Starting on January 15, a third math option was opened to seventh grade students, Math 7. Math 7 is a grade-level math class aligned with California State Standards. Previously, all students were placed in Pre-Algebra or Honors Pre-Algebra. Both courses are considered accelerated in that they are two years of program taught in one year.
In an email sent to parents, Director of Lower and Middle School Dr. Zanita Kelly notified families of the new math option. She wrote, “As we talk with families and our teachers, we recognize the need to create more pathways for students of varying math background, preparation, and ability readiness to succeed in our math program both in the short and long term.”
Many seventh graders expressed frustration with their pre-algebra class. The class was too fast paced and didn’t allow them to fully understand each concept. At the beginning of the year, 7th grader Lettie W. was spending hours of her time studying math and feeling overwhelmed by the material. Since joining Math 7, Lettie has found relief. “[Joining Math 7] has given me a lot more time with my family. My parents were sad because I was in my room a lot doing math homework,” she said.
Dr. Kelly has always believed there should be a differently paced math class to promote diversity within the Middle School curriculum. “All students are [automatically] accelerated starting in middle school. I felt [not having more options was] going to be an issue eventually. A lot of kids needed tutoring and extra support to keep up,” said Dr. Kelly…