In keeping with the National Council of Mathematics Guidelines, all students are taught to use calculators. In the fall of 1995, the students began to use calculators for designated portions of their standardized tests.

The normal progression of math places the emphasis on the multiplication tables in the third grade. The primary thrust of fourth grade math is Long Division, as well as two and three digit multiplication. The four operations of fractions are in the fifth grade and the conceptualization of decimals is taught in the sixth grade.

Since there is only one class, the classes are heterogeneous through the sixth grade.

Students must satisfy the following criteria necessary to qualify for Pre-Algebra in the 7 th Grade:

• 93% or better final average in Math 6
• 90 th percentile or better in Math Composite on 7 th grade standardized testing
• Comparable 4 th and 5 th Grade standardized test scores and class grades.
• Teacher recommendation
• All Pre-Algebra students must maintain an average of 85% or higher to remain in this course. If, at the end of the first quarter, a student has less than the required 85% average, and is inconsistent in homework, s/he will be automatically placed in Math

Students must satisfy the following criteria to be place in Algebra I:  

• Math Composite standardized test score

National Percentile: 90 or above

• Class grade in Math : 90 or above
• Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test results: 80 or above

(Recommended time of testing – May of seventh grade year)

• Teacher evaluation/recommendation

(Because the Algebra I course incorporates numerous word problems that students need to solve, a teacher’s recommendation should take into consideration the reading comprehension standardized test score when making a final decision for placement in Algebra I.)

A student who does not meet this criterion must receive a favorable teacher recommendation to be considered for placement in Algebra I.

Prior to entering Algebra I as an eighth grader, the student will have mastered all Diocesan Mathematics Curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through pre-algebra .

Students who participate in summer programs for Algebra I are not guaranteed placement in Algebra I.

The students who have completed Algebra in the eighth grade, are given placement tests by their chosen high schools prior to receiving credit for Algebra and then can be placed in Geometry as freshmen with the understanding that they complete Calculus in high school. The grade received in Algebra I is then calculated in the Grade Point Average at that High School as a course completed . This math division splits the classes for science. There is NO difference in the science curriculum between the two classes. While one group is in science; the other is in math.

The Principal and the Math teacher have final discretion on the placement of all seventh and eighth grade math students.

 Students must satisfy the following criteria to place in Algebra I:

Math Composite standardized test score

National Percentile: 90 or above

Class grade in Math : 90 or above

Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test results: 80 or above

(Recommended time of testing – May of seventh grade year)

Teacher evaluation/recommendation

(Because the Algebra I course incorporates numerous word problems that students need to solve, a teacher’s recommendation should take into consideration the reading comprehension standardized test score when making a final decision for placement in Algebra I.)

A student who does not meet this criterion must receive a favorable teacher recommendation to be considered for placement in Algebra I.

Prior to entering Algebra I as an eighth grader, the student will have mastered all Diocesan Mathematics

Curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through pre-algebra.