Sellwood School

  Our Philosophy

Students in Middle School are changing physically, socially, and cognitively. The Math Department addresses these changes by providing balance between elementary and middle level practices. While these changes are leading to emotional and academic independence, students in these years still need an environment that challenges them and provides support as they become more responsible individuals.

The math curriculum is designed to maximize student learning through the use of hands on activities, social interaction, and technology. The curriculum assists students as they begin the transition of mathematical thought processes from the concrete to the abstract. Opportunities are provided for students to gain a thorough understanding on many strands of mathematics in their three years at Sellwood.

Course Descriptions

6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade CMP (Grade Level Math)

PPS adopted curriculum, Connected Math Project (CMP) is designed to develop confident problem solvers who are able to reason and communicate mathematically.

Pre-Algebra 6^th (Advanced 6^th grade)

(combined 6^th & 7^th grade materials, and CPM’s Foundations for Algebra curriculum)

Pre-requisites: excellent math skills, study skills, ability to work independently and cooperatively, demonstrates abstract thinking.

Requires 5^th gr. Teacher recommendation and a state assessment score placing the student in the top 20% of our 6th grade students.

Algebra  1-2  (7^th & 8^th grade)

PPS adopted curriculum, College Preparatory Math (CPM) Must meet course requirements to advance and receive 1 year H.S. Math credit and move on to Geometry next year.

Algebra  B  (8^th grade)

(2011-2012 is the last year for an Algebra B class.)

This is the second half of the PPS high school Alg. 1-2 course. Must meet course requirements to advance and receive the second ½ year H.S. Math credit.

Geometry (8^th grade)

Pre-requisites: successful completion of Alg. A.

Taken as an elective concurrent with Alg. B.

(2011-2012 is the last year this is offered as an elective, in 2012-2013 only 8th graders that passed Algebra 1-2 in 7th grade will be placed in this class as their only math class.)

PPS high school adopted Geometry curriculum. Must meet course requirements to advance and receive 1 year H.S. Math credit.

Math Staff

Heidi Perry       @ Sellwood since 1991

• 6^th  CMP

 Fred Harsman       @ Sellwood since 1999

• CPM Alg. 1-2
• Geometry

 Deanna Reisman       @ Sellwood since 2001

• 7^th  CMP
• Math Support (a quarter long elective class, 7th period)
  

Martha Sherman       @ Sellwood since 2009

• 8th Alg-B (or Alg 2)
  
• 8^th CMP (which will use some chapters of the Algebra texts)
  

PPS Middle School Math

Visit this page to learn more about math in Portland Public Schools (PPS) middle schools, includes a link to a families resource page, as well as many other math resources on the web.

http://teachers.pps.k12.or.us/math

Connected Mathematics Project (CMP)

The CMP website provides information about the curriculum used in PPS middle schools.

http://www.phschool.com/cmp2/

College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM)

The CPM website provides information and resources for students and parents regarding our Algebra curriculum

http://www.cpm.org/