May 27, 2015

What Does it Mean to be Accelerated?

• Accelerated: To be on an advanced track of coursework by taking courses one year early. – Students in the 8th grade accelerated class take 9th grade courses. – This skipping of curriculum only happens during the middle

school years.– Students are then always ahead of their grade level peers in the

accelerated subjects.

• Advanced Placement Courses: These are high school courses offered to students beginning in 11th grade that are developed by high school teachers and college faculty. These classes allow you the possibility to earn college credit by taking the AP exam.

Why Do We Offer Acceleration?

• According to NYS regulations, public school students in grade eight shall have the opportunity to take high school courses in mathematics and at least one other area.

• Onteora offers accelerated courses in math, science and art.

Acceleration in Math

8th Grade Algebra I

9th Grade Geometry

10th Grade Algebra 2/Trig

11th Grade Algebra 2/Stats and Intro to Calc

12th Grade AP Calculus

• The 8th grade Algebra I curriculum includes a blend of curriculums – 8th grade math and Common Core Algebra

• This information is subject to change with the new common core curriculum

Paths if You Don’t Accelerate in Math in 8th Grade

Typical math progression for a student who takes a 1 year Algebra

course as a 9th Grader

9th Grade Algebra I

10th Grade Geometry

11th Grade Algebra 2/Trig

12th Grade Algebra 2/Stats and Intro to Calc

In the past, students have chosen to self-accelerate by doubling up on

math courses with teacher approval

9th Grade Algebra I

10th Grade Geometry ANDAlgebra 2/Trig

11th Grade Algebra 2/Stats and Intro to Calc

12th Grade AP Calculus

• This information is subject to change with the new common core curriculum

An Example ofAcceleration in Science

8th Grade Living Environment w/Lab

9th Grade Earth Science w/Lab

10th Grade Chemistry w/Lab

11th Grade AP Chemistry

12th Grade AP Physics

• By taking Living Environment in 8th grade, students completely miss the 8th grade Physical Science curriculum. Students may be responsible for filling in curriculum gaps for the next 5 years.

Examples of Paths if You Don’t Accelerate in Science in 8th Grade

An Example of HS Science Progression

9th Grade Living Environment w/Lab

10th Grade Earth Science w/Lab

11th Grade Chemistry w/Lab

12th Grade Physics w/Lab or AP Science Course

Students may choose to self-accelerate by doubling up on science

courses with teacher approval

9th Grade Living Environment w/Lab AND Earth Science w/Lab

10th Grade Chemistry w/Lab

11th Grade Physics w/Lab

12th Grade AP Science Course

MS Impact of Acceleration

• Middle School schedule effects– Students in accelerated science cannot take another middle

school elective (Studio Art or pre-engineering)– Students in accelerated science can only take one music

ensemble to accommodate health

Impact of Acceleration• What is the student’s purpose for accelerating?

– If they want to be challenged, take Regents Exams a year early, and want to take full course load in 12th grade with AP courses then accelerate

– This is not an opportunity to satisfy the math and science NYS graduation requirements early.

– This is not an opportunity to place your students with high achieving students in the hopes of improving their work ethic or keep up with friends.

• Accelerated Courses have increased demands:– Increased rigor– Increasing pacing– Increasing depth of material

• Accelerated students should be:– More mature than the average middle school student– Independent learners with strong internal motivation– Able to handle stress in an appropriate, non-anxious manner

Impact of Acceleration• Starting of the High School transcript

– Grades received impact GPA and high school rank• This information is reported to colleges for their admission process• Colleges are looking for accelerated courses with averages of 95,

not 85• Accelerated courses are weighted at 1.01 – minimal impact on rank• AP courses are weighted at 1.06 – increased impact on rank.

– Students can take AP classes starting in 11th grade, without taking accelerated math and science

– NYS Regents Exams are reported on transcript• Grades received will determine Honors or High Honors designation

on Diploma