2021 MATH PLACEMENT
April 6, 2021
To: Milpitas Unified School District Families,
Re: Math Placement Procedures and Acceleration Opportunities.
Dear Milpitas Families,
The Milpitas Unified School District values math acceleration opportunities for all students. Similarly, the district places great emphasis on the developmental and social emotional well being of our students.
As such, Milpitas math teachers, site and district leaders, work together yearly to review the district’s placement procedures to ensure we provide students opportunity to accelerate at a developmentally appropriate pace.
Math Placement Rubric
Each spring Milpitas students in 6th-11th grade are provided acceleration opportunities in math. Acceleration opportunities are guided by the math placement rubric. The rubric takes into consideration multiple measures/metrics in identifying students who show an aptitude for accelerated placement. The rubrics differ slightly between the grade levels, with all rubrics including a diagnostic readiness test. The 6th-8th grade math rubrics also include a performance task, as well as an intra-year iReady or MAP scores. Please visit the math placement rubrics page for specific metrics used at each grade level.
Mathematics Diagnostic Tests
Incoming 7th and 8th grade students (current 6th and 7th graders) will take a diagnostic test during the month of May each year. Parents and students will have an opportunity to opt. out of said test. A parent opt out letter is available from your local school or by downloading the student opt-out letter. Letters should be turned into the student’s classroom teacher prior to the diagnostic test administration.
Incoming 9th-12th grade students (current 8th-11th graders) will have the opportunity to take MDTP diagnostic tests at the end of summer just prior to the beginning of the new school year. Interested students should fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form. Sign ups begin in May 2021. Only students who wish to be considered for acceleration need sign up to take the diagnostic test. Specific testing dates are July 28th, 29th and 30th. Testing locations and times will be sent to students over the summer. It is undecided if the MDTP will be held in person or remotely. This decision is pending the state/county guidelines at the time of the test.
Yearly Acceleration Opportunities
Math acceleration opportunities occur yearly. Students who perform well on the rubrics, will be given the option to enter into the next highest math class at the start of their subsequent school year. As an example, should a 6th grade student perform well on the rubric, including the diagnostic test, they will be given the option to start their 7th grade school year in Math 8. Please see the math acceleration pathway diagram for a year by year pathway progression.
Yearly Parameters
Students can only accelerate one level of math per year. Students may not accelerate over two math levels in any given calendar year. As an example, a 6th grade student placed into Math 8 at the beginning of their 7th grade year, will not be considered for any higher level of math regardless if that student took summer classes between their 6th and 7th grade years in the hopes of accelerating past Math 8.
*Special Note for current Integrated Math I Students
REQUIRED: Students currently enrolled in Math I, who wish to skip over Math II and enroll in Math III in the Fall, must be enrolled in a Math II or Geometry class over the summer. The required Math II/Geometry class may be taken through any accredited program, college, or university. This is due to UC/CUS requiring Math II/Geometry seat time for their admission. Students will not be allowed to participate in the MDTP Math III Readiness Test without taking a summer Math II or Geometry class.
MUSD and SJCC Partnership: Summer Math Jam Course Opportunities
San Jose Community College Milpitas Extension and Milpitas Unified School District have partnered to offer Milpitas students free summer opportunities to further their mathematics education. The SJCC Math Jam “specialized joint classes” will be taught by credentialed community college professors. While these classes are not required, they have been designed to specifically prepare students for the MDTP diagnostic testing within the MUSD mathematics pathway.
SJCC Math Jam for Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3
Dates: June 14th – July 22th (Monday-Thursday, no classes on Friday)
Times per Math Level:
(Students enrolled in Math 2 or Math 3 will only attend the morning or the afternoon class, not both)
To: Milpitas Unified School District Families,
Re: Math Placement Procedures and Acceleration Opportunities.
Dear Milpitas Families,
The Milpitas Unified School District values math acceleration opportunities for all students. Similarly, the district places great emphasis on the developmental and social emotional well being of our students.
As such, Milpitas math teachers, site and district leaders, work together yearly to review the district’s placement procedures to ensure we provide students opportunity to accelerate at a developmentally appropriate pace.
Math Placement Rubric
Each spring Milpitas students in 6th-11th grade are provided acceleration opportunities in math. Acceleration opportunities are guided by the math placement rubric. The rubric takes into consideration multiple measures/metrics in identifying students who show an aptitude for accelerated placement. The rubrics differ slightly between the grade levels, with all rubrics including a diagnostic readiness test. The 6th-8th grade math rubrics also include a performance task, as well as an intra-year iReady or MAP scores. Please visit the math placement rubrics page for specific metrics used at each grade level.
Mathematics Diagnostic Tests
Incoming 7th and 8th grade students (current 6th and 7th graders) will take a diagnostic test during the month of May each year. Parents and students will have an opportunity to opt. out of said test. A parent opt out letter is available from your local school or by downloading the student opt-out letter. Letters should be turned into the student’s classroom teacher prior to the diagnostic test administration.
