Middle School Math Level Change for Acceleration
- What is it?
A middle school math level change (acceleration) permits a student to demonstrate full comprehension of math skills at least one grade level ahead of peers without enrolling in the full year course. The level change process is rigorous and requires a student to complete 40 weeks of course material in a six to eight week period over the summer.
- Who is it for?
Middle school level changes in math are most appropriate for students who truly enjoy mathematics and would like to be challenged in the next level of math.
The middle school level change process is for students who are currently in Grade 6 or 7, who are interested in changing levels in math and have historically been successful in their math courses in addition to their current course.
| You may apply for a level change in middle school math if: | |||
| Currently enrolled in: | Current grade level: | Summer tutored course: | Level change in: |
| Math 6 | 6 | Math 6 Accelerated | Math 7 Accelerated |
| Math 7 | 7 | Math 7 Accelerated | Accelerated Algebra 8 |
* For the 2024-25 school year only, 6th and 7th graders who are currently enrolled in a middle school accelerated math course, may double accelerate if they meet the following criteria below:
| You may apply for double acceleration level change in middle school math if: | |||
| Currently enrolled in: | Current grade level: | Summer tutored course: | Level change in: |
| Math 6 Accelerated | 6 | Math 7 Accelerated | Accelerated Algebra 8 |
| Math 7 Accelerated | 7 | Accelerated Algebra 8 | Geometry Accelerated |
Required for double acceleration consideration:
- Course Grades = earned an A in at least 3 quarters of the currently enrolled accelerated math course
- iReady Math Diagnostic = Spring math diagnostic score (overall math) is at least 1+ grade levels above current grade in math skills. This score is completely independent of percentile.
- Example: a grade 6 student with an overall math skill equivalent of grade 7
Preference will be given to those with at least one of the following below to demonstrate math interest and motivation:
- MathCounts = individual score of 23+
- AMC 8 individual score ranking = Honor Roll: Top 5%
Starting in 2025-26, students will not be permitted to double accelerate.
- What are the required components of the level change process?
- Students and their families are required to secure a tutor for this process. All learning over the summer will be exclusively through the tutor.
- The student will need to complete a comprehensive portfolio to demonstrate evidence of learning that is submitted prior to the local math exam.
- The student will need to achieve a score of at least 85% (given in August) on the local math exam.
- What is the role of the tutor?
Your tutor will instruct all course material for the selected math course over a period of six to eight weeks. The Director of STEM will supply the tutor with an outline for the completion of the level change course. The outline will include the chapters to be learned, timeline for completion, and arrangements for student completion of chapter tests.
Please be advised students and families are responsible for securing a tutor, however, the district can provide recommendations for tutors (a link to tutor recommendations is provided in the application). Further, the Niskayuna School District does not provide payment for tutors and does not manage or negotiate tutoring rates.
- What are the portfolio requirements?
The student will compile a portfolio of the work completed in a 3 ring binder. Portfolio requirements include:
- A log of time the student worked with the tutor throughout the summer on the required lessons;
- An outline of all work assigned for each chapter;
- Minimum of 5 completed assignments from each chapter. These assignments should be organized by chapter and be clearly labeled to indicate chapter, page and problem numbers;
- Assignments that show mastery of the chapter’s concepts at a variety of cognitive levels. All student work must be neat and organized;
- Tests for each chapter. These tests will have been administered in test conditions. The student will show all work as evidence of the methods used in solving. The test will be corrected by the tutor with a test grade clearly visible on the paper.
- What happens if I do not complete the components of the level change?
If a student fails to satisfactorily complete the components of a level change for a specific middle school course before the next school year, the student must enroll in the course in the Fall and satisfactorily complete the course through the traditional route to receive credit for the course.
- If I am attempting a level change in order to access an accelerated math course, when could I have my schedule changed to reflect the desired course?
The Niskayuna Middle School Guidance Department will only allow changes to a student’s schedule when a student has successfully met all components of a math level change (see item #3). As the local exam will be administered in mid August, a student may not receive the score until late August.
- When and how do I apply for the middle school level change process?
Applications will be sent out via Parent Square to families of all Grade 6 and 7 math students in mid-March. Applications are due on May 15. Families should expect to receive a response to their application by June 15.