MATH PROGRAM

Shue-Medill Middle School is very proud of the challenging math program we are able to offer. Currently we offer two standards-based mathematics programs to our middle school students–Connected Mathematics Project and Carnegie Learning’s Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Statistics. Qualifying seventh and eighth graders are able to take the high-school accredited Integrated Mathematics Courses 1 and 2 during their middle school years.

CONNECTED MATH PROJECT (CMP)

The Connected Math Project (CMP) is a problem-centered curriculum that not only helps students to make sense of the mathematics, it also helps them to process the mathematics in a retrievable way, so that it can be applied in new situations. TheCMP curriculum is supplemented as needed to provide instruction in all established Grade Level Expectations. CMP is used in sixth and seventh grades.

A growing body of research and evaluation reports indicates that CMP outperforms non-CMP curricula on tests of problem-solving ability, equals or outperforms non-CMP curricula on skills tests, and promotes long term retention.

CARNEGIE MATH PROGRAM

In addition to CMP, we use a Carnegie Math program in all grade levels that includes three courses: Bridge to Algebra, Integrated Mathematics 1 and Integrated Mathematics 2. The Carnegie Math program integrates concepts of algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students work cooperatively to solve real world problems which encourage them to make connections and develop understanding of key math concepts. Students successfully completing the Integrated Math series will earn high school credit, and move into higher math courses when entering high school.

Key Benefits:

Students like working cooperatively and become active participants in math class
Students better relate to math when solving real-world problems
Students make connections and understand key math concepts when they encounter multiple representations
Teachers are better supported with materials and tips for facilitating a collaborative learning environment

MATH COMPETITIONS

Shue-Medill Middle School participates in three widely known math competitions throughout the year–Math League, MathCounts, and 24-Game. Shue consistently is a strong contender in all three competitions with regionally and state ranked teams for all three grade levels. Tryouts for all three competitions are open to any and all. Math League tryouts are held in October and are highly competitive, even at the school level.

This year we had 125 students compete for 44 spots on the team. Students compete monthly against four other schools in our region on a series of 7 questions. Last year, Shue’s 7th grade team ranked #3 in the entire state at the State Competition in April. MathCounts tryouts take place in January. We look for the top four performers in the entire school to represent Shue at the State Competition in March. The top four performers at the State Competition move on to the National Competition in May. In the spring, Christina School District holds a 24-Game District Competition for grades 4-8. We hold school level competitions in March and April to decide on Shue’s top four 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to represent each grade level of our school at the District Competition in May.

Contact the Math Department:
Trish Meixell | Deb McCann