After several years of interruption, accelerated programs in both math and science for DCS middle school students will return for the 2022-23 school year.
Students entering seventh grade will have the opportunity to take accelerated classes in both math and/or science and will be selected for an advanced level course using screenings assessments administered at the end of the sixth grade school year. Students who perform well on these assessments and have strong overall academic performance will be offered the opportunity to take advanced classes. These classes will have a more rigorous pace and will include additional material which will prepare these students to take ninth grade courses during their eighth grade year.
Students entering eighth grade will be selected for ninth grade level courses using screening assessments administered at the end of their seventh grade school year. Students who perform well on these assessments and have strong overall academic performance will be offered the opportunity to take ninth grade math (Algebra I) and/or ninth grade science (Living Environment). Students who take a ninth grade math course in eighth grade will be assigned an additional lab period to assist them in filling any skill gaps they may have due to the lack of a true accelerated program during this year’s seventh grade.
Here’s a look at both the traditional and accelerated learning pathways for seventh and eighth grade math and science:
Math – Traditional Path
- 7th grade – Math 7
- 8th grade – Math 8
Math – Accelerated Path
- 7th grade – 1 full period with compacted curriculum covering Math 7 and Math 8
- 8th grade – Algebra I and an additional lab period to support filling learning gaps
Science – Traditional Path
- 7th grade – Science 7 and a .5 lab period
- 8th grade – Science 8 and a .5 lab period
Science – Accelerated Path
- 7th grade – 1 full period with compacted curriculum covering Science 7 and Science 8 and a .5 lab period
- 8th grade – Living Environment (1 full period and a .5 lab period)
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s math and/or science teachers or DCS school counselors if you have questions about these courses. You can also contact Duanesburg Junior High School Principal Jodi Marvin or Asst. Principal and Middle School Program Coordinator, Polly Benjamin.