Mathematics 7
Grade:7
36 Weeks
Students examine algebra and geometry preparatory concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and number concepts and skills especially proportional reasoning.  Reasoning, problem solving, communication, concept representation, and connections among mathematical ideas are emphasized in a hands-on learning environment.  Graphing calculators and computers are integrated with instruction. Math 7 students are required to take the Math 7 Standards of Learning End of Course Test. Math 7 Honors students are required to take the Math 8 Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

Classroom Text:
Middle Grades Math: Tools for Success, Course 3; Prentice Hall, 1999. (Math 7 and Math 7 Honors)

Recommended Resource:
Math on Call, Great Source (Math 7)
Algebra to Go, Great Source (Math 7 Honors)

Mathematics 8
Grade: 8
Prerequisite: Math 7
36 Weeks
Students extend their study of algebra and geometry preparatory concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and number concepts and skills especially proportional reasoning.  Reasoning, problem solving, communication, concept representation, and connections among mathematical ideas are emphasized in a hands-on learning environment.  Graphing calculators and computers are integrated with instruction.  Students are required to take the Math 8 Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

Classroom Text:
Pre-Algebra; Prentice Hall, 2001.

Recommended Resource:
Math on Call, Great Source (Math 8)

Algebra 1, Honors
Credit:  1 High School
Grade: 7 & 8
Prerequisite:  Mathematics 7 and/or Mathematics 8
36 Weeks
The depth and level of understanding expected in Algebra I Honors is beyond the scope of Algebra I. Students are expected to master algebraic mechanics and understand the underlying theory, as well as apply the concepts to real-world situations in a meaningful way. Students extend knowledge and understanding of the real number system and its properties through the study of variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and the analysis of data from real world phenomena. Emphasis is placed on algebraic connections to arithmetic, geometry, and statistics. Calculators and computer technologies are integral tools. Graphing calculators are an essential tool for every student to explore graphical, numerical, and symbolic relationships. This course has an end-of-course Standards of Learning test. Students who have mastered the standards of Mathematics 7 and 8 in grade 7 are eligible to take Algebra 1 Honors in grade 8. When taken in grade 8, Algebra 1 Honors becomes a part of the high school transcript record, is included in the determination of the high school grade point average (GPA), and counts as one of the required mathematics credits for high school graduation. Parents may request that the Algebra 1 Honors grade be omitted from the student's transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course. Students taking Algebra 1 Honors in grade 8 must pass the course to be promoted to grade 9. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

Classroom Text:
Algebra 1; McDougal Littell, 2001.

Recommended Resource:
Algebra to Go, Great Source

Note: Admission to the Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology requires the completion of Algebra 1 prior to grade 9.

Rising 7th grade students will be placed in Algebra I Honors by meeting the following division-wide requirements:

1. Participation in sixth grade Compacted Mathematics or a full year’s advanced mathematics program in grade 6.
2. A score at the 92th percentile or better on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IATT) in grade 6.
3. A score of 500 or better (pass advanced) on the Virginia Standards of Learning Grade 8 mathematics test at the end of grade 6.

Geometry, Honors
Grade: 8
Prerequisite:  Algebra 1
36 Weeks
The depth and level of understanding expected in Geometry Honors is beyond the scope of Geometry. This course emphasizes two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. A variety of applications and some general problem-solving techniques, including algebraic skills, will be used to explore geometric relationships. Conjectures about properties and relationships are developed inductively and then verified deductively. Students investigate non-Euclidean geometries, formal logic, and use deductive proofs to verify theorems. Calculators, computers, graphing utilities, dynamic geometry software, and other appropriate technology tools will be used to assist in teaching and learning. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.