Algebra Readiness FAQ

5th grade students who are identified and participate in highly capable math programming during the current school year and all 6th and 7th grade students enrolled in their general math classes are screened for Algebra Readiness to determine if acceleration into Algebra coursework is appropriate for next year.

We utilize a file review by a committee of district staff and teachers to screen for Algebra Readiness. This committee reviews compiled data including previous Smarter Balance testing, student math grades, i-Ready fall and winter results, and any additional relevant data.

Students that meet some, but not all, criteria for Algebra Readiness are further reviewed by a committee of administrators, teachers, and math specialists who look at additional academic data to determine readiness.

Families are notified of the results through Synergy regardless of Algebra Readiness determination.

The school receives this information and the student is automatically enrolled in Algebra for the following school year.  If you decide that you do NOT want them placed in Algebra, please contact your middle school’s registrar.  While the data review shows an intellectual aptitude for Algebra, there may be some gaps in content which need to be filled in order for your student to be successful next year and in their future math classes. If you do not wish to have your child enrolled in algebra next year, we recommend that they enroll into Challenge Math 7th. This means that they would take Algebra the following year and will have built a stronger pre-Algebra foundation.

This review is used to identify students who may be ready for acceleration into Algebra next year. Most 5th-7th grade students are not expected to be ready for Algebra, yet. This does not mean that they are behind. They will continue on their current math trajectory.

If desired, there is the option of taking an NSD summer accelerated math that would allow placement into Algebra next year.  Here is the web site:

https://go.nsd.org/summermath 

Current 6th graders and Hi-Cap 5th graders who take Accelerated Challenge 7 Math and current 7th graders who take Accelerated 8th Grade Math will be prepared to enroll in Algebra 1 next school year.

Alternatively, your student may enroll in a Math 7 and/or Math 8 summer school course through another provider. The course should focus on pre-algebra skills and concepts that prepare students for Algebra 1.

Our desire is to work with you and provide tools and resources to support acceleration into Algebra.

While your child shows skills demonstrating Algebra Readiness, your student may have limited exposure to some pre-algebra concepts taught in Math 7 and Math 8. Many students who demonstrate Algebra Readiness choose to develop their pre-algebra skills by doing one of the following prior to their enrollment in Algebra:

• Your student may enroll in the 7th Challenge Math summer school course through Northshore School District. This summer school course focuses on the skills and concepts students should master to be successful in Algebra. Details for NSD summer school enrollment can be found at go.nsd.org/summermath.
• Your student may enroll in a Math 7 and/or Math 8 summer school course through another provider. The course should focus on pre-algebra skills and concepts that prepare students for Algebra 1. 
• Your student may complete the Get Ready for Algebra 1 course (go.nsd.org/khanalgready) on Khan Academy. This free online course focuses on the skills and concepts students need to be successful in Algebra 1. Students who need additional support may also wish to complete the Math 7 course (go.nsd.org/khanmath7) and/or Math 8 course (go.nsd.org/khanmath8).

The Mathematics: Focus By Grade Level documents at achievethecore.org provide information about the learning standards and expectations for each grade level.

To be successful in Algebra 1, NSD teachers identified critical skills for students. Students can use this Algebra Readiness Self-Assessment to assess their current skill level and can access online resources in the Algebra Readiness Skills & Resources.

Many middle schools provide additional support for students identified as Algebra Ready. Please contact your student’s middle school for more information.