Math Pathways

All students at Inglewood Middle School will take 6th+ math.

As students progress through Inglewood Middle School, they will have two math pathway options.

At the beginning of the 4th quarter of 6th grade, we will provide families with the student's grades, SBA scores, and our recommendation for 7th graders for 7th+ math or Algebra 1 in order to support students and families in making a choice.

7th Grade Math Pathway Options
8th Grade Math Pathway Options

7th Grade Math Pathway Options

As students finish sixth grade (6th+ math), there are two math options that students can choose from:

7th+ Math
Algebra 1

7th+ Math

Algebra 1

8th Grade Math Pathway Options

As students finish seventh grade, there are two math options that are informed by their previous class:

Algebra 1
Geometry

Algebra 1

Geometry

Math Course Descriptions

6th+ Math

In 6th+ math, students build upon their elementary school math skills and explore new concepts that may go beyond 6th grade math.

Ratios: Understanding ratios, proportional relationships, and their applications.
Arithmetic with Rational Numbers: Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals and fractions.
Rates and Percentages: Working with rates, percentages, and solving related problems.
Exponents and Order of Operations: Learning about exponents and mastering the order of operations.

Negative Numbers: Understanding negative numbers, absolute value, and comparing rational numbers.

Integers: Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of positive and negative whole numbers.
Variables and Expressions: Exploring algebraic expressions, substitution, and evaluating expressions.
Equations and Inequalities: Writing and solving one and two step equations and inequalities.
Plane Figures: Calculating areas of parallelograms, triangles, and composite figures.
Coordinate Plane: Graphing on the coordinate plane and understanding distance and reflections.
3D Figures: Exploring geometric solids, volume, and surface area for rectangular and triangular prisms, and pyramids.
Data and Statistics: Analyzing data and creating and interpreting graphs.

7th+ Math

In 7th+ math, students delve into fundamental concepts that lay the groundwork for more advanced topics. Let’s explore what a typical course of study entails:

Proportional Relationships: Students learn about ratios, proportions, and how quantities relate to each other.
Rates and Percentages: Understanding rates, percentages, and their applications in real-world scenarios.
Integers: Addition and subtraction of positive and negative whole numbers.
Rational Numbers: Adding and subtracting fractions and decimals. Introduction into exponents and scientific notation.
Expressions, Equations, Inequalities, & Functions: Solving algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities. Introduction into linear functions and systems of equations.
Statistics and Probability: Analyzing data, interpreting graphs, and understanding probability.

Algebra 1

The algebra 1 course covers a range of fundamental topics in algebra. Here’s a description of what you’ll encounter in an Algebra 1 course:

Linear Equations, Inequalities, Functions, and Graphs: You’ll delve into solving and writing linear equations, inequalities, and their graphical representations. Understanding and interpreting functions and their characteristics is also studied.

Systems of Equations and Inequalities: You’ll learn how to solve systems of linear equations using methods like substitution and elimination. Analyzing the number of solutions and solving real-world problems involving systems are part of this section.

Extension of the Concept of a Function: Beyond linear functions, you’ll explore other types of functions, including quadratic, exponential, and more. Concepts like domain, range, and interpreting features of graphs come into play.

Exponential Models: You’ll encounter exponential growth and decay models, understanding their behavior and applications.

Quadratic Equations, Functions, and Graphs: Quadratic equations, their solutions, and graphing quadratic functions are covered. This includes topics like factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.

Geometry

The geometry course covers a wide range of topics related to geometric concepts. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect in the Geometry Course:

Language of Geometry: Understanding points, lines, planes, and angles.

Learning terminology and notation used in geometry.

Reasoning and Proofs: Exploring different types of proofs, including paragraph, two-column, flow, indirect, and coordinate proofs. Developing logical reasoning skills.

Parallel and Perpendicular Lines: Studying properties of parallel and perpendicular lines.

Investigating transversals and corresponding angles.

Congruent Triangles: Identifying congruent triangles and their properties. Applying congruence criteria to solve problems.

Quadrilaterals and Polygons: Analyzing properties of quadrilaterals (such as rectangles, squares, parallelograms, and rhombi). Exploring polygons and their characteristics.

Circles and Trigonometry: Investigating circles, arcs, inscribed angles, and chords.

Introducing basic trigonometric concepts.

Coordinate Geometry: Working with the coordinate plane. Using distance and midpoint formulas.

Transformations: Understanding translations, reflections, rotations, and dilations.

Applying transformations to geometric figures.

Surface Area and Volume: Calculating surface area and volume of prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Connecting geometric concepts to real-world applications. Developing problem-solving skills.

The following diagram helps to illustrate how the math pathway in middle school leads to math courses in high school. It is important to check your high school course catalog for additional math courses offered and any prerequisites listed for course enrollment. Course catalogs are available on each high school’s website.

Eastlake High School Course Catalog can be found here.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

It is important for families to consider the recommendations provided by the school, as well as other factors to determine if Algebra 1 is the most appropriate next step in 7th Grade.

Students in Algebra have been successful when they are:

Capable of abstract reasoning and application of concepts
Diligent in both study skills and homework completion
Able to work through difficult and challenging problems
Motivated to learn new mathematical concepts
Able to ask for help

Having a strong successful foundation in mathematics is important to future coursework. As always, partnering with you for the well-being and success of your student is important to us. Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Additional Math support:

Students can use the links below to practice math skills and get help on math problems.

ALEKS
Online site that allows students to practice specific areas of math (student log-in required)
Big Ideas
Math curriculum for Algebra and Geometry (student log-in required)
IXL Math
IXL Math is a personalized learning program that cover a comprehensive curriculum of adaptive skills. Students can earn awards and prizes as they learn and answer questions.
Khan Academy
Online site that allows students to practice specific areas of math (student log-in required)