Math Acceleration Opportunities in Middle School

Dear District 65 Middle School Parents/Caregivers,

I hope your school year has started off well. As students dig into their learning this fall, I want to let you know about District 65’s opportunities for math acceleration.

Our system is unique. It is a product of years of collaborative work focused on empowering students, empowering families, and ensuring that every child has access to high levels of learning.

Because our system is likely different from what you might have experienced growing up or even what you may have experienced just a few years ago, it is important to me that we are proactive and communicative about the opportunities available to your child.

How does District 65 accelerate my student’s math education?

Many districts create various tracks for math, using testing to place different children into different classes. In District 65, math acceleration is provided to every student and without any need for additional testing.

Every middle school student takes four years of math curriculum in three years, in alignment with recommendations for acceleration from the Common Core State Standards and the highly respected authors of Illustrative Math. Additionally, we use a variety of resources to challenge each student appropriately every day during their personalized learning time, or “What I Need (WIN) Time.”

We have seen the negative impacts of high-stakes testing and academic labeling in the past. Our present system, however, provides choice and agency, allowing the level and type of acceleration that best suits each student. Our goal is to provide challenge while also cultivating emotional health and a sense of identity as a mathematician.

What does this mean for high school?

Students who successfully complete D65’s middle school math curriculum are eligible to take Geometry Pathway to Honors as an ETHS freshman, leading to AP Calculus as a senior. Students who do not complete the pathway successfully will continue to take Algebra as a freshman.

What if my student needs more acceleration?

For some students, completing even more math learning before freshman year may be appropriate. Students can take high school geometry through independent coursework during middle school or through a summer course at ETHS. For approximately 1% of students, above-level placement may best fit their needs; for this, a review process is required. Both of these options are described in further detail at the acceleration page linked below.

For more information about all forms of acceleration in District 65, including a list of FAQs, please visit district65.net/acceleration. And save the date for our October 23 Acceleration Night!

To get a further sense of what our math program is all about, I’d also encourage you to check out our Joy in Learning video.

Even more information and resources can be found at district65.net/math.

Best,

David Wartowski (he/him)
Director of Math