FAQs

Q: Will the math program be reviewed with parents each year?

Yes, will provide this information to families through a webinar on a yearly basis and this information will be available on the PVSD website.

Q: Do parents have an opportunity to change pathways later on?

The standard model is for students to accelerate from 4th grade into 5th grade or for students to accelerate from 7th grade into 8th grade.

Other opportunities exist for students to accelerate going into 6th grade and 7th grade on a case-by-case basis. 

There are high school opportunities that occur for students entering Algebra I in the 9th grade to accelerate as well.

Q: Will there still be a 5th grade math assessment administered at the end of the fourth grade to all students?

An end of year 5th grade assessment will not be administered to all 4th grade students. It may be used to provide additional data regarding a placement decision.

Q: Is i-Ready data being used for math placement decisions?

Yes, the data for math placement decisions incorporates i-Ready scores from the Spring Diagnostic, 3rd and 4th Grade Math PSSA scores, and data provided by the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS).

Q: If a student is accelerated and does not wish to continue, may they access a different pathway?

We would work with the student and family first to learn more about the situation and provide additional support before making this decision. Ultimately if the family decides they would no longer wish to continue in acceleration, we would work with them and the school to ensure the student’s needs are being met in whichever course they choose. 

Q: What happens if a student is identified for acceleration and the family does not wish for their student to be accelerated?

The student’s needs would be met through grade-level curriculum and differentiated instruction. If the family later decides to pursue acceleration, that opportunity will be available.  

Q: For students who do not meet the criteria of 2-year acceleration, what are some of the indicators that may be used in case-by-case decisions following 5th grade or 6th grade?  

This process would also include meeting with the family to learn more about the student and discuss their specific goals and how their student can be best supported. Then, we would look at indicators that may include school and teacher input, data provided by the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS), and an end-of-year assessment of the next grade level. 

Q: Is there a set number of students designated for acceleration?

Acceleration is based on what the data is telling us in trying to capture all the students that should be accelerated. We do not set a minimum or maximum. 

Q: Are teacher recommendations taken into consideration or is this strictly assessment based?  

 We are looking at data to initially identify students. However, teachers provide valuable insight into their students and we value this insight as we are making placement decisions.

Q: Are students pulled-out of their classroom for math acceleration instruction?

Students receive their accelerated math instruction during core instructional math time. However, the teacher providing this instruction may be someone different than their homeroom teacher. In these instances, a student would have to change classrooms.

Q: Are students moved to different schools for accelerated math?

In the past, there have been cases where students have needed to travel to other schools within the district to attend accelerated classes. However, we are looking to avoid this by offering accelerated instruction within the student’s home school.

Q: What is the earliest historical data used for acceleration placement decisions?

The 3rd grade Mathematics PSSA is the earliest data point used in placement decisions. However, if a student is transferring in and this data is not accessible, we offer additional measures on a case-by-case basis. 

 Q: Who may I contact with additional questions? 

If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Dr. Kevin Handerhan, STEM Curriculum Supervisor, at khanderhan@pvsd.org

Q: What do I do if my student is not recommended for acceleration and I do not agree with the decision? 

A process is in place for any parent/guardian who would like to appeal a math acceleration decision. This process includes a meeting with the family to learn more about the student and the appeals process uses additional data, which may include school and teacher input, data provided by the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS), and an end-of-year assessment of the next grade level. After the information is collected a decision whether to grant the appeal is made.