Fourth Credit Courses
Dr. Linda Griffith
Dr. Bill Nielsen
Thomas Coy
Anthony Owen
Smart Core and Core Graduation Paths
Core Graduation Math Requirements
•4 Units
– One (1) unit of Algebra or equivalent [Algebra A&B]
– One (1) unit of Geometry or equivalent [Geometry A&B]
– All math units must build on the base of algebra and
geometry knowledge and skills.
– Comparable concurrent credit courses may be substituted
where applicable.
http://www.arkansased.org/public/userfiles/Legal/Legal-Current%20Rules/ade_282_standards_0709_current.pdf
NOTICE: Changes in the Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery)
Scholarship requirements mandate that students graduating in 2014 and
beyond must graduate under Smart Core.
Smart Core and Core Graduation Paths
Smart Core Graduation Math Requirements
• 4 Units [at least one unit must be gained in either 11th or 12th grade]
– Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II must all be completed*
– One unit above and beyond Algebra II
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Advanced Topics and Modeling in Mathematics
Algebra III
Calculus
Linear Systems and Statistics
Mathematical Applications and Algorithms
Pre-Calculus
College Board AP Math Courses**
International Baccalaureate Courses**
Concurrent Math Courses
http://www.arkansased.org/public/userfiles/Legal/Legal-Current%20Rules/ade_282_standards_0709_current.pdf
Common Core State Standards
for Mathematics (CCSSM)
• Accessing the Common Core State Standards:
www.corestandards.org
• While there are other sites out there that are
related to the CCSS, www.corestandards.org is
the official site.
Fourth Credit Courses
• How to read the Fourth Credit Course
Documents
– Content is categorized by 3 different groupings or
“grain sizes”
• Student Learning Expectations – define what students
should understand and be able to do.
• Content Standards – are groups of related standards.
• Strands – larger groups of related standards.
Fourth Credit Courses
• These Curriculum Framework Documents
– Committee Developed
– Connected to the CCSSM where appropriate
– Contain an educator glossary
– May not explicitly list the 8 Standards for
Mathematical Practice, but in all Arkansas math
classes teachers are expected to facilitate student
development of these essential habits of mind.
Fourth Credit Courses
Arkansas Strand and Content Standard
Arkansas Student Learning Expectation (SLE)
SLE as influenced by the CCSSM
CCSSM Connection
Advanced Topics and Modeling in Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks Document 2012
Fourth Credit Courses
Fourth Credit Courses
Fourth Credit Courses
SmartCore and the Academic
Challenge Scholarship
• Students should be reminded of eligibility
changes for the Arkansas Academic Challenge
(Lottery) Scholarship, which require students
graduating in 2014 and beyond to graduate
under Smart Core.
• http://www.adhe.edu/divisions/financialaid/P
ages/fa_acs.aspx
Fourth Credit Courses
• Reminders:
– Most have a pre-requisite of Algebra I (or its
equivalent), Geometry (or its equivalent) and
Algebra II
• Linear Systems and Statistics has a pre-requisite of
Algebra I and Algebra II
Fourth Credit Courses
• Reminders:
– All of these fourth credit courses count as a fourth
credit beyond Algebra II for the purposes of
SmartCore
– Not a requirement under the Core Graduation
pathway, but schools need to help students and
parents make informed decisions that are in the
best interest of the student.
Fourth Credit Courses
• Approved Courses:
– Advanced Topics and Modeling in Mathematics
– Algebra III
– Calculus
– Linear Systems and Statistics
– Mathematical Applications and Algorithms
– Pre-Calculus
Fourth Credit Courses
• Course in progress:
– We have been developing a course as a group
effort between multiple states and the Southern
Regional Educational Board.
– This course was designed for students who have
successfully completed Algebra II but have not
made the requisite cut score to avoid college
remediation.
Fourth Credit Courses
• Course in progress:
– It was field tested in Arkansas and four other states
over the Spring 2013 semester.
– Will be available for schools that go through the
requisite training.
– Arkansas is sending a team of trainers to Charlotte in
July.
– ADE will provide additional information as it becomes
available.
Fourth Credit Courses
• Location of documents:
http://www.arkansased.org/divisions/learning
-services/curriculum-andinstruction/frameworks/curriculum_categorie
s/math
(http://tinyurl.com/9z5ejnt)
Only courses labeled with (CCSS 2013-2014) will
be valid high school math course offerings
Anthony Owen
anthony.owen@arkansas.gov
501-682-7816