Math Acceleration

In the Upper Merion Area School District we are proud to offer acceleration in mathematics in 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade. Each year we use a process specific for each grade level to identify students to accelerate in mathematics. This gives students four chances at acceleration starting in 4^th grade. Each year a student has the opportunity to accelerate in mathematics.

There are multiple paths a student may take in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade in mathematics. 

• On-Grade Level
  • By 8^th grade, this is the recommended path for 40% - 50% of students.
  • Students take the grade level math course each year.
  • A path intended for students who enjoy math and would like a balanced experience between the humanities, mathematics, and sciences in high school.
  • Students take a two-year Algebra 1 course starting in 8^th grade and completing Algebra 1 in 9^th grade. 
• 1-year accelerated path
  • This path is available for students entering 8^th grade.
  • By 8^th grade, this is the recommended path for 40% - 50% of students.
  • A rigorous path intended for students who would like the opportunity to take Calculus in 12^th grade.
  • Students on this path will take Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2 during their 9^th grade year.
  • Algebra 1 in 8^th grade is an accelerated math course in our district.
• 2-year accelerated path
  • This path is available for students entering 5^th grade, 6^th grade, and 7^th grade.
  • By 7^th grade, this is the recommended path for 5% - 15% of an entire class of students.
  • An extremely rigorous path intended for students who would like a math and science heavy focus for high school.
  • Students on this path will take Pre-Calculus during their 10^th grade year and AP Calculus during their 11^th grade year.
  • Students skip 5^th grade math and take 6^th grade math as a 5^th grade student. 
  • If a student doesn’t qualify for this path at the end of 4^th grade, there are opportunities to qualify for math acceleration at the end of 5^th grade, and 6^th grade.

Please see the visual diagram of the different paths a student may take over the next few years. There are three opportunities to accelerate into the 2-year accelerated path: (1) Entering 5^th grade, (2) entering 6^th grade, and (3) entering 7^th grade. The 1-year accelerated path is offered after 7^th grade when a student is entering 8^th grade. 

Math Acceleration Decision Process

 The Math Acceleration process at each grade level includes multiple data points to ensure a student has the right opportunity for mathematics. The data includes school year assessments, course grades, PSSA Math test scores, NWEA MAP test scores, and PVAAS probability scores. Multiple options are given for students to meet the criteria to accelerate.

An appeals process is in place for any parent/guardian/caregiver who disagrees with the math acceleration decision. This appeals process uses additional data, information from the student's math teacher, and information from the parent/guardian/caregiver. After the information is collected a decision whether to grant the appeal is made.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Sean Gardiner directly at sgardiner@umasd.org. All math acceleration decisions are handled through the Curriculum & Instruction office and not by individual teachers or building principals.

We also have a Frequently Asked Questions website that will answer many of your questions about acceleration in mathematics. Click here to visit that page directly.

Accelerated Paths

 

 

 

 Websites for More Information about Grade Specific Acceleration

• 4th to 5th Grade: Click Here
• 5th to 6th Grade: Click Here
• 6th to 7th Grade: Click Here
• 7th to 8th Grade: Click Here
• Math Acceleration Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here