Math in the Middle School

Dear Grade 6 Families,

 

As you may already remember, after an extensive and ongoing conversation about content and pedagogy, the Math Department made some changes in the program last year in order to enrich our math offerings and provide expanded opportunities for all students. We did this in two ways: through the creation of the Math Center and appointment of two math specialists to work with students in Grades 5 and 6, and through the creation of an accelerated math course in Grade 7.

 

Our current (more classical) two-year algebra program prepares students in seventh and eightth grade for 9th grade geometry and eventually calculus in twelfth grade. This year we have also been pleased to offer an accelerated seventh grade math class that is a faster paced introduction to algebra covering the full scope of algebra in a single year. This course prepares students to take geometry in eighth grade, advanced algebra in ninth, precalculus in tenth, calculus in eleventh, and multivariable calculus in twelfth grade.

 

As your children get ready for seventh grade, you may ask, “For which students is this accelerated course appropriate?” Students who learn quickly and would benefit from a faster pace will find this course appealing. Students in this course should find math fun, interesting, and easy. They should derive enjoyment from the process of problem solving simply for the sake of it. Candidates for the course will be identified by the math department and the Head of Middle School based on their previous performance in and appetite for math, their ability to absorb new concepts with speed and ease, and their overall preparedness to independently manage a fast-paced, more demanding academic class in the context of their overall course load. 

 

If you feel that your child might be interested in participating in this program, you may wish to let your child’s homeroom or math teacher know before the end of April, but it is certainly not a requirement. Your child may also enjoy math, but not wish to take the class at a faster pace. That is perfectly fine. The department and Head of Middle School will complete course placements by mid-June and you will be notified at the end of the school year when you receive your child’s final report.

 

We will continue examining the math program at Friends Seminary. In line with the School’s emerging strategic plan, we will be looking at our curriculum and our frameworks for teaching math with the goal of providing the best math experience possible for students with a wide variety of learning styles. We will also be looking for ways to provide additional opportunities for students seeking to engage further with math, including possible clubs, competitions, and through the Math Center. A Friends math education should not just provide math proficiency, but we hope it will also inspire, empower, and excite students to use math in the world around them.

 

Sincerely,