Mathematics Acceleration Frequently Asked Questions

The following set of questions represents frequently asked questions about mathematics acceleration in the Upper Merion Area School District. If you have any questions that are not answered here, 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.

Q1: My child is bored in math and scores really high on every test. How come they didn’t qualify for accelerated math?

A1: The math acceleration criteria uses a variety of scores and feedback to determine if a student meets the criteria to accelerate. A student’s grades alone will not qualify them to accelerate in math.

The math acceleration opportunity coming out of 4^th grade represents a 2-year jump in mathematics. The student will be skipping 5^th grade math and will enter a path where they will be taking AP Calculus during their 11^th grade school year.

This acceleration is for students who love math, ask to do math at home, and would like to have a high school experience centered on Math and Science. If your child tends to enjoy more activities that are not math related, the 1-year accelerated math path that starts in 8^th grade is the best place for your child.

Q2: Will this be the only time my child can accelerate in math class?

A2: No. There are three opportunities to accelerate in mathematics in our school district. A student can accelerate in math in 5^th grade, 6^th grade, and 7^th grade. If a student accelerates coming out of 5^th or 6^th grade, they join the students who were previously identified to accelerate in math.

Q3: I want my child to have the opportunity to take Calculus in high school. Can they take Calculus if they don’t accelerate in math in 5^th, 6^th, or 7^th grade?

A3: Yes. A student who accelerates in the 1-year path in 8^th grade by taking Algebra 1 will be able to take Calculus during their 12^th grade year of high school. They do not need to accelerate earlier than 8^th grade if you would like for them to take Calculus in high school.

Q4: Is there a fixed number of students identified for accelerated math each year? That is, can only a certain number of students be identified each year?

A4: No. The number of students each year who are identified to accelerate is never capped. If a student meets the criteria to accelerate they are offered the opportunity to accelerate. In the past, there have been numbers ranging from 15 students to 35 students who were identified to accelerate.

Q5: Because the accelerated math students skip the math class in the grade level, will they be in a classroom with students who are a year older in school?

A5: No. Students in accelerated math class will always be in a class that is all of the same grade level. For example, a 5^th grade accelerated math student will take 6^th grade math in a class of only 5^th grade students. There will not be any 6^th grade students in the 5^th grade accelerated math class. As a result, the class sizes for accelerated math classes can be smaller or larger than the grade level math class.

Q6: If a student is in an accelerated math class, will their English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science classes be accelerated as well?

A6: No. All of our English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science classes are on-grade level and include a mix of all students. Only the math classes have on-grade level or accelerated classes.

Q7: If I appeal the decision, will the appeal be automatically granted to have my child in accelerated math class?

A7: No. The appeal process includes looking at additional scores, talking with your child’s math teacher, and determining the best path for your child. At the end of the appeal a student may be accelerated or may stay on-grade level in math.

Q8: My child is gifted and has a GIEP with a math goal, does this mean they automatically accelerate in math starting in 5^th grade?

A8: No. If your child is gifted it does not automatically qualify them for accelerated math. They must meet the criteria for math acceleration to qualify.