Starting a Discussion:
Algebra in 8th Grade under CCSS
Urban District Leadership Network
May 22, 2013
Katey Arrington
Kathi Cook
© 2012
Algebra in 8th Grade under CCSS
Discussion Agenda
1. Process: How might you start thinking about how to design
an Algebra course for 8th graders?
1. Purpose: Why do 8th graders need Algebra? How do we let
the purpose guide decision making?
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Algebra in 8th Grade under CCSS
Dana Center Thinking
• We have clearly defined the scope of the HS Algebra
course.
• We do expect students in Algebra in 8th grade to meet the
same standards as a HS Algebra course.
Assumptions: Many standards from 8th grade connect well
with standards from Algebra 1. Starting with the Algebra
sequenced units, we can identify if 8th grade standards are
well matched with Algebra standards, and make suggestions
for which might be included in the sequenced units for Algebra
1 or which could be matched with 7th grade standards.
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Quick Activity
Clusters to think about integrating…
Achievement First: 8.NS.A
Hillsborough: 8.G.B
Baltimore City: 8.EE.A
Long Beach: 8.SP.A
Boston:8.EE.B
Los Angeles: 8.NS.A
Charlotte-Meck:8.EE.C
Memphis City: 8.EE.A
Chicago: 8.F.A
Newark: 8.EE.B
Denver: 8.F.B
Pittsburgh: 8.F.A
DC: 8.G.A
Prince George’s: 8.G.B
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Routes to Algebra I in 8th grade
Compacting and decision points
Grade 6 plus
Grade 7
Grade 7 plus
Grade 8
Algebra I
Grade 7 plus
Grade 8
Grade 8 plus
Algebra I
Decision point
Grade 6
Decision point
Decision point
Grade 7
Grade 6
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Grade 8 plus
Algebra I
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Algebra in 8th Grade
What is the purpose?
Why do you offer Algebra in 8th grade?
Are there ways to reach calculus in HS without starting with
algebra in 8th grade?
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Routes to Calculus in the senior year
Doubling up in high school
Algebra I
Grade
8
Algebra II
Precalculus
Calculus
Geometry
Decision point
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Routes to Calculus in the senior year
Re-envisioning the first three years of high school
Decision point
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade
10
Grade 11
Calculus
Grade 9 = Rest of Algebra I plus?
Grade 10 = Geometry plus?
Grade 11 = Rest of Algebra II plus?
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Other questions to consider…
…to ensure that you meet the needs of all your students
What is the plan for students to access the pathway to
calculus along the way—will you have multiple entry
points/decision points, or only one?
What is the plan for students that do Algebra in 8th grade and
experience burnout before reaching calculus?
Are there paths for HS students that get to college creditbearing courses other than calculus?
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UDLN TEAM PLANNING TIME
ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 3:00 – 5:00 PM
AUDUBON BALLROOM
Boston, Chicago, Charlotte-Mecklenburg,
Denver, Prince George’s County, Memphis
SANDHILL CRANE
DCPS, Long Beach, Los Angeles
SNOWY EGRET
Hillsborough County, Baltimore,
Achievement First, Pittsburgh, Newark
© 2012