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Math Placement Information
If you prefer that your student not take the math placement assessment and be placed directly in Math 8 for next year, please complete the opt out form by Tuesday, February 2, 2024.
Kirkwood teachers review all curricular areas regularly to ensure instruction meets the needs of all students and is aligned with Missouri Learning Standards. A review of middle school math courses began in the 2021-22 school year, resulting in two new courses for eighth graders - Math 8 and Algebra I.
Students who are proficient in Math 8 skills will have the option to enroll in Algebra I. An overview of our placement process can be found below:
- Beginning the week of February 20, current seventh graders will take an assessment to determine proficiency in applying Math 8 skills. While there is no expectation to prepare for the assessment, resources are available for students interested in studying (see FAQ).
- Assessment results will be shared with families at the beginning of March.
- Students who show proficiency in applying Math 8 skills can take Algebra I in eighth grade.
- After reviewing test results, students may retake the assessment in April if they choose to do so.
- Students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the February or April assessment but are still interested in taking Algebra I as an eighth grader have the option to take Math 8 virtually in the summer.
- Successful completion of the Math 8 summer course allows students to enroll in Algebra I for 8th grade.
A short informational video about the 8th Grade Math Placement Process can be found here. If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out or to attend the Math Placement Process Open House at KHS in the cafeteria on October 10, from 6:00-7:30.
Use the drop-down arrows below to view answers to a number of possible questions. A graphic showing middle and high school math pathways can also be viewed below.
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Why were changes made to the math curriculum?
Curriculum development in the Kirkwood School District typically takes place about every six years. This ensures the curriculum is up-to-date, aligns with the most current standards, and reflects recent research to support learning. Specific to middle school math, KSD had additional goals for our work to align curriculum and programming across our middle and high schools, ensure Algebra I is available to students for high school credit while in middle school, maintain current opportunities for formal acceleration in math and provide all students with a path toward high-level math coursework in high school.
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What are the Math 8 skills that were used to develop the curriculum and the assessment?
Skills are based on the standards set by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Specifically, we are utilizing the DESE Math 8 Priority Standards.
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Does my student need to study for the assessment?
Students are not expected to prepare for the assessment or to know the Math 8 curriculum. However, for students wishing to prepare for the assessment, the following resources may be helpful:
- Khan Academy 8th Grade Math
- IXL, focusing on 8th Grade Standards (this is available on student devices through Clever)
- Math 8 study sessions during Math Labs will be offered at both middle schools beginning second quarter.
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My student expects to take Calculus before they graduate from high school. Do they need to take Algebra I during 8th grade to be on track?
Students who take Math 8 and have a goal to take Calculus before they graduate from high school have a few options to ensure they meet their goal. This includes choosing to double up on math courses in high school and/or utilize Launch courses during summer to enhance their learning. For example, students taking Algebra I in 9th grade who want to take Calculus as a senior could potentially take both Geometry and Algebra II as a sophomore.
Please note that students interested in doubling up should consult with their math teacher and/or counselor for more information. Doubling up is not the norm, nor is it typically recommended, but it can be an option under the right circumstances.
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How many students do you expect to take Math 8? How many do you expect in Algebra I?
The number or percentage of students in each class will depend on the results of the placement process and/or number of students who opt to take Math 8 Launch over the summer.
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My student is on an accelerated track and is taking Algebra I in 7th grade. How does this affect them?
These students will take Honors Geometry in 8th grade and will not need to take the placement test to assess their comprehension of Math 8 standards.
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Will taking one course or the other affect a student’s college readiness in the future?
Students who take either of these courses in 8th grade will be on track to meet post secondary and/or university and college academic requirements.
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Where can I learn more about math classes offered through Kirkwood High School?
Families wanting to know more about math classes at KHS are encouraged to review the KHS Course Description Guide (page 28). You can also read more about course curricula on our curriculum website.
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Can my student earn high school math credits via virtual coursework?
KHS offers some virtual coursework via the Pioneer eLearning Academy (PeLA), and a number of math courses are available through Launch. That being said, we strongly encourage all students to take math coursework in person, whenever possible. This is especially true during the summer months, when a year-long course may be condensed into eight weeks of intensive learning in June and July. Virtual learning is better suited to the needs of some students than others, and we encourage students to consult with math teachers and/or counselors before enrolling in online coursework.
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If my student takes the Math 8 summer course, will they automatically be able to take Algebra I as an 8th grader?
Students who successfully complete each unit of the summer course will be placed into Algebra I.
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Do students have to pass the assessment in order to place into Algebra I?
Our goal is to make sure that each student is placed in the math course that is appropriate for their current skill level. Students need to demonstrate proficiency of the Math 8 priority standards in order to be placed into Algebra I. Students who do not pass the Math 8 placement assessment may also take Math 8 through Launch this summer.
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How much time were students given to take the assessment?
All students will be given an 85-minute testing window to complete the assessment. Students who receive extended time as an accommodation per their IEP or 504 will be given that opportunity.
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Where did the questions from the Math 8 placement assessment come from?
The assessment questions were created using the district-adopted resource, used to support the delivery of middle school math curriculum, and released 8th-grade MAP questions. All selected questions are directly tied to the Math 8 Missouri priority standards.
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I would like to help my student study to take the assessment. What resources are available?
We recommend that students use IXL, a learning site available to middle school students on their devices through Clever. You can navigate to the Math 8 section of the program or click here. Your student’s math teacher can also help your student find the section.
We strongly encourage students who plan to take the assessment to join our after-school Math Labs beginning second quarter. Students are able to work on IXL lessons with a certified Math teacher who is able to help them as needed.
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When will I receive more information about the Math 8 summer Launch course?
The online Math 8 course will be asynchronous in nature, taught by a certified math teacher. Students will have regular opportunities to connect with the teacher during office hours, asking questions and getting support, as needed. We will share more information about the summer course as it becomes available.