them to enroll in—what do I do?
Families can opt into a Math course one grade level above where their student was placed. If a student is placed in Math 7 (the grade-level course for 7th graders), families may choose the course one grade level above (Pre-Algebra).
- However, families may not opt into two grade levels above (Algebra) for Math for their 7th-grade course. The recommendation for Algebra is by district invitation ONLY and is cleared by principal Andrea Collins.
My student received a Math course recommendation I do approve—what do I do?
Nothing! Families who approve their student's Math course recommendation can rest easy—the school will register students in their courses as per the district recommendation unless otherwise indicated by family preference.
I would like my student to enroll in a higher-level Math course than the district's recommendation, how do I notify the school?
Once families receive their student's math scores and district recommendation, and the student and family have decided to enroll in a math course one grade level above the recommendation, this can be communicated via phone or email to the main office, or their counselor.
My student currently attends a Choice school (Madrona, Maplewood, the CHALLENGE Program, Edmonds Heights, home- or private schooling) and will enroll at CPM in the fall. How will my student receive a math placement?
All Edmonds School District schools use the same tools for Math assessment. If College Place Middle is not your neighborhood school, a transfer request must be initiated through the district, led by Leslie Anderson. If College Place Middle is your neighborhood school, please notify the registrar at the district office. The schools will communicate and send pertinent records and math assessment scores. Families will be contacted with any questions the school may have regarding placement
Note: Many factors may affect a family's decision regarding math placement including a student’s interest/passion for the subject, a student's desire to accelerate their learning, a student's strong study habits, balancing a student's overall schedule along with after-school commitments, etc. As such, families may ultimately opt to place a student on a more accelerated math pathway or instead, to reinforce critical middle school math skills and opt into a less accelerated pathway than test scores may indicate. Updated: 11. June. 2024