Middle School Mathematics

Middle school mathematics transitions students from their introduction to fraction operations at fifth grade through pre-algebra topics such as proportional reasoning, operations with rational numbers and integers, geometry, and data analysis. Students transition into algebra topics such as solving equations and inequalities, and developing an understanding of slope as a rate of change.

• 6 - 8 Grade-Level State Standards 
• Summaries of State Standards for Grades 6 – 8

Our middle school mathematics program, guided by Washington State standards approved in July of 2008, provides a balance of:
• Conceptual Understanding
• Procedural Proficiency
• Problem-solving and Processes

In 2005, Seattle Public Schools adopted CMP2 as its core curricular material for middle school mathematics.  CMP2 texts are divided into units, and students use/take home only one unit at a time.  Each chapter of the book is divided into investigations which are numbered 1, 2, 3, etc.  At the end of each investigation is an ACE (Applications, Connections, Extensions) section and a set of problems, from which homework is generally assigned.  Generally, red books are for 6th grade, blue books for 7th grade, and green books for 8th grade, although some books have been moved to address specific state standards for each grade.

Supporting Mathematics Learning at Home

Families can support learning at home by:  

• Using the suggestions and activities in the Family Toolkit. Just as students should read at home every day, they should also practice mathematics at home every day.
• Developing the attributes of a math learner by using Questioning to Learn strategies.
• Promoting effective use of homework time by using Helping Your Child with Homework Brochure and the resources below.
 

Resources for Families

Using the CMP2 Books at Home:
• Student letters at the beginning of each unit explain the mathematics to be learned in that chapter.
• Parents receive a letter at the beginning of each unit explaining the mathematics being taught in the unit.
• Each unit of the book has a Mathematical Highlights summary. These can be found at the beginning of the unit and are labeled with a green note in the upper left hand corner.
• Each investigation of the book has a set of problems called "ACE Problems". These can be found directly after the investigation.
• Students take notes in class and record their solutions as well as other students' solutions. Ask to see your student's notes and look for similar problems.
• Students build math glossaries in their classrooms with their teachers. When your student is "stuck" at home, ask to look up the concept in the glossary.

Online Resources

• Connected Math Project (CMP2) Website  
• Parent Guides (important concepts and examples for each unit)  
• Video Tutors (short, interactive tutorials)
     o 6th Grade/Red Books
     o 7th Grade/Blue Books     
     o 8th Grade/Green Books 
• Webcodes: Enter the code found in the margin of each book to find resources specific to that page of the book. 
• Homework Help, Skills Practices, Active Math Online, and more:  
     o 6th Grade/Red Books  
     o 7th Grade/Blue Books     
     o 8th Grade/Green Books 
• Michigan State CMP2 Family Site  

Other Resources

• Conceptual Understanding
     o Library of Virtual Manipulatives  
     o Create a Graph 
• Problem Solving
     o Figure This (Mathematics challenges for families)  
• Practice with Facts or Procedures
    o A+ Math (flashcards)  
    o A+ Math   
    o ArithmAttack  
    o Fun Brain: Fresh Baked Fractions  
• Ask Dr. Math
• The Math Forum


<<back to Mathematics