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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.
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