Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Where can I find the math guidelines?
Put the following link in your address bar: http://www.catholicschools- phl.org/school_info/elementary_guidelines.htm Scroll down to find the mathematics guidelines. Look for the link for your grade level.Back to Top
Put the following link in your address bar: http://www.catholicschools- phl.org/school_info/elementary_guidelines.htm Scroll down to find the mathematics guidelines. Look for the link for your grade level.
Where do I find the list of Priority topics?
Priority topics are bold-faced topics listed in the Trimester Breakdown of Skills. These can be found in the first section of the Mathematics guidelines.Back to Top
Priority topics are bold-faced topics listed in the Trimester Breakdown of Skills. These can be found in the first section of the Mathematics guidelines.
What is the criteria for admission to the Elementary Honors Math Program?
Students can be admitted in either the fourth or fifth grade only. CSI, as determined by Terra Nova testing, should be in the range of 125. Standardized test scores for Total Mathematics must be equal to or greater than 90 and for Reading at or above the 80th percentile. Scores in the most recent Diocesan end-of-level test should be at or above the 85th percentile. Students admitted to the program must maintain a GPA of 90 or above to remain in the program.Back to Top
Students can be admitted in either the fourth or fifth grade only. CSI, as determined by Terra Nova testing, should be in the range of 125. Standardized test scores for Total Mathematics must be equal to or greater than 90 and for Reading at or above the 80th percentile. Scores in the most recent Diocesan end-of-level test should be at or above the 85th percentile. Students admitted to the program must maintain a GPA of 90 or above to remain in the program.
Are end-of-level tests required?
End-of-level testing is prepared annually for every level from Grades 1 through Pre-Algebra. The students in Honors Math who complete Algebra I take a standardized end-of-course assessment. End-of-level testing is not optional. End-of-level testing is kept in each student's math folder for two years.Back to Top
End-of-level testing is prepared annually for every level from Grades 1 through Pre-Algebra. The students in Honors Math who complete Algebra I take a standardized end-of-course assessment. End-of-level testing is not optional. End-of-level testing is kept in each student's math folder for two years.
How often should students should be given performance assessments in math?
We recommend that students be given at least three performance assessment experiences each trimester. Sample performance assessments for each level can be found on this web site.Back to Top
We recommend that students be given at least three performance assessment experiences each trimester. Sample performance assessments for each level can be found on this web site.
Where are the rubrics for performance assessments found?
Rubrics for performance assessments can be found in the guidelines. These same rubrics are used for the end-of-level performance assessments.Back to Top
Rubrics for performance assessments can be found in the guidelines. These same rubrics are used for the end-of-level performance assessments.
At what level should students begin using calculators?
Students should begin using calculators at the earliest levels. Encourage students to press calculator keys with the hand that they do not write with as this frees their dominant writing hand to record answers while working with the calculator. It also saves time picking up and putting down the pencil.Back to Top
Students should begin using calculators at the earliest levels. Encourage students to press calculator keys with the hand that they do not write with as this frees their dominant writing hand to record answers while working with the calculator. It also saves time picking up and putting down the pencil.