Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, the majority of 6th graders have been scheduled for a course titled 6th Grade Math. Sixth Grade Math incorporates most of the content and pacing of the past 6th grade accelerated course and will allow students to take part in a class that more closely aligns with identified curricular goals.

Sixth grade math concepts for 2021-22 include:

• Number Sense
• Decimal Operations
• Number Patterns and Fractions
• Integers
• Expressions and Equations
• Ratios and Proportions
• Percents
• Measurement and Area
• Geometric Figures
• Data and Statistics

 
Why is District 47 making this change?
In keeping with District 47’s mission of Empowering All Students: Learners Today - Leaders Tomorrow, one of the main objectives in combining the previous regular math course with the accelerated math course is to ensure all students have a solid foundation in mathematics so they can participate in higher level mathematics in the future. In addition, research shows that all students benefit from engaging in rigorous tasks related to critical thinking and learning in a collaborative, diverse environment.

Who was involved in making this decision?
During the 2020-2021 school year, a committee of middle school teachers and administrators met regularly to review and assess middle school math curriculum and to study current research on effective teaching practices. The committee will continue to meet this school year to review and evaluate all math courses.

How will the district meet the needs of diverse learners in one math class?
Differentiated activities and instruction with flexible group strategies will be incorporated in the classroom to support all learners. In addition, students will be able to receive math intervention and enrichment during XLT as needed. After school clubs, such as 10th inning and homework club, also offer students an opportunity for academic support.

How will this decision impact 7th and 8th grade math courses?
The next two school years (2022-2024) will see a phase-in of a similar math structure for 7th and 8th grades, respectively, in order to best meet our students’ needs. The middle school math committee has identified that providing a pathway for more students to access algebra content is a priority. However, algebra content is a broad spectrum of learning outcomes and we intend to continue to review data and student needs to make determinations about specific course offerings in 8th grade prior to the 2023-2024 school year.

Will the district still offer an Extended Curriculum math class?
Yes. Students are identified for 6th Grade Extended Curriculum math by their home elementary school and families are notified via letter. As in the past, placement in Extended Curriculum math is reviewed each school year.

Sixth grade Extended Curriculum/pre-algebra math concepts for 2021-22 include:

• Variables/Expressions
• Solving Equations
• Multi-Step Equations
• Factors/Fractions/Exponents
• Rational Numbers
• Ratio/Proportion/Probability
• Percents
• Linear Functions
• Real Numbers/Right Triangles
• Area/Volume
• Transformations

Questions about the District 47 math program can be directed to Carolyn Stadlman, Director of Math, Science and STEM, at ckstadlman@d47.org