In 2023, Texas passed a law requiring school districts to develop an advanced math program for middle school students that enables students to enroll in Algebra I in 8th grade. If you work backwards, that means students would be responsible for learning 6th, 7th, and 8th grade standards in just a two-year period.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of this, and what Maneuvering the Middle has to offer teachers who teach advanced math. (Hint: it’s good!)
Con #1 One Size Fits All Approach
Many schools have been implementing this trajectory of Algebra 1 before the law was passed. Small schools or schools with only one math teacher might choose to put ALL students on the advanced track. I taught at two schools that did this, and I can confidently say that it wasn’t beneficial for many of the students.
A sixth grade student who is below grade level is now responsible for learning sixth grade and some 7th grade standards. They don’t master the material and this issue only compounds as they go into 7th grade. By the time they are in 8th grade, they are nowhere near ready for Algebra I. The school will try to rectify the situation by offering Algebra 1 again in high school to students who failed it in 8th grade. Sure, students might do better a second time, but it makes more sense for a student to take Algebra I when they are ready. I taught a remediation Algebra I class, and students were bored and unmotivated because they felt like they already learned it (they had).
Pro #1 Built-In Differentiation
Differentiation tailors math instruction to students who learn in different ways and at different paces. When teachers plan and implement instruction to meet the different and specific needs of students, learning outcomes improve. This is why an advanced math track is like having built-in differentiation before a single lesson plan is written.
In my experience, my higher-level students were the students that received the least amount of my attention. Enrichment for my highest students was often low on my teacher to-do list, but advanced math can lead to more opportunities in higher education or STEM related career fields.
For students who may be on the regular track, they will benefit from a slower pace. To be clear, the regular track is plenty rigorous!
Texas’s law requires Local Education Agency to automatically enroll 6th grade student who performed in the top 40% on:
- Grade 5 Math STAAR (statewide)
- Local measures such as 5th grade class ranking or proficiency in 5th grade coursework
Con #2 Challenging to Plan Advanced Math
Advanced math now has new standards! (TEA is calling them “proposed” as I write this in March of 2025.) TEA put together these (linked below) documents to show how the grade level standards should be combined to cover all the material.
6th Grade Advanced Math (combining 6th and 7th)
7th Grade Advanced Math (combining 7th and 8th)
8th Grade Advanced Math (This is basically Algebra 1 standards)
For teachers, this can make planning really difficult. Finding materials that cover brand new standards is a challenge. Writing handouts, activities, and assessments from scratch is not the best use of any teacher’s time.
Most likely if you are teaching advanced math, you are probably also teaching regular math, and quite possibly teaching some sort of intervention as well! That’s 3 completely different curriculums to plan and teach. (Check out tips on juggling multiple preps.)
Pro #2 MTM Can Help
Here is the good news! Maneuvering the Middle has been working on writing advanced math in our Texas curriculum! You won’t have to Frankenstein 6th and 7th grade or 7th and 8th grade curricula together to make an advanced curriculum. Our curriculum team has made the modifications to make sure the new standards are covered in an engaging and meaningful way! Student handouts, independent practices, activities, assessments have all been revised to reflect Texas advanced math standards.
You can expect Advanced Math to be on our platform this summer!
Check back for updates!
WHAT IS MANEUVERING THE MIDDLE?
If you find this information helpful, consider checking out more of our resources! At Maneuvering the Middle, we design and develop standards-based math resources for grades 5 – Algebra 1. Our curriculum provides high quality, engaging resources for students and provides teachers with planning resources and plenty of training.
- All Access: standards-based, on-level curricula available for grades 5 – Algebra 1
- Maneuvering Math: a skill-based intervention program for middle school math students
Are you currently teaching advanced math? How is it going?
This sounds amazing! Any chance that you might offer some kind of combo all access package? I am the only middle school math teacher at a smaller school. I teach 100 students in six different preps- a standard 6, 7, and 8 and an advanced track 6 and 7 along with Algebra 1. It is a lot to juggle. I was hired a week before school, and as a first time teacher (at 50!), I have made it to May only because of your program! My kids have commented repeatedly how much more they’ve learned this year and the credit goes to your team! Thanks for all you do.
Cathy! That is great to hear! Congratulations on your first year!