High School Algebra 1 for Middle GradesBelow please find important information for both elementary and high schools on how the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) delivers and supports algebra for middle grade students district-wide. The Department of Mathematics has taken the lead on this work, connecting with teachers, principals, and partners from local universities to develop an initiative and policy that will offer a quality program to well-prepared CPS middle grade students.
Currently, 12% of entering CPS freshmen have taken algebra. Nationally, the rate is 34%. In order for CPS to maintain over the next few years the rate of improvement that the district has recently experienced, we must work to close this gap. Algebra I for middle grade students enhances the opportunities for students to take advanced placement mathematics courses in high school. The goal of these new supports, and the accompanying board policy, is to increase the number of middle grade students enrolling in middle grades algebra, and do so in a way that both ensures rigor and eases the transition to high school. What does this mean?
Completing a rigorous HS Algebra I for Middle Grades Students course will enable your child to enroll in advanced mathematics courses such as AP Calculus or AP Statistics, as a senior in high school. Studies indicate that enrolling in advanced mathematics classes in high school increases the likelihood of success in college.
Students enrolled in HS Algebra I for Middle Grades Students are expected to:
Students who successfully complete the course with a grade of “B” or better and who pass the citywide end-of-year algebra examination will have the opportunity to enroll in Geometry or another advanced mathematics course in high school. Our course will be offered for high school credit (If the student takes the course in a high school setting and the student meets the policy requirements: semester grades of B or higher and earn a Pass or High pass on the Algebra Exit Exam. Our course will be offered for high school placement, enabling students to begin their high school careers in Geometry or another advanced high school mathematics course. (If the student takes the course in an elementary school setting and the student meets the policy requirements: semester grades of B or higher and earn a Pass or High pass on the Algebra Exit Exam. REMOTE LEARNING & ALGEBRA UPDATE SY 20-21 Good Morning! Welcome back! We are excited for this upcoming school year and wanted to just give a couple updates about Middle Grades Algebra. Given that schools will be functioning remotely through the first quarter, we wanted to reach out with some clarification about what that will mean for Middle Grades Algebra. Schools that applied to offer Algebra should follow the guidance provided below:
The amendment to the policy that took place for SY19-20 was a one year amendment, which means that schools who are offering Algebra should plan to administer the Algebra Exit Exam at the end of the year. |