Within the Mathematics Department at Concord Middle School, our goal is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation for mathematical concepts that prepare students for future academic success. Across all grade levels, from sixth to eighth grade, our curriculum emphasizes fundamental skills and conceptual understanding in various mathematical domains. Students engage in explorations that range from foundational arithmetic and geometric reasoning to algebraic expressions and equations, as well as statistical analysis and introductory concepts in functions. Each grade level builds upon previous knowledge, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive learning experience that supports students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our dedicated faculty are committed to guiding students through their mathematical journey, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in both academic and real-world settings.
The purpose of this page is to acquaint you with the instruments used in math placement from grade eight to grade nine and to provide you with the ranges we use as guidelines. Math placement is not something that happens at the end of the year. Rather, it is an ongoing process with specific milestones throughout the year. The math department also feels it is important to include a general description of each CCHS course.
CCHS LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
BLENDED ALGEBRA 1 and GEOMETRY
This course consists of the topics covered in a first year Algebra course blended with the essential topics taught in Geometry. Such algebra topics include the language of algebra, integer operations, functions, solving linear functions, graphing linear functions, solving 1-variable linear equalities, applications of linear equations and 1-variable inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials (operations, factoring quadratics, solving quadratic equations), properties of exponents and radicals. While not a complete Geometry course, the Blended course prioritizes geometric concepts students need in real life and for standardized assessments, such as: geometric definitions related to angles, triangle properties and congruence, parallel lines in a plane, properties of quadrilaterals, triangle similarity, areas of polygons, properties and areas of circles.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated based on their level of achievement on the common core learning standards as demonstrated through homework, quizzes, tests and semester examinations.
ENRICHED GEOMETRY
This is a fast paced, proof-based course consisting of topics generally included in a Euclidean Geometry course such as geometric definitions, theorems, and symbols related to angles, triangle properties and congruence, triangle inequalities, parallel lines in a plane, coordinate geometry, quadrilateral properties, triangle similarity, areas of polygons, properties and area of circles, and surface area and volume of solids. This course emphasized the logic and abstract reasoning necessary to write paragraph proofs, formal two-column proofs, and indirect proofs. It is expected that students have strong Algebra 1 skills that require little review.
HONORS GEOMETRY
This is an intensive, very fast-paced, proof-based course consisting of all topics in a Euclidean Geometry course such as geometric definitions, theorems, and symbols related to angles, triangle properties and congruence, triangle inequalities, parallel lines in a plane and in space, coordinate geometry, quadrilaterals, transformations of geometric figures in the coordinate plane, similarity, areas of polygons, circles, spheres, and geometry of three-dimensional figures. This course emphasizes the logic and abstract reasoning necessary to write informal proofs, both direct and indirect using definitions, postulates and theorems. It is expected that students have retained all of their Algebra 1 skills.
In addition to the math courses described above, CCHS offers the following two math support classes:
MATH ESSENTIALS
COURSE #405
FULL YEAR – 2.5 CREDITS – 2X PER WEEK
For students in grade: 9
Prerequisites: 8thgrade teacher recommendation.
Taken in conjunction with Blended Algebra 1 and Geometry, this course consists of Algebra 1 topics, in addition to a review of pre-algebra, at a level that supports and reinforces foundational skills. The pace of the course is determined by student needs. Such topics include the language of algebra, integer operations, functions, solving linear functions, graphing linear functions, solving 1-variable linear equalities, applications of linear equations and 1-variable inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials (operations, factoring quadratics, solving quadratic equations), properties of exponents and radicals.
GEOMETRY ESSENTIALS
COURSE #407
FULL YEAR – 2.5 CREDITS – 2X PER WEEK
For students in grade: 9
Prerequisites: 8thgrade teacher recommendation.
Taken in conjunction with Blended Algebra 1 and Geometry, this course is for students who are interested in taking Enriched Algebra 2 during 10th grade. Geometry Essentials exposes students to highlighted common core geometry concepts that prepare them for Enriched Precalculus in 11th grade. Topics include but are not limited to congruent triangles, rigid motion transformations, parallel lines and related figures, the Pythagorean Theorem, an introduction to trigonometry, circles, surface area and volume.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated based on their level of achievement of the common corestandards as demonstrated through homework, quizzes, tests, and semester examinations. Course grade in addition to teacher recommendation is required for placement into Enriched Algebra 2.
Placement Process for High School Math
For those students inGrade 8 Algebra 1, the following criteria will be used for placement into CCHS math classes:
Honors Geometry 94 +
Enriched Geometry 80 – 93
Blended Algebra 1 / Geometry – up to 79
The grades listed include unit assessment averages (not homework / report card averages). Preliminary placement for ninth grade are done in February. In the spring, CMS will give CCHS the current student grades that CCHS will check against the February grade ranges for possible student level changes.
All CMS students may participate in MATHCOUNTS. Weekly practices prepare students to participate in the regional competition which is usually the second Saturday in February. If the team scores high enough, they will participate in the state coimpetition which is usually the second Saturday in March. The national competition is in Washington, D.C. in April.
