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History of Advanced Math Program
Prior to 2020, the advanced math program had a long history of success. Parents were eager to get students into this desirable math pathway.  The double accelerated program in elementary was taught over two years during 5th and 6th grade, not just in the 6th grade. This offered numerous benefits.
 

  • The selection process errors could be corrected in the second year so that students were accurately placed before the 9th grade Regents curriculum began in 7th grade.
     

  • Material for grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 could be taught over two full years.  There was an opportunity to accelerate instruction of all material; no content skipping necessary


The selection process was based on three objective criteria only.

  • Monthly unit tests (during 4th grade) 

  • Final (end of 4th grade and termed MIF Final for Math In Focus Final)

  • Inview test (similar to the CogAT and termed CSI for Cognitive Skills Index)


Information from these criteria was compiled according to a formula to calculate a composite score for each student.  All students participated in the process and were assessed on each criteria. The scores derived fro this process were readily shared on a no-names basis so that parents and students could understand their child's placement decision.  Students who were not selected for advanced math, but who scored highly, were offered an 8 week enrichment program taught by secondary school math teachers.

 

The composite score was weighted toward taught content and toward data points throughout the year.  Unit tests (which represented ~10 tests) were given 60% weight, the final was given 20% weight and the Inview test was given 20% weight.  Click here to see a presentation from 2016 that describes the advanced math program. , the fi
 

Rationale for Advanced Math Program Changes
During 2020, the administrators decided that the monthly unit tests had become "too stressful" for 4th graders who were concerned about performance on each exam and how it would impact their advanced math admission potential.  Administrators claimed that the data showed that it was too early to advance students at that age.  They asked that the advanced math program in elementary be eliminated.  This would allow students to differentiate starting in grade 7 only, where there is more flexibility in the middle school.  (This is also easier for administrators.) To avoid student stress, they argued that the evaluation of monthly unit tests should be replaced by teacher ratings on the belief that "teachers know" which students are likely to succeed long term.

Parents were against eliminating the advanced math program.  A compromise was reached.

Compromise Reached Reached
Advanced math would be reduced to one year in grade 6.
No afterschool enrichment for those who "just missed."
New selection criteria eliminated unit tests and incorporated teacher ratings and a work sample.

The full rationale and proposed program and selection process is described here.

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