The Department of Mathematics of the Northport – East Northport UFSD strives to provide a comprehensive mathematics program for all students. Courses and sequences exist to appropriately challenge students of all ability levels. There is also support and academic intervention services (AIS) for students with a demonstrated need. Number sense and computational skills are emphasized throughout Middle School as well as the appropriate integration of technology. All this is combined to nurture the critical thinking and problem solving skills that our 21^st century society demands. A highly qualified and dedicated staff provides quality instruction and seeks to differentiate to meet the various academic needs of our students. All students are adequately prepared for the commensurate State Math Assessments and/or Regents Examinations.

CURRICULUM

Our course offerings are appropriately rigorous and challenging for all students based on their academic abilities and needs. At the Middle Level, most students enroll in our Regents preparatory curriculum that they will complete at the High School. This is a thorough and demanding program that develops and nurtures both computational and problem solving skills required to succeed on the New York State Regents examinations. Students who have difficulty with this program have academic support (AIS) available to assist them. See the flow chart that may clarify course options and the programs they would lead to at the High School.

ADVANCED COURSES

Historically, our selection process for advancement has been very accurate in terms of identifying qualified students. The ultimate goal is for students to complete an AP Calculus course in their senior year. In recent years, we have even broadened the selection of students to be more inclusive. However, we experience nearly a 50% attrition rate in our accelerated program by the time students are twelfth graders. So we strive to identify the students who will benefit fully from advancement. It is most important that students seeking advancement show their best in-class performance possible, starting in September.

There are two levels of advance classes at the Middle Level. Sixth grade students wishing to be considered for advancement must take a placement assessment on January 28, 2010. See the notification letter for important details. This, along with several other criteria (including quarterly math grades, science average, English average and performance on state assessments) constitute the selection process, which begins after the conclusion of the first semester. Approximately 25 – 30% of 6^th graders are placed in Pre-Algebra 7A. This enriches and extends the regular 7^th grade mathematics curriculum and contains demanding pre-algebra and algebra strands. Students who successfully complete Pre-Algebra 7 will be placed in Integrated Algebra 8R and take the Integrated Algebra Regents in June of 8^th grade.

A most select group of 6^th graders (about 5% of the grade) will enroll in Integrated Algebra 7R. This is a highly rigorous and demanding two year acceleration that is suited only for students with the most advanced mathematics skills and problem solving abilities. The course culminates with the Integrated Algebra Regents exam in June of 7^th grade. Students in Integrated Algebra 7R must write a math research paper during the first semester and are encouraged to participate in extra – curricular math activities and teams. Course descriptions and criteria for selection are posted.

APPEAL PROCESS FOR ADMISSION TO ADVANCED CLASSES

Families of students not meeting the criteria for advancement and still wishing their child to accelerate may appeal the placement recommendation. The appeal must be in writing, and submitted to the District Mathematics Chair. The criteria for a successful appeal are:

An average of 95 or high for the 3^rd and 4^th quarters and the Final Exam, with no grade below 90
A score of “4” on the most recent New York State Math Assessment

Students meeting the above criteria will be scheduled for the desired accelerated class.

SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM

This unique and innovative program provides students with supplemental instruction to strengthen their foundations, increasing the likelihood of success in the demanding accelerated classes. There are two bridge classes (Pre-Algebra and Integrated Algebra) available for students seeking advancement. Students who have not met, but are close to, the selection criteria are encouraged to take advantage of this 6-week summer program. You may view the summer bridge course descriptions and criteria for selection. To date, a vast majority of students who have successfully completed the Summer Bridge Program have performed successfully in accelerated classes. The Summer Bridge Program is the most viable means of preparing students, who have not met the preliminary selection requirements, to meet the challenges and be successful in the demanding accelerated program. The summer bridge curriculum for Pre-Algebra and Integrated Algebra are posted.

The administration, teachers and support staff of the East Northport Middle School are committed to providing the optimal educational experience in mathematics for all our students. We hope that the above information is enlightening and helpful and will assist you to work with us to chart the most appropriate path for your child during the crucial – but wonderful – Middle School years.