Middle School Advanced Math Course Requirements

Prior to task force meetings, ALEC posts these legislative member-submitted draft model policies to our website. The draft model policies are then discussed, debated, and voted on by ALEC task force members. Policies that receive final approval by legislators on the ALEC Board of Directors become official ALEC model policy. Draft model policies that fail to become official ALEC model policy are removed from the website.

Summary

This model policy requires public school districts to expand access to advanced middle school math by offering Algebra I or Integrated Math I to all middle school students, with completion of the course required no later than 9th grade. The model also requires that middle school students be automatically enrolled in an advanced math course if they score proficient/grade level on their state math assessment. Parents of a student who is automatically enrolled in an advanced math course must be notified and given the ability to opt out of such instruction. Similarly, parents of a student who does not qualify for automatic enrollment can still choose to opt their student into a middle school advanced math course.   

Middle School Advanced Math Course Requirements

Section 1. Definitions.

  • (A) “Middle school” means any public school, not including a charter school, that provides instruction to students in any combination of grades 6, 7, or 8.
  • (B) “Middle school advanced math course” means a course identified by the [insert state education department/agency] as an advanced math course for middle school students.
  • (C) “Parent” means a parent, guardian, custodian, or other person with authority to act on behalf of a student.

Section 2. Algebra I/Integrated Math I Completed No Later Than Grade 9

  • (A) Each public school district shall:
    1. Offer Algebra I, or an equivalent Integrated Math I course, to all middle school students;
    2. Require that students complete Algebra I, or an equivalent Integrated Math I course, no later than grade 9; and
    3. Require written notification to parents whose student is at risk of not passing Algebra I, or an equivalent Integrated Math I course. Such written notification shall include:
      • i. A detailed and personalized math improvement plan;
      • ii. Resources available to the student both during and outside of the school day; and
      • iii. Evidence-based resources for parents to use at home.
  • (B) The math improvement plan described in subsection A of this section shall, at a minimum:
    1. Be created by the teacher, principal, other pertinent school personnel, and the parent(s) of the student;
    2. Include the math knowledge and skills that are underdeveloped; and
    3. Describe the effective, evidence-based math intervention services the student will receive.

Section 3. Automatic Enrollment in Advanced Middle School Math Course.

  • (A) Each middle school in this state shall automatically enroll in a middle school advanced math course a student who scores [proficient/grade level] or higher on the [insert state assessment] for math in grade 5, 6, or 7.
  • (B) A parent of a student described in subsection A of this section may opt the student out of automatic enrollment under subsection A of this section.
  • (C) A parent of a student who does not meet the requirements of subsection A of this section may opt the student into middle school advanced math courses.
  • (D) If a student is automatically enrolled in a middle school advanced math course under this section, the public school district in which the student is enrolled shall:
    1. Provide notice of the student’s automatic enrollment to the student’s parent;
    2. Provide notice to the student’s parent of the parent’s ability to opt the student out of the automatic enrollment; and
    3. Provide transparent information to students and parents about the importance of middle school math course-taking, how middle school math course enrollment impacts the high school math sequence, the reason for the automatic enrollment policy, and a list of all math courses available to middle school students with the resulting high school math course sequence.
  • (E) To ensure students succeed in middle school advanced math courses, public school districts shall provide instructional support during the school day, beyond the core math instruction, for students enrolled in a middle school advanced math course. Such instructional support may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
    1. A specific high-quality instructional program;
    2. A set of steps used to help students improve in math;
    3. Additional instructional time;
    4. High-dosage tutoring;
    5. Small group instruction; and
    6. Technology-enabled activities.
  • (F) The [insert state education department/agency] shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

Section 4. Annual Report Required.

  • (A) Not later than [insert future date], and not later than [insert future date] each year thereafter, the [insert state education department/agency] shall prepare a report that contains the following information:
    1. The number of students who score proficient/grade level or higher on the statewide annual end of year math assessment in grades 5 through 11, disaggregated by public school district and public school;
    2. With regard to students enrolled in a middle school advanced math course under Section 3 of this Act, the number and percentage of students, disaggregated by public school district and public school, who were:
      • i. Enrolled in advanced math courses the subsequent year, including Algebra I or an equivalent Integrated Math I course, in middle school;
      • ii. Enrolled in advanced math courses in high school;
      • iii. Not proficient/grade level but whose parent opted them in; and
      • iv. Automatically enrolled and whose parent opted them out.
    3. With regard to students enrolled in a middle school advanced math course under Section 3 of this Act, the grade 5 through 7 math scores of such students, disaggregated by public school district and public school.
    4. A list of supports offered by the public school district, together with the number and percentage of students participating in each support option.
  • (B) The report required by subsection A of this section shall be submitted to the [insert legislative committee(s)] in an electronic format.