Placement Process

As a data-driven process, we use a matrix to inform math placement decisions. The matrix criteria are reviewed and refined annually by the principals, Math/Science Coordinator, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. We use the following data points within our matrices: 

• Terra Nova Math score(s) – test administered after Thanksgiving break

• STAR Math scores at grades 2-5  – tests administered in September, January, and May 

• Learning Renewal Interim Assessment Math scores at grades 6-8 - tests administered in October, February, and May

• Common grade level math unit/module assessments

As we review student data, please be assured that every data point for every student is examined. If we observe questionable or discrepant data, we review data from previous years and consult with the teacher(s) regarding the test scores. 

Lastly, although the Illinois Assessment of Readiness is not formally part of our matrices, we review IAR math scores in light of math placement decisions.

Grades 3 - 5 Math Extensions:

The Math Extensions Program is designed to serve students generally performing within the top 15 to 20% of the cohort on at least three of the five assessments listed below. At grade 5, the program serves students within the top 20% of the grade level who are not placed in Honors Math. Please be aware that the top 15% or 20% is not the same as the national percentile on the various standardized assessment reports. Also, math Extensions is not an accelerated program. Rather, it provides math enrichment.  

Grade 3 Math Extensions

Grade 4 Math Extensions

Grade 5 Math Extensions

Updated July 2024: Students may qualify for Math Extensions if they meet the Terra Nova and STAR criteria. Additionally, students should demonstrate strong classroom performance with at least 90 percent average on unit assessments.

• Terra Nova Mathematics from 3rd or 4th grade - 94th National Percentile or higher.
• STAR Math - Winter OR Spring - 98th or 99th National Percentile.
• Fourth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 90% or higher.

We have created two additional pathways for placement in Grade 5 Math Extension, which accommodate students who might be perceived as “just missing” the criteria. However, placement should be considered and reviewed to ensure that it is an appropriate placement as they have entered the program through less rigorous criteria and will be missing approximately 20% of math instructional time in the regular classroom each week. Furthermore, if students are already receiving math support outside of school and qualify via an alternative pathway, families should carefully consider the appropriateness of placement in Math Extensions.

Alternative Pathway 1: 

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score from 4th grade - 86th National Percentile or higher.
• STAR Winter or Spring Score - 98th National Percentile or higher.
• Fourth Grade IAR Score* - 790 (High Level 4 Performance Score)
• Fourth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 90% or higher.

Alternative Pathway 2: 

• Terra Nova Mathematics from 3rd or 4th grade - 94th National Percentile or higher
• STAR Winter or Spring Score - 92th National Percentile or higher.
• Fourth Grade IAR Score* - 790 (High Level 4 "Meets" Performance Score)
• Fourth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 90% or higher.

*The Illinois State Board of Education does not provide Student IAR Reports that we send home until late August/Early September. If you have a question about your child’s IAR score related to math placement, please contact Karen Cortezano (cortezano.k@nb27.org).

Grade 5 Math Honors

Reviewed July 2024: To be placed in Honors Math, a student’s assessment scores should meet all the following benchmarks: 

• 4th or 5th Grade Terra Nova Mathematics Score - National Percentile of 97 or higher. 
• STAR Winter OR Spring Score - National Percentile of 99. 
• Fourth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 95% or higher.

The above benchmark scores represent performance typically within the top 15% of the cohort. If one of the benchmark scores was not met by a student, we review the 5th grade IAR score for a Level 5 Exceeds performance level. The benchmark scores and process provide many avenues for student to qualify for Honors math. We consider the use of a 5th Grade Level 5 IAR score in place of one unmet benchmark score as a means for including students who might be perceived as "just missing" the criteria. 

Grade 6 Math Honors 

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score - National Percentile of 97 or higher from 4th grade or 5th grade. 
• STAR Winter or Spring Score - National Percentile of 99. 
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 95% or higher.  

The above benchmark scores represent performance typically within the top 15 to 18% of the cohort.

We have created two additional pathways for placement in Honors Math, which accommodate students who might be perceived as “just missing” the criteria. However, their performance in Honors Math should be carefully considered and reviewed to ensure that it is an appropriate placement as they have entered the program through less rigorous criteria. If students are already receiving math support outside of school and qualify via an alternative pathway, families should carefully discuss placement and the wisdom of moving into Honors Math.

Alternative Pathway 1: 

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score from 5th grade - 95th National Percentile or higher.
• STAR Winter or Spring Score - 98th National Percentile or higher.
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 95% or higher.  

