An emphasis on problem-solving skills, understanding, and conceptual and computational competence begun in the Urbana District #116 elementary classes is continued at Urbana Middle School. The middle school mathematics program is designed to ensure mastery of students' number senses, to develop algebraic and geometric concepts, and to develop probability and statistical skills. Mathematics classes are organized to permit students to work at their level of knowledge and ability with student performance reviewed regularly.
The school may deem it appropriate to identify those students with special needs and/or talents in math. A variety of instructional groupings and strategies will be used by the middle school teams to meet the mathematical objectives for students at all levels. Teachers, counselors, and parents will assist in student placement based on student interest, past performances and other available data. In our efforts to encourage a positive partnership in making educational choices, we place the ultimate decision of course/class selection with the parent/guardian.
The calculator is used at all grade levels as a tool for problem solving and concept development. Students are required to provide their own calculators. It is recommended that parents consult with the math department before purchasing a calculator to be sure that their purchase is one that can be used at all three grade levels.

6th Grade Exploring Mathematics 1

The sixth grade curriculum includes number sense concepts and appropriate computation, measurement, pattern analysis and algebraic representation, measurement, geometry and statistics. Mental math techniques and estimation skill are emphasized. Students are expected to use familiar fractions and percentages proficiently. Problem solving skills are included in every area.

7th Grade Exploring Mathematics 2


The seventh grade curriculum is designed to continue and expand many of the topics studied in sixth grade. Students become more capable with rational numbers, including negative numbers. Applications of ratios, proportions and percents are studied. Algebra skills and notation become more important problem solving tools.

7th Grade Integrated Mathemeatics

(May be substituted for Exploring Mathematics 2)


The course is for students in the seventh grade who have mastered the basic topics taught in the Exploring Mathematics 2 course. Students in this course will be introduced to concepts in algebra, geometry, statistics, probability and discrete mathematics. The course will emphasize communication, problem solving and connections among mathematical topics and between mathematice and other subject areas. Students use the text McDougal Littell: Integrated Mathematics I.

In order to provide meaningful, positive experiences for seventh grade students enrolled in Integrated Mathematics, two of the following three criteria should be met:

  1. Score of 30 or higher out of 55 on the Glencoe Math Placement Test to be given after May 15 during the sixth grade year;
  2. Score of 9 or higher out of 16 on the Urbana Middle School Mathematics Applications Placement Test;
  3. Teacher recommendation for placement in Integrated Mathematics.

8th Grade Exploring Mathematics 3

Topics covered in this course include intergers, rational and irrational numbers, proportions, decimals, number theory, equations, real numbers, probability and statistics, geometric definitions and measurements, Pythagorean Theorem, linear graphing and percents. In eighth grade, students who are not enrolled in the algebra course are flexibly grouped for instructional purposes, there is not a separate pre-algebra course at the eighth grade level. The eighth grade mathematics curriculum will include units in pre-algebra topics for all students. This course is preparation for either Algebra 1, 2, or Algebra Fundamentals 1, 2 at Urbana High School. Students use the textbooks Glencoe: Mathematics - Applications and Connections - Course 3 and Glencoe: Pre-Algebra.

8th Grade Algebra

May be substituted for Exploring Mathematics 3


The Algebra course offered at grade eight is equivalent to a high school algebra course. Successful completion of the course will go on a student's high school transcript. Students will not receive credit toward high school graduation, but will receive placement credit for college entrance. Students will need to take at least two more years of high school mathematics.
Students in the Algebra course will study rational numbers, equations, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions and graphs, grpahing linear equations, systems of open sentences, radical expressions, and quadratics.
The Algebra course requires significantly more effort and work than other mathematics classes students may have previously had. The course requires students to have the maturity to take good notes and keep up with assignments, and the willingness to come in before or after school for extra help when necessary.

Eighth grade students who wish to enroll in Algebra should meet two of these three criteria (completion of the seventh grade Integrated Math is not a prerequisite):

  1. Satisfactory score on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test to be given after May 15 during the seventh grade year;
  2. Score of 9 or higher out of 16 on the Urbana Middle School Mathematics Applications Test;
  3. Teacher recomendation for placement in the algebra class.