Accelerated Math Program

Georgetown ISD is committed to meeting the individual needs of every student. In support of this goal and in alignment with state requirements, all students entering grades 5-7 will be evaluated for potential acceleration.

What is accelerated math?
Accelerated math is a program designed for students who are ready to move through math content at a faster pace than the traditional grade-level sequence.

How does accelerated math work?
In an accelerated course, students learn advanced grade-level content, often alongside current grade-level concepts within the same school year. This approach allows them to progress more quickly and reach advanced courses -- such as Algebra I -- by 8th grade.

When can students enter the accelerated math program?
This program may begin as early as 5th grade for some students, while others may enter at a later time based on readiness. At the end of 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, results from MAP and STAAR assessments are reviewed to recommend students for possible acceleration.

When are recommendations communicated?
Final recommendations cannot be made until after the district receives students’ math STAAR scores which may be as late as the middle of June. Parents of rising 5th and 6th grade students should expect to receive an email via ParentSquare sometime in June designating the upcoming math course of their student. Rising 7th grade students will be contacted by their 6th grade math teacher or counselor during the course verification process if there is a recommendation for acceleration.

Accelerated Math Information

Acceleration Opportunities

Algebra 1 in 8th Grade (Single Acceleration)

Single acceleration is defined as receiving math instruction one grade level higher than the student's current grade (i.e., a 6th grade student receiving 7th grade math instruction).
Students who meet the following criteria will automatically be placed in the accelerated course unless parents or guardians choose to opt-out.
- Rising 5th graders that score in top 30th percentile on the 4th Grade EOY MAP or Math STAAR assessments.
- Rising 6th graders that score in top 40th percentile on the 5th Grade EOY MAP or Math STAAR assessments.

Course Sequence for Acceleration Beginning in 5th Grade
Student's Grade	5th	6th	7th	8th
Course Content	Math 5 & 6	Math 7	Math 8	Algebra I

Course Sequence for Acceleration Beginning in 6th Grade
Student's Grade	6th	7th	8th
Course Content	Math 6 & 7	Math 7 & 8	Algebra I

Algebra 1 in 7th Grade (Double Acceleration Opportunity for Math 5/6 Students)

Double acceleration is defined as receiving math instruction two grade levels higher than the student's current grade (i.e., a 6th grade student receiving 8th grade math instruction).
Students who meet the following criteria will automatically be placed in the accelerated course unless parents or guardians choose to opt-out.
- Rising 6th graders that have completed Math 5/6 and score in top 10th percentile on the 5th Grade EOY MAP assessment or Math STAAR assessments.

Course Sequence for Double Accelerated Rising 6th Graders (only eligible upon completion of Math 5/6)
Student's Grade	5th	6th	7th	8th
Course Content	Math 5 & 6	Math 7 & 8	Algebra I	Geometry

What Families Should Know

How to Support Your Student in an Accelerated Course

During the School Year

Set routines to support effective time management.
Help student stay organized with their school work and materials.
Regularly check Skyward to keep track of progress and manage missing assignments
Prioritize attendance. Of course students should stay home when they are sick, but avoid scheduling appointments etc, during your student’s math course.
Check for and respond promptly to teacher communication. Most teachers communicate through email, so be sure to keep contact information current.
When and if you start to see your student struggling, contact their teacher to ask about tutoring times outside of class time.
Celebrate student achievement. Provide at-home incentives for students who may need encouragement or motivation.

Over the Summer

Practice math facts in a fun way, such as Fixed Factor War, Matchmaker, or Salute Math Card Game.
Use an online free resource to continue practicing math content over the summer (i.e. Khan Academy, Greg Tang, etc).
Attend the Summer Boost Program - Starting Summer 2025, students who have completed Math 5/6 and Math 6/7 have the opportunity to attend a 2-week program in the summer to review essential math concepts covered in the compacted curriculum.

Characteristics of an Accelerated Math Student

Curious and Ready to Learn: Eager to build on what they already know using different ways to understand math concepts and explain their thinking.
Engaged and Focused: Enjoys discussing math, solving problems, and diving into challenging concepts with excitement and determination.
Perseverance in Challenging Environments: Demonstrates resilience and determination while working in a fast-paced environment, covering a substantial amount of material.
Scholarly Behaviors: Takes initiative to independently seek understanding, feels comfortable asking questions, and actively advocates for support when needed.
Organized and Responsible: Self-motivated to complete assignments, stays organized by maintaining and locating materials, and takes accountability for preparation and performance in class.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my student need to qualify for math acceleration every year to remain in the program?
Once a student begins in math acceleration, they will remain in the accelerated course sequence unless a parent or guardian requests a change.

What happens if my student does not automatically qualify for math acceleration?
Students who do not automatically qualify for an accelerated math course will be placed in their on-level math course. Parents of rising 5th and 6th grade students will receive an email in June indicating their child’s math course placement for the upcoming school year. Rising 7th and 8th grade students currently in on-level courses will automatically select on-level courses during the course registration process.

At the end of both 5th and 6th grade, students will have another opportunity to be considered for accelerated math. Each year provides a chance for students to demonstrate readiness for advanced coursework based on EOY MAP and Math STAAR assessment data.

What if I have concerns about my student’s automatic placement?
GISD’s goal is to ensure students receive math instruction tailored to the rigor and pacing needs appropriate for student success. If you have concerns about your student’s placement, you will have the opportunity to request a review in June. Please refer to the June course notification email for details on how to begin that process.

What if my student qualifies, but I don’t feel they are ready for a compacted class?
Parents have the opportunity to make a different course choice if they feel it's best for their child. More information about how to do so will be included in the June course notification email.

What if I am new to the district, can my student still be considered for accelerated math?
Yes! Please speak to your student's campus advisor when registering.

What if I would like my student to skip a grade level in math?
GISD is committed to ensuring students have a strong foundation before moving ahead. To support long-term success, students will need to demonstrate their understanding before advancing to the next level through an exam process. Students wishing to test out of a course without having prior instruction may take the Credit by Exam (CBE) assessement. CBE math testing is offered by Georgetown ISD for enrolled students in grades 6-12 at designated times throughout the year. For more information, please visit the GISD assessment website or speak with your student's counselor.