to pre-ap or not a few notes to help students and parents make a decision on math placement for...

To Pre-Ap or Not

a few notes to help students and parents make

a decision on math placement for sixth grade

The Big Question• Making the decision to begin a Pre-AP track can be

difficult for families. We all want what is in the best interest of your child. Sometimes that is an advanced class and sometimes they are better served in a traditional classroom.

• Information that follows is merely to assist you in making the decision by providing common characteristics of the Pre-Ap student.

• The decision to start PreAp math is critical at the sixth grade level in that with the accelerated pacing it will be very difficult to join the PreAp math program after sixth grade.

Math vs Pre-AP

• On track for college bound students

• Rigorous curriculum

• 6th Grade TEKS • 6th Grade STAAR

test

• On track for advanced math in high school

• Rigorous curriculum

• All 6th Grade & ½ 7th Grade TEKS

• 6th Grade STAAR test

6th Grade Math• Key areas of focus:

– Rational Numbers (decimals, fractions, & integers)

• Opposites & Absolute Value• All basic operations (add, subtract, multiply &

divide, but not negative decimals or fractions)• Ordering and comparing• Converting between fractions, decimals, &

precents.• finding percent of a number • Order of operations• Rates & Ratios

6th Grade Math• Key areas of focus (cont.)

– Algebra• Writing expressions and equations• Solving one step equations & inequalities• Combining like terms• Graphing proportional relationships• Represent proportional situations using tables• Identify dependent and independent quantities • Make predictions using proportional reasoning


– Geometry & Measurement• Convert units of measurement• Relationships of sides and angles within triangles• Area of triangles, trapezoids, parallelograms, &

rhombus• Volume of rectangular prisms• Area and Volume as equations• Graphing points in four quadrants of the coordinate

plane


– Data, Statistics & Personal Finance• gather and analyze data from various plots and

graphs include box plots, dot plots, and histograms• Calculate mean, median, mode, range and

interquartile range for a set of data• Recognize early aspects of banking and credit

reports• Compare debit vs credit cards• Identify ways to fund college• Explore various careers and relate income to living

expenses

6th Grade Pre-AP Math

• Accelerated track to meet the needs of a student wanting to earn high school credit in math during their 8th grade year and a fifth year of math in high school.

6th Pre-Ap

8th Algebra 1 – HS credit

7th Pre-Ap

9th Geometry10th Algebra II11th Pre-Cal12th Calculus

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math• Key areas of focus from 7th Grade:

– Numerical Representations• Describe subsets within sets of rational numbers

(intro to irrational numbers)

– Algebra• Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers

(including negative fractions & decimals)• Represent constant rates of change as given

pictures, tables, numeric, graphic, verbal, and algebraic representations.

• Calculate unit rates• Determine the constant of proportionality • Write, solve, and graph two step equations and

inequalities

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math• Key areas of focus from 7th Grade:

– Geometry and Measurement• Convert between standard and metric units of

measurement• Determine the circumference and area of circle• Calculate the area of composite figures

– Data and Personal Finance• Compare two groups of data using dot plots & box

plots by comparing shape, center, and spreads. • Use data from a sample to make inferences about

a population

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math

• Fluency with computation is crucial.– Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers (1-20)– Subtracting with regrouping (large numbers)– Multiplying & Dividing Whole Numbers (through

12’s)– If your student is not fluent with computation,

they may struggle with completing classwork, quizzes, tests, and homework.

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math

Pacing is quicker• Here is a quick example…

31Integers

1Opposites

2Ordering Integers

3Absolute value

4Quiz

7Rational Numbers

8 Opposites & Absolute Value of Rationals

9Comparing and Ordering Rationals



31Rational Numbers & Irrational Numbers

1Opposite and Absolute Value



4Quiz

6th Math

Pre-AP Math

The Pre-Ap Student

• A common misconception is that if your student has all A’s and scores “advanced” on STAAR, they are ready for PreAP.

•Some “A” students are not typical Pre-AP students and some “B” students are. Its more about the student than their grade.

•It is not uncommon for a typical straight A student to score a B or even a C on assignments in Pre-Ap especially early in the year as they adjust to the pacing and rigor of a Pre-Ap course

The Pre-Ap Student• Common Characteristics

– Problem solver in everyday situations– Primarily an independent learner – Has developed strong learning/study habits – Shows perseverance when challenged – Displays emotional maturity when frustrated – Demonstrates reasoning skills pertaining to

mathematical concepts in everyday life – Shows confidence in their own math abilities – Strong/mastered fast facts skills – Strongly values learning – Loves to learn!!

???Questions???• Please contact one of the following

people for more information and advice.– Your child’s current (5th grade math) teacher– Mrs. Lisa Griffin – CMS Counselor

• [email protected]

– Mrs. Bronwyn Werts – CMS Principal• [email protected]

– Mrs. Carrie Whittington – CMS 6th Grade Math Teacher• [email protected]

Callisburg Middle School (940)665-0961

to pre-ap or not a few notes to help students and parents make a decision on math placement for...

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