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Middle School Math Pathway Update (Feb 7, 2025)

Middle School Mathematics Pathway Update

The goal of FCUSD is to ensure that all students have a strong mathematical foundation while providing opportunities for those ready for acceleration in advanced courses. After reviewing our current practices, we are refining our model to create consistency between middle and high school programs.

This new model continues to provide clear acceleration options for our middle school students while ensuring they develop strong mathematical skills. Integrated Math I and II align with high school expectations, making the transition from middle to high school much smoother for students.

In addition, students entering high school will have opportunities to accelerate their studies through a variety of methods including course challenges, Dual Enrollment, or Concurrent Enrollment with a Folsom Lake Community College.

We are confident these refinements will continue to provide challenging, rigorous learning opportunities for our middle school students.

Course Pathways:

Beginning in the Spring of 2025, 5th-grade students who meet the criteria of a Level 4 on the 23-24 CAASPP Mathematics Assessment and a Level 4 on the 24-25 Renaissance Star Math Fall or Winter administration will have the option to take a placement test which will determine their initial middle school mathematics course.

Incoming 6th graders will be placed in a course based on proficiency in grade level standards as indicated below:

Course 1

(6th Grade Standards)

Ready for grade level standards. 
Course 2

(7th Grade Standards)

Demonstrated mastery of 6th grade standards and readiness for 7th grade standards on the placement test.
Course 3

(8th Grade Standards)

Demonstrated mastery of 7th grade standards and readiness for 8th grade standards on the placement test.
   
   
   

These pathways ensure:

  • Students are learning content suited to their needs and readiness without skipping material or rushing through the curriculum.

  • Students develop a deep mathematical foundation​​.

  • Students who are ready and able to complete an accelerated path have the opportunity to complete Integrated Math II as 8th graders and Calculus BC by 12th grade.

  • Consistency with the acceleration model at the high school level.

    • Integrated Math I and II are consistent with the high school courses allowing a positive transition to those programs.

 
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Pathway 1
Course 1 Course 2 Course 3
Pathway 2
Course 2 Course 3 Integrated Math 1
Pathway 3
Course 3 Integrated Math 1 Integrated Math 2

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: When will this new mathematics model be implemented?
A: The new placement test and acceleration model will be implemented starting with current 5th-grade students.
 
Q: If a 5th-grade student does not meet the criteria for the placement test, what course will they take?
A: 5th-grade students who do not meet the criteria for the placement test will take Course 1 (6th-grade standards) as their 6th-grade math course.
 
Q: When will the placement test be given to 5th-grade students?
A: The test will be administered prior to Spring Break. Exact times/dates will be coordinated at each Elementary site and communicated to their families in the next few weeks.
 
Q: Will there be any changes for current middle school students?
A: For the 2025-26 year, all current middle school students will continue on their current pathway. Students currently in Course 1 Honors will take Course 2 Honors next year. Students currently in Course 2 Honors will take Integrated Math 1 next year. In the 2026-27 school year and moving forward, Course 1 and Course 2 Honors classes will sunset, replaced with the accelerated pathway program mirroring high school pathways.
 
Q: Why are there no Honors courses in mathematics?
A: The honors courses at the middle school have been an option for an accelerated pathway. The new accelerated pathway model continues to provide the option for advanced coursework/acceleration while prioritizing the depth of understanding necessary for long-term success. Additionally, Integrated Math I and II are consistent with the high school courses allowing a positive transition to those programs.
 
Q: Will my student be able to challenge courses moving with this change?
A: Challenge tests will not be offered for middle school courses, but upon entering high school students have additional opportunities to further their mathematical studies by challenging courses, and/or taking Dual Enrollment or Concurrent courses through the community college.
 
Q: Will middle school students be able to challenge courses at the end of 6th and 7th grade?
A: Challenge tests will not be offered for middle school courses, but upon entering high school students have additional opportunities to further their mathematical studies by challenging courses, and/or taking Dual Enrollment or Concurrent courses through the community college.