February 2020
Secondary Math Updates
New Courses: Algebra 1 and Algebra 1A
Incoming freshmen will have a choice between taking Algebra 1 and Algebra 1A. Algebra 1A allows students to spend more time learning Algebra since the course is spread out over two years. Students taking Algebra 1A as 9th graders will then take Algebra 1B as 10th graders. They will earn two math credits on this pathway. They will not take the AIR test until the year they take Algebra 1B. Note that NCAA only recognizes a two-year course as one credit.
Factors for deciding between Algebra 1 and Algebra 1A:
- AIR/OST scores
- MAP data
- Grades
- Attendance
- EVAAS projections
- Recommendation of teacher/guidance counselor/administrator
- Parent / student wishes
No single factor outweighs the others. All of these details need to be taken into consideration as a whole. That last point is very important: what course does the student want to take? If the answer is Algebra 1, he or she should be enrolled in that course.
One great thing about the Algebra 1A/1B option: students can still take courses in summer school or Credit Flex to advance. They can also take more than one math class in a school year. This will allow students on the Algebra 1A/1B pathway to still reach Math 4 courses.
Integrated Math II / Geometry
Integrated Math III and Algebra 2 are considered the same subject by ODE, so we can change the name of that course at any time.
New Courses: Math 4 Options
- Precalculus
- Financial Literacy Math
- ODE Modeling and Reasoning Pilot course (select schools)
- Other subjects offered at each building (CCP, Stats Through Social Justice, etc.)
We are piloting two options for Financial Literacy Math. Below is the course description:
Areas of study taught in Financial Literacy Math include sources of income, budgeting, banking, consumer credit, credit laws and rights, personal bankruptcy, insurance, spending, taxes, investment strategies, savings accounts, mutual funds and the stock market, buying a vehicle, and living independently. This is a Math 4 course.
Textbook Adoption / RFP
The official Request For Proposal (RFP) has been posted on the CCS website. In addition to the materials that we are piloting, other publishers can submit proposals as well.
New Curriculum Documents
- Scope and Sequence
- CCS Clear Learning Targets
- ODE Model Curriculum with Instructional Supports
- AIR Blueprints
Our Clear Learning Targets will contain:
- Key vocabulary terms
- "I Can" statements
- Links to supplemental resources
- Textbook information
- AIR test specs (middle school through Algebra 1)
This process will run through the rest of the school year as we need to choose a textbook company before finalizing the documents.
AIR Test: Math I or Algebra 1?
ODE applied for a waiver to allow Integrated Math I to count in place of Algebra 1. This was back in October. There has been little movement on this issue to this point.
Our current 9th graders will not be taking the Algebra 1 test this year. They have not had all of the content yet. It is unclear as to whether or not they will take the Integrated Math I test this year. If it does not count (since students are required to pass an Algebra 1 test), there is no point in making thousands of students take the Integrated Math I test. However, if the waiver goes through, Integrated Math I would count. So it may be better to test them just in case.
We know it's frustrating. ODE has been contacted and other Integrated districts have been consulted. Most integrated districts plan to have their students take the Integrated Math I test "just in case". More info will follow as we learn more.
If our current 9th graders are required to take an Algebra 1 test, that test will be given next year after they have had a change to learn all of the Algebra 1 content.
Then, we still have to figure out if the state will require a Geometry test. Federal guidelines may require it even if the state does not. Again, stay tuned for more info!
Census
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/activities/math.html
Did you do a great lesson? Let us know!
Splitting Courses into Semesters
Our courses are being renamed as we add Algebra 1 this year, Geometry next year, etc. But you will notice names like "Algebra 1 (X)" for first semester and "Algebra 1 (Y)" for second semester. Again, each course is still a full-year course for one credit.
MS Summer School
Teachers will be Boarded to design the activities as teams. We encourage teachers holding any certification to apply (coming soon!).
HS Summer School
Department Chairs/Liaisons
MS Curriculum Liaisons
4:00pm - 6:00pm
March 17, 2020
May 19, 2020
We will schedule a make up meeting sometime in April. Stay tuned.
HS Department Chairs
3:30pm-5:30pm
February 5, 2020
March 4, 2020
April 1, 2020
May 6, 2020
MS Accelerated Math
There are no more parent nights scheduled for the MS Accelerated Math program. However, students and parents can view a video of one of the parent nights on our website. They can also view all of the relevant documents on the website.
Identified students are encouraged to work in the Math 7 ALEKS account and try the online practice test in Edulastic. Teachers can recommend students to try out for the program by filling out a form on the website.
Website: http://www.ccsoh.us/accmath
Office of Teaching and Learning
Secondary Math Specialist
Email: shiner@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: http://www.ccsoh.us/mathematics
Location: 3700 South High Street, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: (380)-997-0469