Pioneer Middle School Accelerated Curriculum

Pioneer Middle SchoolAccelerated Curriculum Parent NightMay 2021

Welcome to Pioneer Middle SchoolMr. Robert Pappas, Principalrobert.pappas@browardschools.com

GoalTo provide parents and students with informationneeded to make an informed acceleratedcurriculum decision for academic placementEnrolling a student into accelerated curriculumcourses is a family commitment.

G.E.M. Sixth Grade TeacherMs. Ivette Cancio-Belloivette.cancio-bello@browardschools.com

.Great Explorations in Mathematics(G.E.M. )The GEM Program is designed to acceleratestudents two years in mathematics. Sincesome students are already good technicians,they can follow rules and apply those rules toroutine exercises. GEM students need to goone step further, analyzing non-routineproblems and digging beneath the surface inorder to see the beauty, elegance, andapplication of the mathematics being learned.

Great Explorations in Mathematics (G.E.M.) Extremely rigorous Accelerated by two grade levels.6th Grade – Pre-Algebra7th Grade – Algebra I Honors8th Grade – Geometry Honors Designed for mature, mathematically talented students. Assignments are regularly given which may require manyhours beyond the school day to complete. Students are continuously monitored and must maintainGEM criteria. The student successfully completing the Algebra I Honorscourse and Geometry Honors course will have two highschool mathematics credits when they enter 9th grade.

Advanced Mathematics Challenging and designed for students who aremathematically talented Students will be accelerated by one grade level High school Algebra I Honors in 8th grade One high school mathematics credit earned whenthey enter 9th grade

Mathematics Standards Comparison by Course6th .4MAFS.6.SP.2.5Advanced .7.RP.1.2MAFS.7.RP.1.3GEM .1.3MAFS.8.SP.1.4

Mathematics Progression6th Grade7th Grade8th GradeG.E.M. 6 Pre-AlgebraG.E.M. 7 HS Algebra 1 HonorsG.E.M. 8 HS Geometry HonorsAdvanced 6th Grade MathAdvancedAdvanced 7th Grade MathAdvanced Pre-AlgebraAdvanced 8th Grade Math Advancedor HS Algebra 1 HonorsRegular 6th Grade MathRegular 7th Grade MathRegular Pre-Algebra

G.E.M. 6 - Entrance Criteria Final Grade of “A” in 5th Grade Math Teacher Recommendation with Parental Approval FSA Score: Math Scale Score 346 or Above (Levels 4 or 5)ELA Scale Score – 336 or Above (Level 4 or 5)Meeting entrance criteria does not guarantee academic success.Hard Work Success & Opportunities*2020-20121 scores will be used.

Mathematics Progression If your child qualifies for the GEM program, you mayselect either: Advanced 6th Grade Math GEM-6 Math Both courses accelerate the student in mathematics,allowing them to eventually reach the highest levels ofmathematics in high school; AP Calculus and AP Statistics.

G.E.M. Exit Criteria Any student who earns a C should be placedon probation. If the student receives a D oran F in the quarter after being placed onacademic probation, they should be exitedfrom the program.

GEM-6 GRADING CATEGORIES2nd and 4th Quarters1st and 3rd 5%

ASSESSMENTSGEM-6 Chapter Tests County Midterm County Final 6th Grade FSAGEM-7 Algebra I HonorsGEM-8 Geometry Honors Chapter Tests County Midterm State Algebra I End-of-Course ExamStudents must pass the Algebra 1EOC in order to graduate fromhigh school.

CalculatorsGEM-6 Not usually (on occasion when working on certain 7thand 8th grade standards)GEM-7, GEM-8, Algebra-8 Only for certain standards (TI-30 Xa suggested model)

Parent Tips Place an emphasis on the process of learning and noton “answer- getting” Express the importance of Productive Struggle Do share your positive beliefs about mathematicswith your child Do equate math with problem-solving Provide praise for the process of working hard Provide guidance and suggestions to facilitate theirunderstanding of the concepts

G.E.A.R.S. Sixth Grade TeacherMs. Mercie Hoffmercie.hoff@browardschools.com

Genuine Explorations, Applications, and Research in ScienceG.E.A.R.S.

Genuine Explorations, Applications, and Research in Science An alternative for high ability students Rigor and relevance - compact curriculum Questioning - who, what, how, when, where, why Inquiry - base hands - on labs Technology to enhance learning Teamwork and collaboration

G.E.A.R.S. Entrance Criteria Teacher Recommendation 5th Grade Science Grades – A's Science Assessment: Levels 4 or 5 FSA Score: ELA Score: Level 4 or 5.*2020-2021 scores will be used.

Science Progression6th Grade7th GradeG.E.A.R.S. 6 Comprehensive ScienceAccelerated – Part 1G.E.A.R.S. 7G.E.A.R.S. 8 Comprehensive Science HS Biology 1 HonorsAccelerated – Part 2(Includes Earth &8th GradeSpace and Physical Science) (Includes Chemistry, Life, and Physical Science)Advanced/Gifted Earth ScienceAdvanced/GiftedAdvanced/Gifted Life ScienceAdvanced/GiftedAdvanced/Gifted Physical ScienceAdvanced/GiftedRegular Earth ScienceRegular Life ScienceRegular Physical Science

Suzanne.Keneth@browardschools.comSeventh Grade Administrator & Master SchedulerMarcela.Mansur@browardschools.comSixth Grade Sixth Grade Guidance Counselor

Accelerated Curriculum Parent Night . Welcome to Pioneer Middle School. Enrolling a student into accelerated curriculum courses is a family commitment. To provide parents and students with information needed to make an informed accelerated curriculum decision for academic placement . PowerPoint Presentation