MATH PROGRAM
2020 Math Placement
April 24th, 2020
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.
*Given the remote engagement of students this spring, modifications to the MUSD math acceleration timelines and procedures are detailed in RED below.
Math Placement RubricEach 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 6th and 11th grades, 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. Letter should be turned into the student’s classroom teacher prior to the diagnostic test administration.
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.
*Given the remote engagement of students this spring, modifications to the MUSD math acceleration timelines and procedures are detailed in RED below.
Math Placement RubricEach 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 6th and 11th grades, 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. Letter should be turned into the student’s classroom teacher prior to the diagnostic test administration.
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*Current 6th and 7th grade students will be initially placed in math classes based on the rubric detailed above. The one exception will be the MDTP readiness test. Students will be given the MDTP placement test during the first two weeks of school in the fall of 2020 to finalize math placement
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Incoming 9th-12th grade students (current 8th-11th graders) will have the opportunity to take 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 2020. Only students who wish to be considered for acceleration need sign up to take the diagnostic test. All diagnostic tests will be administered at Milpitas High School in Late July of 2020. Specific testing dates are July 29th, 30th and 31st. Testing locations and times will be sent to students over the summer.
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*As of the writing of this letter, April 24th, 2020, there are no anticipated changes to the Late July diagnostic testing procedures. Student sign ups will begin in May of 2020 and continue through the remainder of the school year. Any changes to the date, time and location of the MDTP Readiness test will be communicated to students.
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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 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.
MUSD and SJCC Partnership: Summer Math Course Opportunities
San Jose Community College and Milpitas Unified School district have partnered to offer Milpitas students free summer opportunities to further their mathematics education. The specialized joint classes will be taught by credentialed college and MUSD teachers. While these classes are not required, they have been designed to specifically prepare students for August diagnostic testing within the MUSD mathematics pathway.
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 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.
MUSD and SJCC Partnership: Summer Math Course Opportunities
San Jose Community College and Milpitas Unified School district have partnered to offer Milpitas students free summer opportunities to further their mathematics education. The specialized joint classes will be taught by credentialed college and MUSD teachers. While these classes are not required, they have been designed to specifically prepare students for August diagnostic testing within the MUSD mathematics pathway.
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*MUSD is working closely with summer partners and institutions to determine if and how summer math classes will be offered in local communities. Please continue to check the MHS webpage for updates on math summer offerings.
*Update 6.1.20: SJCC has published a list of available summer math enrichment opportunities. Please see the courses offered ON PAGE 4 below. |
*Special Note for current Integrated Math I Students (Summer Geometry)
Students currently enrolled in Integrated Math I, who wish to accelerate into Math III, must be enrolled in a Geometry class over the summer. Students will not be allowed to accelerate without proof of participation in said class (transcript). The required Geometry class may be taken through any accredited program, college, or university.
*Special Note for current Integrated Math III students who wish to take Math 21 at SJCC Extension this summer. 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.
*MUSD and SJCC Ext. have partnered over the last three summers in offering students summer math classes. The historical procedures for enrolling in these classes are detailed below. We should note, as of the writing of this email, April 24th, 2020 the math courses detailed below are not guaranteed to take place with the exception of Math 21 (as detailed in the paragraph above). Please know we are working closely with SJCC, as well as all of our other partners, to determine if and how traditional math enrichment opportunities will take place. Please be sure to visit the MHS webpage for updated information.
Students currently enrolled in Integrated Math I, who wish to accelerate into Math III, must be enrolled in a Geometry class over the summer. Students will not be allowed to accelerate without proof of participation in said class (transcript). The required Geometry class may be taken through any accredited program, college, or university.
*Special Note for current Integrated Math III students who wish to take Math 21 at SJCC Extension this summer. 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.
*MUSD and SJCC Ext. have partnered over the last three summers in offering students summer math classes. The historical procedures for enrolling in these classes are detailed below. We should note, as of the writing of this email, April 24th, 2020 the math courses detailed below are not guaranteed to take place with the exception of Math 21 (as detailed in the paragraph above). Please know we are working closely with SJCC, as well as all of our other partners, to determine if and how traditional math enrichment opportunities will take place. Please be sure to visit the MHS webpage for updated information.
MUSD + SJCC Course Sequence
Understanding the Summer Sequence For Joint MUSD/SJCC Ext. Classes
Column |
Sequence |
Notes |
Timeline |
Column 1 |
Represents the students current math level. |
2019-2020 placement. |
2019-2020 Academic School Year |
Column 2 |
Student will fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form to sign up for Late July 2020 Diagnostic Testing. |
This will occur in May, during the students current math class. |
May 2020 |
Column 3 |
Students interested in taking a summer class with SJCC Extension will need to follow the SJCC Registration Guide. *pending class availability |
This registration process is only for students interested in taking classes at SJCC during the summer. Please review steps 2-6 below carefully. *pending class availability |
May 2020 |
Column 4 |
Indicates the SJCC course and MUSD corresponding “Concepts” course students have the opportunity to take before the Late July Diagnostic *pending class availability |
Once registered with SJCC, MUSD students will automatically be registered for the corresponding “Concepts” class. Concept classes will be held on Fridays. See schedule below. *pending class availability |
Late July 2020 |
Column 5 |
Refers to the appropriate, corresponding diagnostic given to students at MHS during Late July/August 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 2020. |
July 2020 |
Column 6 |
Indicates the possible math placement pending student outcomes. |
Placement is determined per appropriate math rubric. |
August 2020 |
*UPDATED SJCC MATH OPPORTUNITIES:
SJCC Extension REVISED Summer Math Enrichment Offerings
Dates: Monday – Thursday, 7/7 – 7/28 (13 instructional days)
Times: 8:30am – 3:00pm with 1.5 hours of lunch and breaks
Where: Virtual: (5 hours of synchronous instruction or facilitated small group learning)
Levels: Math 1, Math, 2, Math, 3, and Math 21 (Precalculus)
Capacity: 40 students per course with 5 courses planned.
