The mathematics program serves as a continuation of what has been started in the elementary school years. The curriculum emphasizes application, problem-solving skills, and a conceptual understanding of math while incorporating basic mathematical computation. Critical thinking and construction of math understanding are integral parts of the total program. Students are moved into pre-algebra classes and then to algebra.
The Elementary Honors Mathematics Program is intended to meet the needs of those students who can complete the prescribed curriculum in seven (7) instead of eight (8) years. The students in this program are identified in grade four (4) and begin formal instruction in grade five (5), continuing through grade eight (8). The Algebra I course used by the secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the eighth (8th) grade honors curriculum. The school administrator and the mathematics coordinator carefully monitor the program using management guidelines prepared by the Joint Elementary/Secondary Mathematics Committee.
Students who complete this program and satisfactorily master the Algebra I curriculum according to criteria established by the Joint Committee can test to begin their second year of secondary mathematics in the freshman year.
The principal criteria for admission to this program, as stated in the Archdiocesan guidelines for the Elementary Honors Program, include:
- Cognitive Skills Quotient in the 125 range
- Standardized test scores: 90 in Mathematics and 80 in Reading
- Consistent scores of 85 or better on Archdiocesan Level Evaluations
- 90 overall Mathematics average for the year
- Periodic evaluation will be used to determine continued participation in this program.
Fourth Grade Enrichment Math criteria:
– Terra Nova CSI range of 125
– Terra Nova score of 90 or above in Math
– Terra Nova score of 80 or above in Reading
– End-of-year test of 85 or above
– Final Math Report Card grade of 90 or above
Participation in the Honors Math Program is contingent upon the approval of the Archdiocesan Mathematics Committee.
Curriculum Resource: Sadlier