How in the world does this work? Is the goal to try to elevate everyone's standards? It seems like there's just such a wide range of abilities to make this work - even more than in science, English or reading. Do they all use the same book? Does everyone end up in Algebra I at the same time? I'm just curious, because I've never heard of a middle school NOT having some differentiation for math.
According to DS, for 150 7th graders, math class is differentiated into 3 groups, one with "regular math", one with "pre-algebra at 8th grade level" and one with "algebra I at 9th grade level". They use different textbooks. There are a couple of placement tests before unit study during the school year and kids will be promoted or demoted accordingly.
