Math Placement Testing

BSD Graduation Requirements. In order to earn a standard high school diploma in BSD (policy IKF-AR) students must enroll in and pass at least three years of math courses while enrolled in 9-12th grade. For a student that accelerates, they would need to successfully complete three courses of math beyond AGS II once in high school in order to meet the minimum requirement of three math credits for graduation. 

College Entrance Requirements. Our core math sequence of AGS courses is designed to prepare a student for entry-level college math courses. Students who continue to pursue math courses beyond AGS III are engaging in college-level work in high school. A 2019 study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling reported that “The top factors in the admission decision were overall high school GPA, grades in college preparatory courses, strength of curriculum, and admission test scores. Among the next most important factors were the essay, a student’s demonstrated interest, counselor and teacher recommendations, class rank, and extracurricular activities.”

Strong foundation in Algebra is more important than enrollment in Calculus. More important than having taken the highest level of math possible, is nurturing your student’s interest, confidence, and strong foundations in the mathematics covered in the AGS sequence. In a set of recommendations published by the Mathematical Association of America the authors wrote that “[s]tudents are better prepared for post-secondary mathematics when they have developed an understanding of the undergirding principles which, when accompanied by fluent and flexible application of the concepts and procedures of precalculus mathematics, enable them to understand calculus as a coherent and broadly applicable body of knowledge. They continue on to note that “In some sense, the worst preparation a student heading toward a career in science or engineering could receive is one that rushes toward accumulation of problem-solving abilities in calculus while short-changing the broader preparation needed for success beyond calculus.” (Bressoud, Mesa, and Rasmussen, 2015).

All BSD students have the opportunity to take Calculus or another college-level mathematics course in HS without any placement testing or additional acceleration. Students who successfully complete AGS I in 8th grade in our district are on track to be able to access Calculus in high school without further accelerating their course path in mathematics. See the BSD grades 5-12 Math Pathways below:

Testing may help to consistently identify individuals for whom additional acceleration is appropriate. District-wide roughly 11% of our 8th grade students are enrolled in a math course at the AGS II or higher level.

Testing often suggests no change in placement. Hundreds of middle school students took placement tests in summer 2021 and early fall 2021 seeking a different placement. In the vast majority of cases no adjustment was recommended. We believe that the vast majority of our students are well/appropriately placed in sections by following the logical progression of courses offered in their building. However, in some cases placement testing helps confirm that our math placements are the best match for students and help us to demonstrate this to students and families.

Yes, in BSD, the typical math sequence covers all three years of middle school math (Common Core Math 6, 7, and 8) in a two year period. 6th graders are enrolled in Math 6/7 and 7th graders are enrolled in Math 7/8. In this sequence, all 8th graders are enrolled in AGS1, which is the first year of high school level math. It is important to consider the implications of accelerating kids even more than they already are. Any student finding difficulty in an additionally accelerated course to be the result of poor preparation in prior courses may be unable to access an appropriate course once they start to have difficulty. With course acceleration, moving forward is much easier than moving backward.

The math we teach in the 6/7 and 7/8 courses provides an essential foundation for Algebra and other HS concepts and should not be rushed through or skipped. 

From NCTM’s Catalyzing Change in MS Math: 

Lack of preparation can demotivate, reduce achievement and drive students away from math that they are seeking through accelerated placements. Again from Catalyzing Change in MS Math:

Please fill out the Single Subject Acceleration Request for Math form by May 1st. The form can be found in multiple languages at the top of this page. Testing will take place during the last two weeks of May at your child’s school.

Your student may only take a placement test once each year.

Please note: We will no longer offer placement testing in August. All testing must take place in May.

Students entering the district are placed into math courses using academic records from their previous school. Your child’s school will seek to enroll your student in the next logical course offered. If you are seeking a more advanced course then you may request placement testing using the same request form and deadlines as current students. We will provide testing opportunities for out-of-district students.

Yes, BSD Summa programs at Meadow Park, Stoller, Tumwater, and Whitford middle schools will use the results of placement testing to enroll Summa students into math courses for next year. It is recommended that current 5th grade students entering the Summa program take a math placement test to help ensure the most appropriate math placement. Any current 5th grade student qualified for Summa who does not take a placement test will be scheduled for Math 7/8 next year.

Current 6th and 7th grade Summa students do not need to take a test unless they are seeking a different math placement next year.
 

The tests will be given in paper/pencil format with a scantron sheet for students to mark their answers. Students will be provided with scratch paper and a calculator. Students may bring their own calculator if it is allowed for their test.

Students will be provided accommodations or modifications if present on an IEP or 504 plan. If your student needs accommodations or modifications please be sure to share that information with us when arranging testing (we will be sure to ask).

The tests are written to align to the BSD Learning Targets for the course they are assigned to. (e.g. 5th Grade students to place into Math 7/8 or Alg/Geo/Stats 1 (AGS 1) will need to demonstrate proficiency on learning targets for Math 6/7 on the placement test to enroll in Math 7/8 next year. A current 5th grade student seeking to place into AGS 1 for next year would need to demonstrate proficiency on Math 6/7 and Math 7/8 Learning Targets on the Placement Test.

Course learning targets are on our website

You may be able to check out extra copies of textbooks for a course you are studying from your local BSD middle school's library.
 

District communications to families and caregivers will acknowledge which test was taken and what the resulting placement will be. Scores and other details about results will not be shared. 

All BSD math courses are built around the major topics students need to learn. Your student’s placement test result may indicate that your student still has valuable learning to do in their upcoming course without adjustment. This is the most common outcome of our placement tests and we feel confident that it is best for the vast majority of our students.

Percent of 8th graders enrolled in AGS II or above (2021-2022 school year):

Beaverton School District’s Intensive Summer Version (ISV) courses are not available to students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. ISV courses are for students entering 9th grade and above.

No. The district will not accept outside courses for credit/acceleration in middle school.