Epsom Central School’s Advanced Math Program provides an enriched and accelerated math curriculum for fourth through eight grades studies that promotes individual successes, academic achievements and mathematical knowledge and which fulfills the goals and objectives throughout the implementation of a high quality, academically challenging curriculum which emphasizes the following:

• the development of mathematical skills, comprehension and knowledge;

• an accelerated curriculum with early introduction of mathematical functions, concepts and problem solving;

• an enrichment curriculum providing an in-depth higher order of mathematical reasoning;

• an integration of effective educational disciplines;

• the utilization of appropriate technologies and instructional material; and

• the ability for academic achievements and opportunity for placement into the geometry and/or honors algebra upon entry into high school.

The advanced math program focuses on the successful completion of an equivalent high school level algebra course by the end of grade eight with the opportunity for student entry into high school geometry curriculum, honors geometry and/or honors algebra. To that end, the program will involve the evaluation, assessment and student selection for placement into the advanced math program and the application of an enriched mathematical curriculum in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade level with the completion of pre-algebra and algebra curriculum in the seventh and eighth grade level.

1. An accelerated mathematical curriculum in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade shall include a program for the transition from the arithmetic-dominated studies to readiness for abstraction of pre-algebra and algebra and the development of effective study skills (i.e.; test taking, notebook keeping, and general study habits).

APPROVED: May 5, 1998

2. On-going student assessment during the fourth, fifth and sixth grade will be maintained by the home room teachers and the advanced math teacher(s) for the evaluation of appropriate placement of each and every student in either the regular or advanced math classes.
3. An accelerated and enriched math program will include a seventh grade pre-algebra curriculum, an eighth grade algebra curriculum, and an integrated enhancement of study skills.
4. A complete assessment and portfolio shall be maintained for all students in the program to evaluate the strength and weakness of the student and to assess the effectiveness of the advanced math curriculum. The final assessment tool (i.e. testing) for the algebra program shall be the administration of the Pembroke Academy algebra final examination to all algebra students.
5. A technologically-enriched curriculum will include the use of such integrated technologies, such as computers, calculators and other learning tools.
6. On-going communication with parents will be maintained as to the recommended placement and assessment of students into the advanced math program and will include the following: