FAQs
Hawk Spotlight/ Math Pathways:
Mr. Brown's Placement Note: We do not accept (we meaning Fremont) outside math courses. We do not have end of summer
reevaluation of math placement (unless the student attended and passed the summer Math Academy). In addition, the 6th grade teachers
did not place students in accelerated classes. We used Data, Test scores and trimester grades to determine placement.
Math Pathways Q & As: Mr. Brown's responses
1. Different paths and their impacts to college admission. 2.Requirements for switching among these different paths requested by parents
and related timing. 3.Criteria for maintaining the same path.
1. We will cover the different paths at the spotlight meeting. Colleges look at math levels and courses completed. They do not take into
account the speed or the pathway used to attain course mastery. 2. Parents can request schedule change forms beginning on MAZE days.
Like honors--students that qualify do not have to take accelerated courses. They may elect to take grade level math even if they qualify for
accelerated. 3. To stay on the accelerated path students must maintain a B- or above.
2. How do we get to Finite/Discrete Math and Multivariable? Is it necessary to complete Multivariable to get into a good engg college? -Can
you explain how to take classes at Ohlone if Mission High does not offer these classes or is unable to accommodate students? We heard that
Mission High teachers do not teach. Do you recommend that we look for outside resources to supplement the child's learning when we get
to Mission.
These are questions for Mission High Counselors or administrators.
3. Thank you for hosting this session. Common Core is about the child understanding the topics in an in-depth manner. Yet, the tests given
were multiple choice which relied more on speed and memorization. Why is it that the students are not given complex problems that they
spend time on solving and not multiple choice questions?
How does a multiple choice question reflect whether the child truly understood the material
I'm not sure which tests you are refering to here. The 6th grade placement test was in two parts. Part one was traditional multiple-choice.
Part two was non-traditional multiple answer selection. In addition the placement test scores were only one piece that determined
placement. The SBAC test for which you should receive a score report very soon involved all sorts of complex problems.
4. We heard that the SAT is also changing. How will the current pathways help in this regard? --SAT is a for profit test created by College
Board. It gives a common test that students across the country can be compared on. It is one measurement that can be used by colleges. The
new test is aligning with the SBAC and will be on computers very soon. -
5. Will the school actually cover all the materials that will come in SAT and SAT Math subject test?
SAT math is a subject specific test not required by all schools. This depends on the school and the major. Public schools are mandated to
follow the state frameworks for math and we do not teach to a test.
6. How the new program changes the curriculum
Please go to the district website and watch the board presentation by David Foster.http://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Page/25037
7.My daughter was in common core regular class. Can she get in accelerated math class if she got very big improved in summer. thank.
At the end of 9th grade.
8.What are the benefits of taking accelerated math from 7th to 12th grade? How kids will impact if they don't choose accelerated math in
8th grade ?
It is not about benefits or no benefit. Completing high levels of math and loving math should not be a competition. The different pathways
are so that students have options to be placed at the actual level to maximize learning and for them to master the skills necessary to continue
forward in math.
9.May we get information about the pathway from 7th to 12th grade? How many minutes is the common core test for each grade? Is the test
on computers all the way during the test? What is the full/maximum score? what points would be given to a wrong answer, 0 or negative
points?
More information about testing will be covered at another time. Go tohttp://www.smarterbalanced.org/
10. Thank you for doing this. Last year's 8th grade parents mentioned that the teachers spent time on Algebra 1 but did not cover CC3 yet
the test and the district assessments focused more on CC3. Why is there a disconnect? The reason we ask is apparently a lot of the 8th grade
students did not do well on the tests because of this disconnect. Is this true? What will be done differently this year to correct this issue?
This is not true. There was no 8th grade district test. Smarter Balanced testing took place in the spring through the CA Dept. of Education.
We will have more data from the test early this fall.
11. Have a uniformity amongst various teachers on preparation, content and testing. Can a student who has done accelerated path in
Hopkins start with regular path in Mission high?
YES
12. Hello- I think there is a huge disconnect between what the teachers teach and what the kids who truly enjoy and want to learn Math
want to do. Why not work with them on problems on complex problems? If you are truly trying to help the kids understand math, then
choose something which is appropriate.
Thank you for the advice. The curriculum and instruction department is always looking for good ideas. Please bookmark their webpage on
the district site and join any future committees. Remember our teachers do not have a choice when it comes to materials that are purchased
by the district. Materials must be approved by the CDE.
13. Is my child missing out if he is not in the accelerated program?
Not at all.
14. Thank you for hosting. We have an 8th grader who is our older child so we are learning the process as we grow with him. We are a bit
concerned about Mission High. We understand that it is the parents' responsibility to make sure that the student understands the course
materials as the teachers do not teach. What resources will the school provide us to teach our students so that they do well in school. What
is the school doing about cheating?
Encourage your students to work hard and foster in them a love of learning and a balanced life.
15. What kind of books are being planned to use for common core ?
The text book from Spring board which was used last year is not written well at all. Particularly the chapter on Statistics & Probability have
questions which do not make much sense. The Curriculum and Instruction Dept. works with the Math Curriculum council to make
recomendations to the school board. They have the final vote to approve materials and books. There are plenty of opportunities for parent
feedback, viewing of materials, and to voice concerns at the board meetings. Look for updates from the C and I department for upcoming
adoptions. (I believe English is next).
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Mr. Brown's Responses:
How common core math is different than Everyday math?
They are different curricula for very different students. Elementary vs. secondary. Everyone on the panel is a secondary expert and
they would have been more able to explain the difference between the CA State Standards from 97' vs. Common Core.
What is the expectation from student out of common core math?
Mastery of standards.
How will you grade on analytical/theoretical questions if it is getting evaluated by computer? Neither this question or the
proceeding one have to do with pathways. The only computer evaluation I know of will eventually be on the SBAC Test. Currently
the test is 100% human graded.
Give us a good understanding of the pathway of accelerated math explanation of the curriculum.
Not a pathway question. See CA Frameworks for mathematics and/or the CCSS for secondary math.
What methodology that will be used to solve problems in the class? Will this be standard among all the Math teachers?
Are the students required to show the same steps during SBAC tests next year?
Not a pathway question. Critical thinking skills are important in all subject areas. There is no one prescribed way to get kids to
"think critically." Teachers are encouraged to use as many different strategies and methodologies to engage learners.
Is there a syllabus that parents can review at the start of the year?
Not a pathways question. Each teacher creates his or her own syllabus. It should be available digitally and/or in hard copy upon
request.
Explain the Grading system and routine in class.
Again, not pathways. These are questions for your child's teacher. Start with School Loop and the course syllabus.
Provide ways for gifted student to skip material they already know.
This is not written as a question. FUSD does not provide any students an opportunity to skip. The standards are not written with
overlap.