Incoming 9th-12th grade students (current 8th-11th graders) will have the opportunity to take MDTP diagnostic tests at the end of summer just prior to the beginning of the new school year. Interested students should fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form. Sign ups begin in May 2021. Only students who wish to be considered for acceleration need sign up to take the diagnostic test. Specific testing dates are July 28th, 29th and 30th. Testing locations and times will be sent to students over the summer. It is undecided if the MDTP will be held in person or remotely. This decision is pending the state/county guidelines at the time of the test.
Yearly Acceleration Opportunities
Math acceleration opportunities occur yearly. Students who perform well on the rubrics, will be given the option to enter into the next highest math class at the start of their subsequent school year. As an example, should a 6th grade student perform well on the rubric, including the diagnostic test, they will be given the option to start their 7th grade school year in Math 8. Please see the math acceleration pathway diagram for a year by year pathway progression.
Yearly Parameters
Students can only accelerate one level of math per year. Students may not accelerate over two math levels in any given calendar year. As an example, a 6th grade student placed into Math 8 at the beginning of their 7th grade year, will not be considered for any higher level of math regardless if that student took summer classes between their 6th and 7th grade years in the hopes of accelerating past Math 8.
*Special Note for current Integrated Math I Students
REQUIRED: Students currently enrolled in Math I, who wish to skip over Math II and enroll in Math III in the Fall, must be enrolled in a Math II or Geometry class over the summer. The required Math II/Geometry class may be taken through any accredited program, college, or university. This is due to UC/CUS requiring Math II/Geometry seat time for their admission. Students will not be allowed to participate in the MDTP Math III Readiness Test without taking a summer Math II or Geometry class.
MUSD and SJCC Partnership: Summer Math Jam Course Opportunities
San Jose Community College Milpitas Extension and Milpitas Unified School District have partnered to offer Milpitas students free summer opportunities to further their mathematics education. The SJCC Math Jam “specialized joint classes” will be taught by credentialed community college professors. While these classes are not required, they have been designed to specifically prepare students for the MDTP diagnostic testing within the MUSD mathematics pathway.
SJCC Math Jam for Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3
Dates: June 14th – July 22th (Monday-Thursday, no classes on Friday)
Times per Math Level:
(Students enrolled in Math 2 or Math 3 will only attend the morning or the afternoon class, not both)
|
Math 1: 10:00am – 11:50am (1.5 hours for lunch/breaks)
Math 2: Morning Class 10:00am – 11:50am (1.5 hours for lunch/breaks) Math 2: Afternoon Class 1:00pm – 2:50pm (1.5 hours for lunch/breaks) Math 3: Morning Class 10:00am – 11:50am (1.5 hours for lunch/breaks) Math 3: Afternoon Class 1:00pm – 2:50pm (1.5 hours for lunch/breaks) |
Where: Zoom
High School Credit: The course will go on the high school transcript but it will not have any units attached to it
College Credit: Zero Units
High School Credit: The course will go on the high school transcript but it will not have any units attached to it
College Credit: Zero Units
MUSD Jam SJCC Course Summer Sequence
Understanding the Summer Sequence
for "Math Jam" Joint MUSD/SJCC Ext. Classes
Column |
Sequence |
Notes |
Timeline |
Column 1 |
Represents the students current math level. |
Current year math placement. |
Current Academic School Year |
Column 2 |
Students fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form to sign up for Late July 2021 MDTP Diagnostic Testing. |
This will occur in May, during the students current math class. |
May 2021 |
Column 3 |
Students interested in taking Math Jam through SJCC Milpitas Extension will need to wait for an email from Michael Castro/Amanda Gross with the pre-filled R40 form. *pending class availability |
This registration process is only for students interested in taking the Math Jam through SJCC Milpitas Extension during the summer. Please review steps 2-6 below carefully. *pending class availability |
Early June 2021 |
Column 4 |
Indicates the Math Jam SJCC Milpitas Extension course opportunity to take during the summer prior to the late July MDTP Diagnostic Test. *pending class availability |
The Math Jam SJCC Milpitas Extension course runs from June 14 - July 22. Courses will be on Zoom. *pending class availability |
Mid June 2021 |
Column 5 |
Refers to the appropriate, corresponding diagnostic given to students at MHS during late July prior to the new school year. |
Students will receive e-mail correspondence over the summer with the dates, times, and locations of diagnostic tests in late July of 2021. |
Mid July 2021 for the Late July 2021 Test |
Column 6 |
Indicates the possible math placement pending student outcomes. |
Placement is determined per appropriate math rubric. |
Early August 2021 |
Math Jam SJCC Ext. Course Registration Procedure
For all Current and Incoming MHS Students
*Again, this procedure is dependent on course availability.
*Again, this procedure is dependent on course availability.
