DHEMS is proud to have multiple math courses at each grade level and pathways that ensure each student can receive well-rounded and rigorous mathematics instruction. The curricula of our mathematics courses are based on Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards in Mathematics, which can be found here. While each course covers the grade-level standards and anchors defined by the Department of Education, some courses extend beyond the grade-level standards, such as courses designed to culminate with students taking the Keystone Algebra exam. In general, these courses are faster-paced, cover concepts beyond the grade-level standards, and have a greater expectation for independent work outside of the school day. We must utilize a data-driven process to ensure each student is in a course that is developmentally appropriate while offering adequate academic challenges.
Upon the completion of 5th grade, we utilize multiple sources of data to determine each student’s placement in our 6th-grade mathematics courses. Our mathematics team uses a rubric-based scoring system that includes students’ performance on classroom-based assessments, STAR math assessments, and a middle school algebra readiness exam. As PSSA scores are generally not released until later in the summer, they are not used in initial placement decisions; however, scores can be used as supplemental data as needed. Using multiple data sources ensures that no single assessment determines a student’s mathematics placement. We understand that students can have an off-day, and our data-driven process applies a student’s entire year’s work to ensure they are in the course at an appropriate level of rigor based on their instructional level.
Our mathematics curriculum at DHEMS is progressive, and students moving into 7th and 8th grade will typically move to the next course in their pathway. These pathways ensure that students continue to build on their mathematical knowledge and skills as they advance in grade. Similar to when students enter DHEMS as 6th graders, data (including classroom-based assessments, STAR scores, placement exam scores, and PSSA scores) is reviewed at each grade level to ensure the pathway remains appropriate. Additionally, a similar rubric-based scoring system is used to determine placement for certain mathematics courses in 8th grade, with the addition of a teacher evaluation of a student’s work habits. On rare occasions, students may ‘venture off’ their mathematics pathway; however, these instances are extremely limited. Moving outside of the expected progression can lead to students missing core content, and is essentially like skipping chapters of a novel. Just as high school and college mathematics courses have prerequisites, so too do the courses in each defined middle school pathway.
One common misconception is that students who are not in a course that extends beyond grade-level standards are in a “low” math class. It is important to emphasize that there is no “low” math class taught at DHEMS. All courses, at minimum, cover the core competencies within the PA Core Mathematics Standards. These standards are extremely rigorous and designed to push students further than any previous mathematics standards. Each of our mathematics pathways prepares students for multiple mathematics course options throughout high school. To summarize, no math course at DHEMS is ‘low’ or not rigorous in nature; all of our courses fully prepare students for success and choice within the high school mathematics curriculum.
We are confident in our data-driven approach to mathematics placements. In contrast to many districts in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, we do not base placement solely on state testing scores or teacher recommendations. This ensures that mathematical placement is based on students' demonstrated mathematical ability. We want all of our students to be appropriately challenged and prepared to apply the foundational skills learned in our courses in future classes, careers, and independent living, and our process ensures that students have the opportunity to do so.
Course descriptions coming soon!
Sample assessment items for each course coming soon!