Middle School Mathematics
The Central Bucks School District math curriculum aims for mathematical power in all students. Our courses actively engage learners in this pursuit. We pull from a variety of resources to teach our curriculum which is based on the PA Common Core Standards. We are confident that by fully addressing the standards, our students will be fully prepared and will ultimately be successful on the PSSA, Pennsylvania Keystone Exams, SAT/ACT, and be prepared for college level mathematics classes (whether those classes are taken as AP courses in one of our high schools or in college).
Secondary Math Pathways:
| Pathway Level | Grade 5 | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | Academic Math 5 | Academic Math 6 | Academic Math 7 | Academic Math 8 |
| Accelerated | - | - | Accelerated Math 7 | Accelerated Algebra 1 |
| Honors / Advanced | Advanced Math 5 | Advanced Math 6 | Advanced Algebra 1 | Advanced Geometry |
| Pathway Level | Credit 1 | Credit 2 | Credit 3 | Credit 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | Academic Algebra 1A | Academic Algebra 1B | Academic Geometry | Academic Algebra 2 |
| Accelerated | Accelerated Geometry | Accelerated Algebra 2 | Precalculus / Trigonometry | Calculus 1 |
| Honors / Advanced | Honors Algebra 2 | Honors Precalculus | Honors Precalculus AB / AP Statistics | AP Calculus AB / AP Calculus BC / AP Statistics |
*This chart does not represent all the options. Please talk with your math teacher if you are interested in pursuing an alternative.
Description of the Seventh Grade Courses:
Academic Math 7 - This course is designed for students who are on-track with grade-level content and material. This course will cover all 7th grade standards preparing students for Academic Math 8 in 8th grade. Topics covered will include: proportional relationships, operations involving rational numbers, expressions, equations, & inequalities, geometry, data analysis, and probability.
Accelerated Math 7 - This course is designed for students who are on-track with grade-level content and material and have shown significant mastery in 6th grade content. This course will cover all 7th grade standards and some 8th grade standards, preparing students to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade. Topics covered will include: ratios & proportional reasoning, number systems & operations, equations & inequalities, geometry, slope & linear relationships, real numbers & exponents, data analysis, and probability.
Advanced Algebra 1 (7th grade) – This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the elementary math series (in the Advanced level track). Students in this class are typically two years above grade level in mathematics. Students in this class will take the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam in seventh grade. Topics covered will include: linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables, exponents and polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations, proportions, functions, rational expressions, and data analysis. Problem-solving, application, communication and reasoning are emphasized throughout the course.
Middle School Updates:
| Summary | Change | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Algebra has been renamed | 7th – Pre-Algebra → Academic Math 7 8th – Pre-Algebra → Academic Math 8 |
As part of the curriculum cycle, Pre-Algebra 7 and Pre-Algebra 8 were renamed to align with grade-level standards. Pre-Algebra content is covered in these courses. |
| Accelerated Math 7 is a new course | Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B → Accelerated Math 7, Accelerated Algebra 1 |
Based on specific criteria, some students were recommended for Algebra 1A or Algebra 1 in 7th grade. With realignment, students will have more flexibility and still reach Algebra 1 by 8th grade. |
| Algebra 1 is now called Advanced Algebra 1 in 7th grade | Algebra 1 → Advanced Algebra 1 (7th Grade) | These courses have been renamed. Students will learn Algebra 1 and 7th-grade level standards. |
Elementary to Middle School Placement Criteria
6th Grade Class |
7th Grade Class |
Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
Advanced Math 6 |
Advanced Algebra 1 |
|
|
Advanced Math 6 |
Accelerated Math 7 |
|
|
Academic Math 6 |
Accelerated Math 7 |
Meets 3 or more
|
|
Academic Math 6 |
Academic Math 7 |
Meets less than 3
|
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can I find my current recommendation for 7th grade?
-
This should be listed in the “Backpack” in Infinite Campus. If you are having trouble finding the recommendation, please reach out to the 6th grade math teacher.
Is there a possibility for movement between levels? For example, can my child go from an Accelerated Math 7 course to an Academic Math 7 course or vice versa?
-
This is handled on a case-by-case basis. It needs to be approved by the principal and supervisor.
When will my child take Algebra 1?
-
Students in Accelerated Math 7 will be preparing to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade.
-
Students in Academic Math 7 will be preparing to take Algebra 1 in 9th grade.
What was the process to create the new pathways?
-
In the 2023-24 school year, as part of the curriculum review cycle and to facilitate realignment efforts, a committee comprised of elementary, middle, and high school teachers, special education instructors, math coaches and the math supervisor was established. This team diligently researched and evaluated various middle school math programs ultimately recommending a new program, updated pathways, and an implementation strategy. This plan received approval from the curriculum committee and was ratified by the Board of Directors in the 2023-2024 school year.
What is the rollout plan?
- These changes will be implemented at Tamanend Middle School in the upcoming 2024-25 school year and across all middle schools starting in the 2025-26 school year.