Middle School and Junior High Math

In District 39, students are supported in their study of mathematics in many different ways. In every math class, teachers follow the district model of differentiation to meet the needs of each student. In order to provide the best possible instruction in mathematics for our students, HMS and WJHS offer several different classes that vary in pacing as well as the content taught. Below is a description of the math progression for grades 5-8.

Grade Five

All 5th grade students are taught math by one of the math teachers in their "House." Some math classes are co-taught with a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS). 5th grade math teachers use assessments, class assignments, and observations to plan lessons that target students’ learning needs at that grade level. For example, teachers may occasionally group students within a unit of study for a short period of time and regroup as needed. Teachers follow the Curriculum Map for fifth grade math when planning for and differentiating instruction.

All 5th grade math teachers collaborate with the 5th Grade Math Support Teacher (MST) who supports teachers in planning for instruction to ensure that students are supported and challenged appropriately. The math specialist may also work with a group of students to support or enrich learning.

Grade Six

Similar to 5th grade, 6th grade students are generally taught math by the math teacher in their "House." Some math classes are co-taught with a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS). 6th grade math teachers use assessments, class assignments, and observations to plan lessons that target students’ learning needs at that grade level. For example, teachers may occasionally group students within a unit of study for a short period of time and regroup as needed. Teachers follow the Curriculum Map for sixth grade math when planning for and differentiating instruction.

6th grade math teachers collaborate with the 6th Grade Advanced Math Teacher to collaborate on planning for instruction that is differentiated and ensure students are supported and challenged appropriately within the classroom.

Grade Six - Advanced

Advanced 6th grade math is a fast-paced, full year course taught by the advanced math teacher. Teachers follow the Curriculum Map for sixth grade math when planning for and differentiating instruction, and due to the faster pace, address some 7th grade standards.

Initial placement considerations for this course are determined by review/discussion of student performance data on three assessments:

  • CogAT (quantitative and nonverbal scores)
  • 5th grade MAP Assessment - Fall, Winter, Spring scores
  • 5th grade District Diagnostic Assessment (Spring)

Additional placement considerations for this course include:

  • 6th grade math performance in the fall
  • 6th grade team discussion: Adv. Math and Classroom Math teacher with Grade Level Administrator
Grade Seven (Pre-Algebra)

Most 7th grade students are taught math by the math teacher on their Team, and the curriculum is focused on Pre-Algebra concepts. Some math classes are co-taught with a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS). 7th grade math teachers use assessments, class assignments, and observations to plan lessons that target students’ learning needs at that grade level. Teachers follow the Curriculum Map for seventh grade math when planning for and differentiating instruction.

Grade Seven (Pre-Algebra) - Advanced

Advanced 7th grade math is a faster paced course that follows the Curriculum Map for seventh grade math. Students are expected to dive more deeply into mathematical concepts in Pre-Algebra during this class, and engage in their learning at a higher level.

Placement is based on a student's success in Advanced 6th Grade Math. Some students may be placed into this class at the start of their 7th grade year.

Grade Seven New Trier Math (Algebra) - Accelerated

The Seventh Grade New Trier Township Math program is a fast-paced, inquiry based Algebra I class. Teachers follow the Curriculum Map for Algebra I at New Trier.

In the spring of sixth grade, all sixth graders are given the opportunity to qualify for New Trier Township program. Placement is based on a student's performance on multiple assessments given by New Trier. This class historically has taken place at the New Trier Northfield campus, but is subject to change in future years.

Grade Eight (Explorations in Algebra)

This class focuses on 8th grade math standards along with a number of key algebraic concepts including linear functions, systems of equations and exponents. This course allows students to develop their understanding of these foundational concepts which are essential for success in Algebra I freshman year.

Grade Eight (Algebra)

This class focuses on all of the key Algebra I concepts including linear, exponential and quadratic functions, along with a unit on statistics. This class follows the Curriculum Map for eighth grade Algebra. In this class there is a combination of guided instruction and independent work focused on abstract thinking. Students successfully completing Algebra I move to Geometry freshman year.

Grade Eight (Algebra) - Advanced

Advanced 8th grade Algebra is a faster paced course that follows the Curriculum Map for eighth grade Algebra. In this course, students construct concepts through investigation, with a focus on application of concepts.

Placement is based on a student's success in Advanced 7th Grade Math. Some students may be placed into this class at the start of their 8th grade year.

Students successfully completing Advanced Algebra move to Geometry freshman year.

In the spring of sixth grade, all sixth graders are given the opportunity to qualify for New Trier Township program. Placement is based on a student's performance on multiple assessments given by New Trier. This class historically has taken place at the New Trier Northfield campus, but is subject to change in future years.

Grade Eight New Trier Math (Geometry) - Accelerated

The Eighth Grade New Trier Township Math program is a fast-paced, inquiry based Geometry class. Teachers follow the Curriculum Map for Geometry at New Trier.

Students must have successfully completed Algebra I as a 7th grader to be eligible for this class. This class historically has taken place at the New Trier Northfield campus, but is subject to change in future years.

D39 math pathway

 

8-12 math pathway