STEP ONE: Students will complete the Math Diagnostic Intent Form.
STEP TWO: Students will need to apply to SJCC.
STEP TWO: Students will need to apply to SJCC.
- Watch this video on how to apply to SJCC
- Apply to SJCC through this link.
- This is a 10-15 minute application process for the college (not the class) and requires an email address and a social security number.
- This is the process to get your 7 Character SJCC Student ID#
- Please note, some of the questions seem odd, please answer them as best you can
- One of those questions is needing to pick a major/course of study. There are math options available, you can pick one of them.
- Another question is about being a resident of Milpitas. Please answer yes to this question. It is really looking at people who might be from out of state.
- This is a 10-15 minute application process for the college (not the class) and requires an email address and a social security number.
- An SJCC Student ID# will be emailed to students in 24-28 hours after completion of SJCC registration
- SJCC Student ID # is 7 characters long
- The R40 process for Math Jam is different than is stated in both the registration guide and the video. Ms. Gross will send a list of students from the Intent Form to Mr. Castro who will be putting the student info regarding the type of class into the R40 form prior to it being sent to students. Please do not fill out any other R40 form!!!
- Active SJCC summer students (MHS students with an SJCC Student ID#) will will receive a unique link for DocuSign R40 form
- Note: once a student has received the unique R40 link, students will put their own parent info
- R40 form starts with the student. Once the student signs, it is the digitally sent to the parents.
- Ms. Gross will sign the R40 form as both the counselor and administrator/principal
- When all R40 forms for MHS students are completed, SJCC will batch register students into the appropriate Math Jam classes
- For the Math Jam Courses, do not contact SJCC or MHS for further information.
- If needed, contact Amanda Gross @ agross@musd.org or at (408) 635-2800 x4121
Current Math III Students
Current Integrated Math III Students:
- Your procedure from signing up to take Math 21 at SJCC Extension this summer is different than the Math Jam. Math 21 will be offered as part of SJCC Ext. online course offerings. Please see their SJCC Registration Guide for more details. Students will need to apply to SJCC to enroll in the class. Please watch this then apply here.
- Please direct Math 21 SJCC registration and R40 questions to:
|
Alternative Summer Math Class Opportunities
Math 1 - Summer Course Options
Math 2 - Summer Course Options
Math 3 - Summer Course Options
Math 1 - Summer Course Options
Math 2 - Summer Course Options
Math 3 - Summer Course Options
MUSD Math Pathways Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the math acceleration rubric?
A: All students are assessed according to specific grade level rubrics. All rubrics contain a math diagnostic test as one of the metrics used to determine math placement.
Q: How do I sign my student up for the diagnostic test?
A: All incoming middle school students, current 6th and 7th grade students, will automatically be afforded the opportunity to accelerate in May. All incoming high school students, current 8th-11th grade students, will fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form indicating the appropriate diagnostic test they will take in Late July or August pending the yearly MHS administration window. Classroom teachers will also share the intent form with students.
Q: How do I opt out of the math diagnostic test?
A: All incoming middle school students can opt out by completing the student opt out letter. Letters are due to the classroom teacher By the end of April each year. High school students who do not wish to participate in the diagnostic test will NOT declare their intent to take said diagnostic test in May.
Q: When will my students diagnostic test take place?
A: All current 6th and 7th grade students will have an opportunity to take the diagnostic in the fall as new 7th and 8th graders. All incoming MHS diagnostic tests will take place on July 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2021. Students who fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form will be contacted over the summer with the date, time and location of their test. It has not been decided yet whether the MDTP will be conducted in person or on-line pending state/county guidelines at the time of the test.
Q: How and when will our student be notified of student math placement?
A: All families of incoming middle school students will be notified via e-mail of their performance on the rubric during the first two weeks of summer. All incoming high school students will be notified of their placement shortly after late July test administration in early August.
Q: Our family has moved into Milpitas Unified School District over the summer. Can my student still be afforded an acceleration opportunity?
A: Yes. Please complete the following steps:
- Complete your students district registration.
- Confirm your student has been given a 5 digit student ID
- Students entering 7th and 8th grade will be given an acceleration opportunity in the fall of 2021. Students entering 9th-12th grades will fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form. Once completed, students will be contacted via email with the exact date and time of the MDTP Readiness test.
Questions
For additional questions regarding the specific timing of the assessment, please reach out to your local school site. For questions regarding the placement rubric or the math placement policy itself, please feel free to reach out to Gregory Barnes, Director of Learning and Development, at 408-635-4800 X6054.
For additional questions regarding the specific timing of the assessment, please reach out to your local school site. For questions regarding the placement rubric or the math placement policy itself, please feel free to reach out to Gregory Barnes, Director of Learning and Development, at 408-635-4800 X6054.
Gregory Barnes, Ed.D
Director of Learning and Development
Director of Learning and Development