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Grade 6 – 8 Math Curriculum Update – 2023
Andover Public Schools is pleased to announce that following a full-year curriculum review cycle, the district has selected Desmos Classroom as the new math curriculum resource for students in grades 6 - 8. This new resource is being implemented in the 2023-24 school year.
Desmos supports a student-centered approach to learning mathematics, which means more student engagement and a deeper understanding of math. Students are engaged in math discourse in every lesson at every level and will learn powerful ways to share their thinking and strategies with each other in whole class learning and discussions, with partners, and in small groups.
Here is what you can expect for your student:
A blend of learning on paper and with technology.
Standards-aligned lessons that help students express their brilliance every day.
Feedback that shows students what their ideas mean without judgment and encourages perseverance and revision.
Resources within each lesson to meet the needs of diverse learners.
A Family Resource for each unit that includes explanations of key math concepts and problems to try with your student.
You can read more about Desmos here or watch a short introductory video here.
Resources:
Desmos Math is based on the top-rated programs from Illustrative Mathematics® and Open Up Resources.
The Andover High School Mathematics Department offers a comprehensive four-year Mathematics program, whose mission is to enable every student to reach his or her math potential in a supportive, academically focused environment. In every mathematics course, we want students to develop a variety of math expertise as outlined by the Standards for Mathematical Practice in the 2017 Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Mathematics. These standards complement the content standards so that students increasingly engage with the subject matter as they grow in mathematical maturity and expertise throughout the elementary, middle, and high school years.
Andover Public Schools is pleased to announce we will continue to offer acceleration opportunities for students in Mathematics. We realize that all students develop their mathematical abilities at different rates so offering a variety of entry points remains important to us. We have outlined the summer programs that would enable your child to participate should they qualify.
AMP Boot Camp – Cost $200
We will be offering an AMP Boot Camp for students who will be entering Grade 8 in 2024. The course will be open to students who wish to be placed in the Accelerated Math Pathway (AMP) for Grade 8. Consideration will be given to students who have a numerical average of 95 in Grade 7 Math and have the recommendation of their math teacher. Participation in the Math Boot Camp does not guarantee admittance to the AMP.
Please note that the Boot Camp is not intended for students who are currently in the AMP for Grade 7.
The program will run with live meetings from 8 am to 10 am each day, Monday thru Thursday, for a total of 16 contact hours. This year we will be offering two sessions. Students do not need to attend both sessions.
Session 1:
June 24 – June 27, 2024
July 8 - July 11, 2024
Session 2:
July 29 – August 1 , 2024
August 5 - August 8, 2024
The cost of the Boot Camp is $200 and the deadline to register is May 1st. Minimum of 10 students required to run program. Need-based scholarships are available; information provided upon request.
NOTE: Payment information will be emailed once confirmation that your child has been recommended by their math teacher.
In-Person Courses - $600
We will be offering two in-person summer courses. Courses will be open to students who will be entering grades 9 (Algebra I) or 10 (Geometry) in 2024 who wish to accelerate their learning through a summer math program. The program will provide students with a full year option for either Algebra I or Geometry.
This is specifically for eighth graders who want to take Algebra I and ninth graders who want to take Geometry. Current 8th graders may not take Geometry.
The program will run Monday thru Thursday from 8 am to 12:30 pm for a total of 90 hours. Note: There are no classes the week of July 4th.
June 24– June 27, 2024
July 8 - July 11, 2024
July 15 - July 18, 2024
July 22 - July 25, 2024
July 29 - August 1, 2023
The cost of each course is $600 and courses will be taught by certified high school math teachers. Students will be expected to complete all assignments and pass the final exam in order to receive credit. Students who earn a C or below will be recommended to repeat the course. Students will earn credits but the course is not leveled and therefore will not impact the GPA.
Students interested in participating in the summer courses offered by Andover High School should register below and payment information will be sent directly to parents. The deadline to register for courses is May 1st. There is a 10 student minimum to run either class. Need-based scholarships are available; please email for more information on this program.
Register for the Andover courses.
Please note that these are abbreviated courses which last 5 weeks. Therefore, the course does not cover a full year’s curriculum with the same depth that is covered in a year-long course. Students are expected to work approximately 8-10 hours per week in addition to the in-person classes.
If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please don’t hesitate to email Katherine Richard.