Math Placement for Gunn and Palo Alto High Schools (2008-09)
Eighth grade math teachers will place students into their 9th grade math course. The placement will be based on achievement in their current course, with an emphasis on test performance. This form offers an opportunity for parents to provide input to their childŐs math teacher. Listed below are the five 9th grade math courses offered at each high school. Also included is a short description of the type of students who have the best chance of success in that course.
Algebra 1.1: This course is for students who are having difficulty in 8th grade Intro to Algebra and need another year of general math before beginning Algebra 1.
Algebra 1: This course is for students who find that the pace of 8th grade Intro to Algebra is right
for them. These students typically get BŐs or CŐs on tests in 8th grade Intro to Algebra.
Algebra 1A: This course is for students currently taking 8th grade Algebra who consistently score B-Ős or below on tests. This course is also for 8th grade Intro to Algebra students who have excelled on tests and taken advantage of extension opportunities.
Algebra 1A/Geometry A: This course is for students in 8th grade Algebra who consistently score BŐs on tests or who are not interested in the accelerated pace and expectations of Geometry/Algebra 2A.
Geometry/Algebra 2A: This course is for students who consistently score AŐs on their 8th grade Algebra tests and show readiness for a faster paced course.
Placing students into their ninth grade math course is a collaborative effort involving yourself, your child and your childŐs current math teacher. The goal is to place students into a math class where they can succeed and be appropriately challenged. Recommendations may be revised for students who show significant improvement during the remainder of the second semester. The high school will be notified of any change before the end of the school year.
Parents will be notified of their childŐs placement at the end of the third quarter.