Mathematics

Differentiated math instruction K-8 strikes a balance between skill development and mastery of major math concepts through real-world application experiences. We strive to balance computation and conceptual understanding through learning experiences using the Standards for Mathematical Practices to build capacity for mathematical thinking. Professional learning opportunities for teachers focus on how to design lessons that allow students to appreciate and apply mathematical knowledge and skills to their daily lives, careers, and future educational plans.

The eight Standards for Mathematical Practice are:

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
4. Model with mathematics
5. Use appropriate tools strategically
6. Attend to precision
7. Look for and make use of structure
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

6th through 8th grade students have access to multiple common core aligned pathways. These pathways provide two different classes in grade 6 (CC6 and CC6/7) and three distinct classes in grade 7 and grade 8.

• The CC6 class is a rigorous course that covers one year's worth of standards within the school year. Depending on course performance and other objective measures, students will likely move into either CC7 or CC7/8 in grade 7, but all have the opportunity to meet the criteria for placement in Algebra CC8.
• The CC6/7 course provides two years of standards in the 6th grade year and will lead to Algebra CC8 in 7th Grade and Geometry Honors in 8th grade, assuming a solid course performance throughout grade 6. This is a fast-paced course for students who excel well beyond their peers in mathematics.

There are options for movement among the pathways in junior high school for students who are struggling beyond the norm or those who are able to demonstrate mastery of class content and perform well on other objective measures. LASD is committed to meeting the individual needs of students and believes that the appropriate math course has a balance of support and challenge for independent success.

For details regarding the math placement protocol for 6-8 grade students, see here.