Credit: Math 1, 2, 3 are offered for High School credit only
Math 21 (Precalculus) is a regular transferable SJCC course
See SJCC Summer Math Class Flyer
*Special Note for current Integrated Math 3 students who wish to take Math 21 at SJCC Extension this summer. 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.
Student Sign Up Procedures for REVISED summer Math Offerings from SJCC
1. All students need to apply to the college and have an active student status for SJCC for the summer semester.
2. If the student is active for summer we will then forward a unique link for DocuSign R40 permission form (students will put own parent info).
3. When R40 forms are completed then we will batch register students into these unique courses.
For the Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3 classes, do not contact SJCC or MHS for further information. If needed, contact Amanda Gross @ agross@musd.org
Alternative Summer Math Class Opportunities
Math 1 - Summer Course Options
Math 2 - Summer Course Options
Math 3 - Summer Course Options
SJCC Extension REVISED Summer Math Enrichment Offerings
Dates: Monday – Thursday, 7/7 – 7/28 (13 instructional days)
Times: 8:30am – 3:00pm with 1.5 hours of lunch and breaks
Where: Virtual: (5 hours of synchronous instruction or facilitated small group learning)
Levels: Math 1, Math, 2, Math, 3, and Math 21 (Precalculus)
Capacity: 40 students per course with 5 courses planned.
Credit: Math 1, 2, 3 are offered for High School credit only
Math 21 (Precalculus) is a regular transferable SJCC course
See SJCC Summer Math Class Flyer
*Special Note for current Integrated Math 3 students who wish to take Math 21 at SJCC Extension this summer. 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.
Student Sign Up Procedures for REVISED summer Math Offerings from SJCC
1. All students need to apply to the college and have an active student status for SJCC for the summer semester.
2. If the student is active for summer we will then forward a unique link for DocuSign R40 permission form (students will put own parent info).
3. When R40 forms are completed then we will batch register students into these unique courses.
For the Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3 classes, do not contact SJCC or MHS for further information. If needed, contact Amanda Gross @ agross@musd.org
Alternative Summer Math Class Opportunities
Math 1 - Summer Course Options
Math 2 - Summer Course Options
Math 3 - Summer Course Options
SJCC Ext. and MUSD "Concepts" Joint Course Registration Procedure
For all Current and Incoming MHS Students
*Again, this procedure is dependent on course availability.
For all Current and Incoming MHS Students
*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 FIVE: SJCC and MUSD will work together to complete all required R-40 signatures by the end of June 2020.
STEP SIX: SJCC will notify students of enrollment by the first week of July, 2020.
STEP SEVEN: Questions?
Please direct all SJCC registration and R40 questions to:
Michael Mooney
Michael Castro
Director, College Extension
San José City College - Milpitas College Extension
1450 Escuela Parkway | Milpitas, CA 95035
michael.castro@sjcc.edu
408.947.5352 Office
Or
Amanda Gross
MUSD Math Acceleration Administrator
@ agross@musd.org
STEP TWO : Students will need to apply to SJCC.
- please watch this then apply here.
- SJCC Registration Guide
- Student ID # (7-Digits non-alphanumeric)
STEP FIVE: SJCC and MUSD will work together to complete all required R-40 signatures by the end of June 2020.
STEP SIX: SJCC will notify students of enrollment by the first week of July, 2020.
STEP SEVEN: Questions?
Please direct all SJCC registration and R40 questions to:
Michael Mooney
Michael Castro
Director, College Extension
San José City College - Milpitas College Extension
1450 Escuela Parkway | Milpitas, CA 95035
michael.castro@sjcc.edu
408.947.5352 Office
Or
Amanda Gross
MUSD Math Acceleration Administrator
@ agross@musd.org
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.
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*As detailed above. The current 6th and 7th grade students will be initially placed in May. The final rubric metric (MDTP Readiness test) will be given during the first week of school to finalize math placement.
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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 during the first week of class in the fall of 2020. 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. *Opt out letters are linked above and will also be made available to students prior to the testing date at each middle school site and will be due prior to the MDTP administration.
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 29th, 30th or 31st, 2020 (pending Santa Clara county health guidelines). Students who fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form will be contacted over the summer with the date, time and location of their test. MHS testing is currently scheduled to take place on July 29th, 30th and 31st.
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 the new school year. All incoming high school students will be notified of their placement shortly after late July or early August test administration.
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 2020. 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 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 math placement policy itself, please feel free to reach out to Gregory Barnes, Director of Learning and Development, at 408-635-4800 X6054.
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Gregory Barnes, Ed.D
Director of Learning and Development
Director of Learning and Development