Alternative Pathway 2:

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score from 5th grade - 95th National Percentile.
• STAR Winter or Spring Score - 98th National Percentile.
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 93% or higher  
• Fifth Grade IAR Score - Level 5* (Exceeds Standards)

*The Illinois State Board of Education does not provide Student IAR Reports that we send home until late August/Early September. If you have a question about your child’s IAR score related to math placement, please contact Karen Cortezano (cortezano.k@nb27.org).

Grade 6 Math Accelerated 

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score: National Percentile of 86 or higher from 4th grade or 5th grade.  
• STAR Winter or Spring Score: National Percentile of 94 or higher.
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 85% or higher.  

The above benchmark scores represent performance typically within the top 50% the cohort.

We have created four additional pathways for placement in Accelerated Math, which accommodate students who might be perceived as “just missing” the criteria. However, their performance in Accelerated Math should be carefully considered and reviewed to ensure that it is an appropriate placement as they have entered the program through less rigorous criteria. If students are already receiving math support outside of school and qualify via an alternative pathway, families should carefully discuss the math placement options.

Alternative Pathway 1:

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score from 5th grade - National Percentile of 80 or higher. 
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 85% or higher. 
• Fifth Grade Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)* - 760 or higher

Alternative Pathway 2:

• STAR Winter and Spring Scores: National Percentile of 90 or higher on both assessments.
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 85% or higher.  

Alternative Pathway 3:

• STAR Winter or Spring Scores: National Percentile of 90 or higher.
• Fifth Grade Math Unit Assessments Average - 85% or higher.  
• Fifth Grade IAR* - 760 or higher

Alternative Pathway 4:

• Terra Nova Mathematics Score from 5th grade - National Percentile of 80 or higher. 
• STAR Winter or Spring Scores: National Percentile of 90 or higher.
• Fifth Grade IAR* - 760 or higher

*The Illinois State Board of Education does not provide Student IAR Reports that we send home until late August/Early September. If you have a question about your child’s IAR score related to math placement, please contact Karen Cortezano (cortezano.k@nb27.org).

Grade 6 Math:

Students who do not meet the criteria for Honors or Accelerated Math are recommended to continue in the on-grade level curriculum. Please note that in January, the new Terra Nova and STAR scores are reviewed for each student in Grade 6 Math. If the scores meet the placement criteria for Accelerated Math, the Principal, teacher, Math/Science Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent review and discuss the child’s classroom performance and the appropriateness of a possible placement change. Data alone will not automatically qualify the child for a placement change.

Using the initial placements based on the matrix of data, the Principals and Math/Science Coordinator convene meetings to carefully review and discuss the data with the teachers. The placement of every child in the grade level is discussed. Teachers provide feedback regarding the students’ math abilities demonstrated in class as well as math work habits. For placement in Honors, Accelerated, and Extension classes, we look for confirmation of a student’s ability to do the following: 

• Problem-solve efficiently and effectively.

• Persevere through challenging and unfamiliar problems.

• Apply strong mathematical reasoning and make generalizations.

• Demonstrate a high level of precision in math solutions, written explanations, and oral explanations.

• Understand and apply new math concepts and strategies quickly.

The above list is not exhaustive but provides a picture of the characteristics needed to be successful in an advanced math courses. With the additional feedback from the teachers, placement recommendations are made. 

The Principal and Math/Science Coordinator review the placement recommendations with the Assistant Superintendent. The overall process is reviewed/confirmed and any questionable placements are flagged, researched, and discussed further, which includes contacting parents where there are extenuating circumstances or data that support more than one placement decision. The final placement decisions are made only after the Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Math/Science Coordinator come to consensus. 

Grades 5 and 6: Decisions for placement in Grade 5 Math, Grade 5 Math Honors, and all Grade 6 math courses are discussed in the spring and finalized during the summer. The administration proactively reaches out to families where a student's standardized assessment data, classroom data, or unique circumstances warrant a collaborative conversation regarding placement. Placement decisions are mailed home to parents in the summer, who then have an opportunity to dialogue with the school personnel regarding their child's placement. 

Grades 3-5 Math Extensions: Placement decisions are made in the early fall (September/October) and invitations to participate in Math Extensions are sent home for students who qualify. The administration proactively reaches out to families where a student's standardized assessment data, classroom data, or unique circumstances warrant a collaborative conversation regarding placement.