Mathematics 6-39

School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 6-39

INSTRUCTION

Mathematics

The School Board believes the Mathematics instruction program should provide instruction commensurate with the goals, interests and abilities of all students. Because the goals of each student vary, the program should be flexible enough to provide for individual interests and abilities through appropriate instruction. Mathematics instruction is designed to develop students' mathematical knowledge and skills and strengthen students’ abilities to think and reason mathematically. All students should have the opportunity and the support necessary to learn mathematics with depth and understanding, through multiple pathways. Opportunities for differentiation and acceleration will be provided based on multiple data points.

1. Advanced or accelerated mathematics – automatic enrollment

   Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, any student in grades five through eight who earns a scale score on the end-of-year Standards of Learning mathematics assessment that is in the statewide, grade-level upper quartile and also meets criteria to enroll in advanced or accelerated coursework (e.g., demonstrate proficiency in prerequisite Standards of Learning and passed prerequisite courses), will be automatically enrolled in advanced or accelerated mathematics during the following school year, provided that such class or course is offered and available. Eligible students and parents/legal guardians of minor students will be offered the opportunity to opt out of automatic enrollment in advanced or accelerated mathematics for the following school year.

2. Multiple additional pathways to enrollment in advanced or accelerated mathematics

   The School Division will ensure that multiple additional pathways to enrollment in advanced or accelerated mathematics, such as teacher recommendations, parental recommendations, student preference, or student aptitude as demonstrated through other means of evaluation such as grades, other standardized testing, portfolios, or observation will be provided.

3. Notification of advanced or accelerated mathematics coursework – grades five through eight

   Annually, eligible students and parents/legal guardians of minor students in grades five through eight will be notified of the following:

   1. the criteria and process for enrollment in advanced or accelerated mathematics, including automatic enrollment and opt-out procedures.
   2. the importance of middle school mathematics coursework.
   3. the impact of middle school mathematics coursework on the high school mathematics coursework sequence.
   4. the mathematics courses available within the School Division.

Legal Reference

Code of Virginia § 22.1-207.9, as amended. Certain advances or accelerated mathematics opportunities; policies and criteria for enrollment; data reporting.

Adopted by School Board: July 13, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)
Amended by School Board: June 6, 2006
Amended by School Board: June 20, 2017
Amended by School Board: February 13, 2024
Amended by School Board: September 9, 2025