Here are some frequently answered questions about the St. John Accelerated Math Program.
What is the Accelerated Program?
St. John School offers an accelerated Math Program for 7th and 8th grade students. It is a two year program. In 7th grade students are taught 7th and 8th grade Common Core Math Standards. In 8th grade students study Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Is this the same as ‘Zero Period’?
YES! In the past, the accelerated class was taught before school so it became known as ‘Zero Period’! During Covid, the class was moved into the school day.
Who teaches Zero Period?
Mrs. Brumback now teaches the 7th grade PreAlgebra class and the 8th grade Algebra 1 class.
How are students placed into the Accelerated Program versus the Standard Class?
The placement of individual students has been carefully considered using the following criteria as guidance:
- Math grades throughout 6th grade
- Work ethic and teacher observations throughout 6th grade
- RIT Score
- AIMSWeb Math Capacity Timed Test score
- AIMSWeb Computation Timed Test score
- I.T.B.S. Algebra Readiness Test score
My child is an ‘A grade’ student, why did she not get a place in the Accelerated Program?
The placement of all students has been carefully considered. The Accelerated Program is for students ready to work a year or more above grade level. If a student earns A’s in 6th grade it shows mastery of the 6th grade Common Core Standards and that they are ready for the 7th grade Common Core Standards. The majority of students will be engaged and challenged by the 7th grade standards taught in the regular class.
My child has been placed in the Accelerated Program, what do I need to know?
For the 2022-2023 school, the accelerated program will be during the school day so arrive at school at 8:15am! Students will receive textbooks which remain at home in order to complete homework.
What are the rules of study hall?
There is no longer study hall during the 2022-2023 school year.
Study hall is a privilege. Students should be prepared to work during this time and should always have a book to read after completing their math homework. NO electronic devices are allowed.
What math classes do students take in high school?
Students progress at different rates and each high school determines classes for Freshman differently. In general, students in Zero Period enter Honors Algebra, Geometry or Honors Geometry. Students in the standard class typically enter Algebra, Honors Algebra or Geometry.