Common Core standards alter math curriculum

Because of the implementation of Common Core standards at Redwood Middle School, the new grade level math class for incoming freshmen is now Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Algebra instead of the previous standard of Geometry or Geometry Enriched.

Over the years, Common Core standards have been gradually integrated into all classes, with the Class of 2017 as the first group of students with Common Core-aligned courses. At Redwood, the grade level math classes are no longer sixth-grade math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1, but instead CCSS6, CCSS7 and CCSS8, assistant principal Brian Safine said.

According to Redwood math teacher Snehali Marimuthu, students can stay in their grade level class, take an accelerated path or advance to above grade level classes through placement tests.

The accelerated path combines CCSS 6 and 7 as well as CCSS 7 and 8, so accelerated sixth graders would take CCSS 6/7, take CCSS ⅞ as seventh graders and take CCSS Algebra as eighth graders. Additionally, students can skip entire grade levels, in which they would take CCSS ⅞ as sixth graders, CCSS Algebra as seventh graders and CCSS Geometry as eighth graders.

“The middle school does a good job providing pathways for students who are ready and willing to accelerate,” Safine said.

For example, Redwood eighth grader Tiffany Huang, who is currently taking CCSS Geometry, will take Algebra 2 Honors next year as a freshman. According to Huang, having three different classes to pick from helps individuals choose a math class that “isn’t too hard or too easy.”

All CCSS classes contain different content than the old math courses, with the Common Core versions being more rigorous and containing material previously taught in higher math classes. For example, some topics from the previous Algebra 2 course are now taught in CCSS Algebra.

Math teacher Kelly Frangieh said members of the math department are looking forward to the change.

“Next year is the first year when we will get a batch of students who have had Common Core all the way through,” she said. “The standards have definitely increased and gotten more difficult. We’re hoping that they will be more prepared and able to be successful in our Algebra 1 class.”

According to principal Paul Robinson, however, multiple years of Common Core are needed before the school can truly judge its impact on students.

“It’s hard to say by looking at next year’s course requests if there are any permanent changes or not,” Robinson said. “Time will give us a better picture.”