SMI Week

This week seventh-graders will take the SMI assessment on Friday in the Gear-up Lab.  The Des Moines School District defines the SMI as "a math assessment program which provides immediate, actionable data on students' math levels and growth over time."  Math students took the SMI for the first time in October.  The assessment will be given three times this year.  

Results of this assessment help teachers and administrators identify overall alinement and gaps in the math curriculum.  Individual student scores might also be used to help design and implement intervention or enrichment opportunities. 

Other highlights this week will include more work with proportions and percentages. We are applying new understanding to real-life applications like interest, sales tax, and discounts.  Seventh-graders should be able to provide LOTS of great assistance to family shoppers.  CFA 4.4 will be given on Thursday, January 31. It will cover mark-ups, sales tax, discounts, and tips.  

As always, if you have any questions, email me at catherine.carlson@dmschools.org or contact me at school at 515-242-8374.