MIDDLE SCHOOL

PROGRAM
MATHEMATICS
DE S MOI NE S P UB L I C S CHOOL S
Think. Learn. Grow. Think. Learn. Grow.
The appropriate placement in mathematics that balances
success and challenge is critical as your child enters
middle school in Des Moines Public Schools.
Te adoption of the Iowa Common Core Mathematics Standards ofers a
more focused approach replacing the spiraled curriculum of the early and
mid-2000s. In shifting to this new approach, it is essential to compact the
curriculum without skipping foundational and abstract mathematics. Te
success of all students is very important to us and therefore, we have carefully
developed criteria for student placement in our districts math courses.
Course Descriptions Grade 6
6th Grade Math Tis course focuses on the following areas in
mathematics:
connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and
division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems
completing understanding of division of fractions and extending
the notion of numbers to the system of rational numbers, which
includes negative numbers
writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations
developing understanding of statistical thinking.
Tis positions the students to take 7th Grade Math in
7th grade, 8th Grade Math in 8th grade, and Algebra I in
9th grade.
Accelerated Math I Tis course will compact the sixth grade
curriculum and about half of the seventh grade curriculum. Tis
course focuses on the following areas in mathematics:
connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and
division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems
completing understanding of division of fractions and extending
the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which
includes negative numbers
developing understanding of operations with rational numbers
developing understanding of and applying proportional
relationships
writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations
developing understanding of statistical thinking.
Tis positions the students to take Accelerated Math II in
7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade.
Des Moines Public Schools is committed to a
secondary mathematics curriculum that not
only prepares every graduate adequately for the
next stage of their lives but also provides
opportunities commensurate to even unlimited
learning potentials.
The district has achieved an extraordinary record of
achievement among both students and teachers. For
example, math teams from Central Academy annually reap
many titles and awards at state, regional and national
competitions. And seven DMPS math teachers have received
the prestigious Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and
Science Teaching (PAEMST) since 1995.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christi Donald, Secondary Math Coordinator
515-242-7875 | christi.donald@dmschools.org
secondarymath.dmschools.org
Three high school math credits are required for graduation. Both options provide for a sequence that includes Geometry and Algebra II.
The accelerated courses position students to take one or more of the advanced level courses that are available as listed in the high school pathway diagram below:
SECONDARY MATHEMATICS COURSE PATHWAY
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH CONTENT
Additional Math Courses available
exclusively at Central Campus and
Central Academy:
IB Mathematical Studies Standard Level
IB Mathematics Higher Level, Standard Level
Level
Rad Acc Gem/Alg II A
Rad Acc Alg II A
Rad Acc Alg II B
Rad Acc PreCalc A
Rad Acc PreCalc B
ELEMENTARY
MATH CONTENT
(5TH)
ACCELERATED
MATH 1
All of 6th Grade Math &
half of 7th Grade Math
ALGEBRA II GEOMETRY ALGEBRA I
ALGEBRA I
Required Optional (confers Math credit) Elective (not Math credit)
PreCalculus
or
College PreCalculus
AP Statistics
or
College Statistics
Power Algebra
Algebra & Geometry
Foundations
College Calculus
AP Calculus AB
or
AP Calculus BC
Linear Alg Diff Equations
HIGH SCHOOL MATH CONTENT
ACCELERATED
MATH I1
Half of 7th Grade Math &
all of 8th Grade Math
6TH GRADE
MATH
7TH GRADE
MATH
8TH GRADE
MATH
Meeting 3 out of 5 requirements below
qualifies for the accelerated courses:
4th Grade IA Assessment Standard Score > 214
5th Grade IA Assessment Standard Score > 228
SMI Score > 790
DMPS 5th Grade Math Assessment > 85%
Teacher Recommendation
Success Criteria:
Proficient or grade > B
in Accelerated Math I