2022-2023 MATH ACCELERATION PROGRAM
March 29, 2022
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/summer 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 various 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-7th grade math rubrics also include an intra-year iReady, IXL or MAP scores. Please visit the math placement rubrics page for specific metrics used at each grade level.
Yearly Acceleration Opportunities
Math acceleration opportunities occur yearly. Students who perform well on the diagnostic test/other measures, 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.
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 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 Spring 2022 (est. April 1st) and end on Friday, June 17th. Only students who wish to be considered for acceleration need to sign up to take the diagnostic test. Specific testing dates are July 29th, August 1st, and August 2nd. Testing dates and times will be sent to students over the summer in early July via email. The test will be administered via zoom.
*Special Note for current Math 1 Students
REQUIRED: Students currently enrolled in Math 1, who wish to skip over Math 2 and enroll in Math 3 in the Fall, must be enrolled in a Math 2 or Geometry class over the summer. The required Math 2/Geometry class may be taken through any accredited program, college, or university. This is due to UC/CUS requiring Math 2/Geometry seat time for their admission. Students will not be allowed to participate in the MDTP Math 3 Readiness Test without taking a summer Math 2 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 courses 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. Please see the letter you will be receiving from Milpitas High School for more specific information on the program.
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 and current high school students (current 8th-11th grade students) who wish to accelerate will fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form indicating the appropriate diagnostic test they will take in late July/early August.
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. Incoming high school students and current high school students who do not wish to participate in the diagnostic test DO NOT NEED to declare their intent to take the appropriate diagnostic test in the Spring 2022.
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 Spring 2022. All incoming MHS diagnostic tests will take place on July 29-Aug 2, 2022. Students who fill out the Math Diagnostic Intent Form will be contacted over the summer with the date and time of the test. The MDTP test will be administered over zoom.
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 the late July/early August test administration, typically a week later.
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 student’s district registration.
- Confirm your student has been given a 5 digit student ID
Questions
For additional questions regarding the specific timing of the assessment, please reach out to your school site. For questions regarding the placement rubric or the math placement policy itself, please feel free to reach out to Maurissa Koide, Director of Learning and Development, at 408-635-2600 X6054.
Respectfully,
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Ms. Maurissa Koide
Director of Learning and Development
Director of Learning and Development
