Eligibility For Fifth and Sixth Grade Accelerated Math

Students qualifying for the Carroll ISD Accelerated Math program must demostrate execptional skill in both mathematic ability and achievement through standardized test scores and grades. These students must truly love math and desire to challenge themselves academically through enrollment in future advanced math courses.

The qualifying criteria for the Accelerated Math program is rigorous. Although high achievement is critical for sucess, it alone will not prepare students for two years of math acceleration and advanced courses at the middle and high school level. It is also necessary to identify those students who have both the cognitive capabilities and work ethic that will be essential for success in advanced math courses.

Placement

1. Fourth grade students who score at or above the 90th percentile on both the Terra Nova Achievement Test and InView Abilities Test will be considered for the fifth grade Accelerated Math program.

Please note, the publisher for the achievement and abilities tests, CTB/McGraw Hill, identifies students who score in the 95th percentile or higher on these measures as "gifted mathematics students." Carroll ISD has chosen to include students who score at or above the 90th percentile to minimize the potential for confounding variables impacting student performance.

2. A scoring matrix will be developed for all students who meet the initial qualifications. The scoring matrix assigns point values from 0-5 for levels of performance in five components. The components include the Terra Nova and InView percentile scores, TAKS commended performance in mathematics, a student's mathematics average at the end of the fifth six weeks, and the number of core classes, other than mathematics, for which the student has maintained an average of 90 or above. The maximum number of available points for the matrix is 23. A student must obtain a total matrix score equal to or greater than 20 points in order to qualify for the Accelerated Mathematics program in grade five.

3. The Accelerated Mathematics program is fast-paced and designed to prepare exceptionally skilled math students for placement into Algebra I their seventh grade year. Participation in the fifth and sixth grade accelerated courses ensures that students on this track have exposure to all of 5-8 grade TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) prior to taking the Honors Algebra I course.

4. Students placed in the Accelerated Mathematics program must maintain an average of 90 or above to remain in the course. This expectation is particularly important in preparation for the middle school program where the minimum grade expectation increases to 85 for both Pre-Algebra and Algebra I.