Algebra I Course Added to Middle School Curriculum

Algebra I will be added to the curriculum for eighth graders, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Christine Burton announced at the Board of Education meeting Monday.

The class will be a CPA level course and will be implemented into the middle school course load for the 2014-2015 school year.

“Having Algebra I in eighth grade will allow for students to reach Calculus without doubling up courses by senior year,” Burton said during a curriculum presentation at the meeting. “This is a significant enhancement to our programs.”

Burton stated the course will be available to students “who are ready” and will open opportunities for students in both math and science at the high school.

Burton also stated that implementing this program at grade eight follows the Common Core standards.

“Common Core standards addresses a pathway that enables students to have level one algebra by grade eight,” Burton said in her presentation.

There are currently 66 students in CPA Calculus, according to Burton, and the district is expecting between 60 to 75 students to be ready to take Algebra I in the Fall.

The curriculum for Algebra I will be written over the summer, along with any other new courses across all grade levels, according to the presentation.

Board member Eric Siegel asked Burton at the meeting how the students will be chosen to take the course and who will make that decision.

Burton stated that depends on the “readiness” of each student.

Burton further stated that there will be expectations for the students who take the course and it will be shared with parents when the curriculum for the course is written and put in place.

The district has added 23 new courses to the high school, four new courses at the middle school level and three courses at the elementary school level over the past three years, according to Burton’s presentation.