Record Number of Students Taking Accelerated Math Courses in Fifth Grade, New Data Show

For the second consecutive year, the number of fifth grade students taking accelerated math courses has increased significantly, setting a new Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) record. Today, 44 percent of fifth graders are enrolled in sixth grade math or higher, compared with 37 percent last year—an increase of more than 660 students.

In 2005, there were 3,840 fifth graders enrolled in such courses, compared with 4,506 students this year. Both statistics represent a dramatic increase over the 2001 data, when there were only 196 fifth grade students enrolled in above-grade-level math classes.

“This significant increase in enrollment means two things—one, that these students likely will be ready for algebra in the eighth grade and calculus in the twelfth and, two, that our academic reforms are giving students an excellent foundation in this important subject,” said Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools. “In the world of global competition, we need all of our children taking rigorous courses in elementary and middle school so that they will be well prepared to compete in the world economy when they graduate.”

All racial, ethnic and special service groups in fifth grade showed increases in enrollment in sixth grade math or higher, but the rate of growth varied. For example, enrollment among white students increased by nearly 9 percentage points, while enrollment among African American students increased by about 5 percentage points, and enrollment among Hispanic students increased by 6 percentage points. The number of students receiving special education services enrolled in the higher math courses also increased 5 percentage points.

Enrollment increases were greatest among schools more impacted by poverty. The number of students in the core of the county, the area most impacted by poverty, increased by more than 10 percentage points, while the rest of the county saw increases of about 6 percentage points.

Importantly, the gains made by last year’s fifth graders are being sustained, sixth grade math enrollment data show. Enrollment in seventh grade math or higher among sixth graders has increased about 7 percentage points since 2002, from about 39 percent to 46 percent this year.

“It is good news not only that more students are enrolling in higher level math courses in fifth grade, but also that they are carrying that success forward to the sixth grade and beyond,” said Dr. Charles Haughey, president of the Board of Education.