Secondary Math Pathways

If you notice your student is needing more support in learning the content of the compacted course, please reach out to the teacher and your student’s counselor as soon as possible.  The teacher and counselor will be able to provide you with the best options for your student.  This may include, but is not limited to, moving your child into CC Math 8 mid-year or repeating Algebra 1 after the completion of Geometry. All of our pathways were created to ensure students had a “off-ramp” if necessary.

All students in Math 7 will be given two assessments to help families determine appropriate placement.  The placement tests will be the third i-Ready and a MARS Assessment.  Based on the scores of these nationally normed assessments, the district will provide a recommended placement for your child.  However, it is only a recommendation and families will make the final decision regarding placement.

Students that have completed Algebra 1 and are in 10th or 11th grade may opt-in to this course.  Students can decide if this course is appropriate for them based on their current success in high school mathematics and their post-secondary goals.

Any student can take any pathway.  All of the pathways offered have rigorous mathematics courses.  Students can opt-in to different pathways based on their postsecondary goals.  Students who are interested in being STEM Majors in college should strongly consider taking advantage of at least one compaction point in order to take AP Calculus AB in high school.  

The pathways have Geometry in 9th grade.  Algebra 1 is not a prerequisite course for Geometry.  Taking Geometry prior to Algebra 1 will give students another year to focus on reasoning, logic, problem solving, and critical thinking before taking Algebra 1.  It also allows for most students to go directly from Algebra 1 into Algebra 2 which will give students a more coherent Algebra learning experience.

No.  Students must complete AP Calculus AB before taking AP Calculus BC.

For the next several years, SCUSD has made a commitment to ensure all teachers have the instructional routines and supplemental resources necessary to teach a wide range of learners in their classrooms.  The Professional Learning plan for 2023-2024 focuses on Math 6 and Geometry Teachers.  In subsequent years, the professional learning plan will focus on Math 7 and Algebra 1 teachers.

SCUSD School Board approved that the pathways will be implemented in 2024-2025.  

Yes.  All high school students have the option of enrolling in Algebra 2 with Precalculus and Trigonometry.  

SCUSD board policy is that students can take up to four outside courses from accredited institutions during high school.  This policy will not be changing.  Students who wish to take outside math classes are still able to do so as long as they have followed all district guidelines including prior approval from their counselor. 

There are a variety of ways to help support your student at home whether you are directly helping them with homework or encouraging them to think more deeply about the material. All SCUSD students have access to an online tutoring service: paper.co. This service has live tutors students can access 24/7. The Desmos Curriculum - currently being implemented in Math 6 and Math 7 - has family resources for every unit. One of the simplest, yet most effective ways, to support your student at home is to have your students explain a problem they completed in class to you. When they are done, you can ask follow-up questions like "What would happen if this number changed to ___," "What does this word mean?" "What questions do you need to ask your teacher tomorrow?"

The STEM program will continue to cohort their students in math classes and take advantage of both the middle school and high school compaction points. 

Course-alike teams from across the District are working to determine essential standards that are aligned to the CA Math Framework, CAASPP, and vertically aligned to the next course. Common assessments are also being refined to evaluate students' understanding of the essential standards and ensure teachers have time to provide timely instructional support as needed. Math 6, Geometry, Algebra 1 with Math 8, and Honors Algebra 2 with Precalc/Trig have a finalized list of essential standards and accompanying common assessments. All other courses will have a finalized list of essential standards with common assessments by May of 2025.