SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH ORANGE & MAPLEWOOD
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Level Placement Criteria
Columbia High School Mathematics
The Mathematics Department provides courses at levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (AP).
Course Entry Criteria for Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5
Level placement in mathematics classes at Columbia High School is contingent on the
student’s performance in the previous developmental mathematics class. Specifically,
students remain in the same level if they have a C, are encouraged to move up if they
have an A, or are recommended to drop a level if their average grade is below C.
Traditionally, there has been the opportunity for level movement across math classes in
the first semester. Many students move up and down based on their performance in
their current mathematics class. Level change is possible if the student maintains an
A average over the marking period, and (s)he demonstrates a willingness to devote the
necessary time to work at a particular level in mathematics.
The process for a level change begins with a teacher, student, or parent request. The
previous and current teachers provide input, which is solely based on the student’s
performance. The math supervisor reviews these recommendations. In every case,
Columbia High School mathematics teachers are very supportive in offering such
opportunities and encourage students to try to raise the bar.
Special programs for high performing honors level math students
Because the possibility of reaching Calculus offers a strong preparation for college, the
District provides multiple options for Honors level students who would are willing to work
and invest the time in an additional course. The following options are currently offered:
1) Students who earn an A- or better in Algebra Honors or Geometry Honors are invited
to attend a Summer Academy in which they will take the next developmental math
course (Geometry Honors or Algebra 2 Honors at no charge. The grade earned for this
120 hour course is averaged into the student’s GPA, as all academic year courses are.
This placed them on track for Calculus as seniors.
2) Freshmen in Algebra Honors, who earn an A- final average, may double up; that is,
they are permitted to take Geometry and Algebra 2 during their sophomore year. This
placed them on track for Calculus as seniors.
3) Any student who earns a final average of A- during any academic year may
take a summer school course at neighboring high schools, at their own expense.
This class is NOT weighted into GPA, but with a grade of B or better, they may
proceed to the next sequential math course.
1
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH ORANGE & MAPLEWOOD
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Level Placement Criteria
Columbia High School Mathematics
Course Entry Criteria for Advanced Placement (Level 6)
The Mathematics Department offers three Advanced Placement courses:
 Advanced Placement Statistics
 Advanced Placement Computer Science
 Advanced Placement Calculus (AB or BC)
The process of identifying candidates for Advanced Placement courses in mathematics
is primarily dependent on successful performance in prerequisite math courses.
AP Statistics
 Prerequisite: B- average or better in Honors Precalculus (course 12-4) or
a C average or better in Advanced Pre-calculus Honors (course 11-5)
 Co-requisite: registered for Precalculus (course 12-4 or 11-5)
 Performance on Statistics Qualifying Test (an objective test, with openended items) administered in late January or early February
AP Computer Science
 Prerequisite: C average or better in Introduction to Java
AP Calculus (AB or BC)
 Prerequisite: B- average or better in Honors Precalculus (course 12-4) or
a C average or better in Advanced Pre-calculus Honors (course 11-5)
Supplemental Mathematics
Student are scheduled for supplemental mathematics in grades 10, 11, and 12 if
they scored in the Partial Proficient range on their NJ ASK-8 scores, NJ ASK-10
scores, and HSPA scores respectively. These classes are in addition to the
student’s developmental mathematics class and do not carry a level designation.
This class is designed to prepare students for the State’s assessment (HSPA).
Successfully passing this test is a graduation requirement in the State of New
Jersey.
2