Middle School Math

Middle School Math Curriculum

Common Core Middle School Math Courses

• As we implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M), it is critical that our middle school math courses are strongly aligned to the new standards to prepare our students to be college- and career-ready. The authors of the Common Core (CC) recommend that acceleration in math should be accomplished by compacting content rather than by skipping content. Therefore, students are encouraged to begin middle school in CC 6 and make a decision at the end of 6th grade about which pacing best suits them. Some students may be prepared to skip 6th grade math and begin middle school in CC 7/8, which is explained in further detail on the link below, under "Are you ready for Common Core (CC) 7/8?
  
  
  • Our middle school math courses are based on recommendations in Appendix A of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics The authors of the Common Core recommend that acceleration in math should be accomplished by compacting content rather than by skipping content. As shown here in red, Issaquah School District middle school students may choose between Common Core Grade Level Pacing and Compacted Pacing.
  
  
• Most students will begin middle school in CC 6 and make a decision at the end of 6th grade about which pacing best suits them.
• Some students may be prepared to skip 6th grade math and begin middle school in CC 7/8. See below for more information about this option.
• Families can self-select the most appropriate math pacing for their child. You are strongly encouraged to consider relevant readiness criteria when selecting compacted pacing.
• All students will have the opportunity to study linear functions in middle school. Much of the content central to typical Algebra 1 courses-namely linear equations, inequalities, and functions-is found in CC 8.

Course Descriptions

• CC 6, CC 7, and CC 8 are grade-level courses aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M)
• The CCSS-M are more focused, coherent, and rigorous than our current state standards.
• CC 6, CC 7, and CC 8 will build a strong math foundation for students in middle school.
• CC 7/8 and CC 8/Algebra 1 are for students who choose faster pacing.
• Three years of math standards (CC 7, CC 8, and CC Algebra 1) are compacted into two years of instruction.
• This is accomplished by dividing the 8th grade standards between the two courses.
• CC 7/8 consists of all of CC 7 plus a portion of the 8th grade standards.
• CC 8/Algebra 1 contains the remaining 8th grade standards plus the full content of CC Algebra 1.

Are you ready for Common Core (CC) 7/8?

• If you a current 5th grade student considering skipping Common Core 6 and accelerating to compacted pacing in CC 7/8, click here
• If you are a current CC 6 student considering compacted pacing (CC 7/8 instead of CC 7), click here
• Take the Common Core 6 Math Mastery Assessment to see if you've mastered Common Core 6 concepts and skills
• This online form can help determine your students' recommended course based on Issaquah School District's CC 7/8 Readiness Criteria (the form works for both current 5th grade and current CC 6 students)

What is Exceptional Placement?