Frequently Asked Questions
- How does a school determine if a student is ready to study Algebra 1?
- What can schools do for students who are not prepared to study Algebra 1?
- What types of specialized instructional materials will be available to help prepare students to study Algebra 1?
- Does an Algebra I course taken in the eighth grade count for the two- year mathematics requirement for high school graduation?
- What percentage of the mathematics section of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) addresses algebra standards?
-
How does a school determine if a student is ready to study Algebra 1?
Students should be assessed for algebra readiness at the end of seventh grade using reliable and valid assessment measures. One purpose of a seventh-grade assessment is to determine the extent to which students are mastering prealgebraic concepts and procedures. Another purpose is to identify those students who lack the foundational skills needed to succeed in eighth-grade algebra and who need further instruction and time to master those skills. Students who have mastered foundational skills, as indicated by successful performance on the algebra readiness test, would take algebra in the eighth grade.
-
What can schools do for students who are not prepared to study Algebra 1?
Students in grade eight or higher who are not prepared to take the algebra course will require instruction and instructional materials that give extensive attention to fundamentals in the seventh grade standards and thereby improve the likelihood of students’ success in algebra. The 2006 Mathematics Framework, Appendix E, describes an Algebra Readiness program (for use with students in grade eight or higher who are not prepared to take a course in Algebra I). Algebra Readiness materials will target a subset of sixteen mathematics content standards (thirteen from Grade seven and three from Algebra I). These programs will also include materials needed to rebuild foundational skills and concepts that may be missing from earlier grades. The framework calls for Algebra Readiness materials to be submitted as part of the 2007 Mathematics Adoption of Instructional Materials.
-
What types of specialized instructional materials will be available to help prepare students to study Algebra 1?
Two new types of specialized instructional mathematics materials for students having difficulty achieving at grade level are under development. These materials will be included in the 2007 adoption of K-8 mathematics instructional materials. Until these materials become available, schools are advised to use the intervention materials included with their current SBE-approved mathematics instructional materials.
The new specialized instructional materials will consist of:
A mathematics intervention program for students in grades four through seven whose mastery of prior grade-level standards is incomplete and Algebra readiness materials for students in grade eight or above who are not prepared to take a course in algebra.
If, when, and how these materials will be used to meet the needs of students, should be a collective decision involving teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, and students. Intervention materials are intended to accelerate students’ achievement so that students can succeed in the basic grade-level program and complete Algebra I.
Specific information related to intervention materials is contained in Appendix E (PDF; 848KB; 36pp.) of the Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools –Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. -
Does an Algebra I course taken in the eighth grade count for the two- year mathematics requirement for high school graduation?
Students who complete Algebra I in eighth grade must also complete two courses in mathematics while enrolled in grades 9-12. At least one of these courses, or a combination of the two courses, must meet or exceed the content rigor of Algebra I. [California Education Code Section 51224.5(b)]. -
What percentage of the mathematics section of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) addresses algebra standards?
Thirty-six percent (36%) of the eighty CAHSEE mathematics test items address the grade seven and Algebra I content standards. The remaining sixty-four percent (64%) of the test items address grade six and grade seven content standards in statistics, data analysis, probability, number sense, measurement, geometry, and mathematical reasoning.
Information about algebra is available in the Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools – Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (2005 Edition | PDF; 4MB; 411pp.).
Contact Information:
- For additional assistance contact Kay Garcia, Education Programs Consultant, Professional Development & Curriculum Support Division, CDE, at kgarcia@cde.ca.gov.
- For assistance regarding mathematics assessment, contact the Standards and Assessment Division at sad@cde.ca.gov or at 916-445-9441.
