There are three pathways for students in Pasco schools. Most students follow a Core Pathway, which allows them access to grade-level standards each year.  Next, an Accelerated Pathway, provides students with an "accelerated" experience by compacting standards from multiple years into a single course.  Finally, in the  Advanced Pathway are students who have demonstrated a proclivity to mathematics and an ability for even more intense math experiences. 

Students are screened in the spring of their fifth grade year and those who qualify for the accelerated pathway begin the compacted series in their sixth grade year.   Some schools may have enough students to create an accelerated class.  Others might have small groups working with a teacher.  No matter how the learning environment is shaped, these students learn all the sixth grade and about half of the seventh grade math standards.

Students are screened annualy to determine placement on the Math Pathways.  

• Research states that Algebra is a gatekeeper to higher learning—both in mathematics and other fields.   
• To help suport the district's outrageous outcome of getting "100% of our students to pass Algebra by the 9th grade."
• To guarantee consistency in practice, implementation and identification of students needs.
• Provides a systematic approach to allow students to qualify for advanced classes in reading or math.

Below are parent resources in English and Spanish that explains the research, selection process, and provides more information on the Math Pathways for students in Pasco School District.

In sixth grade, all students who show by acheivement scores they would benefit from an altered learning experience will be on the accelerated pathway. 

In seventh grade, students on the accelerated pathway will be learn the remaining 7th grade and most of the 8th grade math standards. Students on the advanced pathway will be learning the rest of the seventh, most of the eighth grade and all the Algebra I (high school) math standards.

When students on the accelerated pathway reach eighth grade, they will learn the rest of the 8th grade and AlgebraI standards.  While those on the advanced pathway will be taking Geometry.

Students in the accelerated and advanced pathwaysl have the option to take Statistics, Calculus, or AP Calculus before finishing their high school careers.  Either pathway prepares students to be ready for Running Start. 

Megan Nelson,

Director of STEM Initiatives and Instructional Techonology

Phone: (509) 543-6700, ext 2019

Fax: (509) 543-6777

mnelson@psd1.org

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