Eighth-grade Pre-Algebra: Rationale and Suggested Course of Study
The most recent curriculum guide for junior-high mathematics published by the Muscogee County School District and distributed in February, 1988, identifies five mathematics courses that may be offered in the Junior high schools throughout the system. For seventh graders, there are courses in remedial mathematics, regular mathematics, and pre-Algebra. For eighth graders, the guide lists two courses: remedial and regular. Algebra I 1s also offered at the Junior-high level for a select group of eighth-graders who score at or above the 85th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and who achieve a minimum score of 37 on the Orleans-Hannah Algebra Prognosis Test. More recently (May, 1988), in an effort to meet the needs of those eighth-grade students who score between the 75th and 85th percentiles, eighth-grade pre-Algebra was added to the list of courses: but thus far, a separate course of study has not been developed. The purpose of this project was to design a curriculum guide for an advanced eighth-grade general mathematics course -- one with a strong emphasis on a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, the ability to use mathematics to solve a variety of problems, and Introductory algebra topics. In essence, it is a pre-algebra course for those eighth-grade students who excel In general mathematics but who are not yet ready for the study of algebra.
Mathematics, Pre-Algebra, Eight Grade, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Orleans-Hannah Algebra Prognosis Test, Educational Methods, Instructional Media Design, Science and Mathematics Education
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