Email for 7th/8th grade student taking Algebra 1

Dear (Parent)

 

There are multiple components of several laws which apply to students who take Algebra 1 in 8th grade and I want to provide you with the information.

 

Completion of Algebra 1 under the supervision of a Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) is required for all students who take Algebra 1, regardless of the grade level in which it is taken.

 

According to the California State Standards, it is expected that a standards-based Algebra 1 course would be completed during the 8th grade year.  Here are 2 different options you may choose (Note:  Pick from 1 or 2, but a Student may NOT meet the Algebra requirement by earning partial grade school credit and partial high school credits—combining the 2 choices.):

1.     In order for a 7th or 8th grade student to meet the Algebra 1 requirements while in that grade (and not earn high school course credit), the following must be met:

·         The student must complete all of the Algebra 1 course requirements before leaving 8th grade in order to be considered to have met the Algebra 1 HS graduation requirement. (The course must be taken again in High School if not completed prior to high school entrance.)

·          The student must have an HQT who meets the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements. As your ES, I (am, am not) HQT in math.   (Therefore, we will need to enroll you with a SME for Algebra 1).

2.     In order for a 7th or 8th grade student to earn high school credits for Algebra 1  the following must be met:

·         The student must complete all of the Algebra 1 course requirements, but they may be spread out over any number of school years, and may carry over into 9th grade to be completed. (Student may NOT meet the Algebra requirement by earning partial grade school credit and partial high school credits.)

·         The student must have an HQT who meets the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements. As your ES, I (am, am not) HQT in math.   (Therefore, we will need to enroll you with a SME for Algebra 1).

·         The student must be taking a high school academic course of equal value during the same semester (For example:  if the student is taking an Algebra 1a course for 5 credits during a semester, the student must also be taking at least one additional high school level core academic course worth 5 credits during that same semester.) This course will require a SME as well. When you select the course you wish to take, I will let you know if I am a HQT for this course.

 

I hope you find this information helpful.  If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

 

Thank you,

(Your ES)