Who is it for?
The middle school level change process is for students who are currently in Grade 6 and 7 (not currently accelerated) who are interested in changing levels in math and have been successful in their current course.
Note: Multiple accelerations are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
What is it?
A student may change levels without enrolling in the full year of the course. The level change process allows a student to complete 40 weeks of course material in a 6 to 8 week period over the summer.
The middle school level change process is for students who are currently in Grade 6 or 7, who are interested in changing levels in math and have historically been successful in their math courses in addition to their current course.
If a student is not eligible for Acceleration in sixth grade, they may be eligible for acceleration in seventh grade.
Eligibility Criteria
- In grade 6, achieve a Winter Diagnostic Score greater than or equal to 522.
- In grade 6, achieve a Spring Diagnostic Score greater than or equal to 545.
- In grade 6, achieve a Final Course Average greater than or equal to 95%.
- Recommendation by grade 6 teacher who recognizes the student demonstrates an inquiring attitude towards learning mathematics, an interest in learning more mathematics and an ability to progress in mathematics with exemplary study skills.
- Students meeting at least three of #1-4 criteria will be required to complete Level Change course work over the summer to enter 7A in the fall. This work requires the completion of units completed in 6A that were not completed in Math 6.
- Complete Level Change Application by May 15.
If a student is not eligible for Acceleration in seveth grade, they may be eligible for Acceleration in eighth grade (Algebra I).
Eligibility Criteria
- In grade 7, achieve a Winter Diagnostic Score greater than or equal to 539.
- In grade 7, achieve a Spring Diagnostic Score greater than or equal to 555.
- In grade 7, achieve a Final Course Average greater than or equal to 95%.
- Recommendation by Grade 6 teacher who recognizes the student demonstrates an inquiring attitude towards learning mathematics, an interest in learning more mathematics and an ability to progress in mathematics with exemplary study skills.
- Students meeting at least three of #1-4 criteria will be required to complete Level Change course work over the summer to enter Accelerated Algebra I in the fall. This work requires the completion of units completed in 7A that were not completed in Math 7.
- Complete Level Change Application by May 15.
Applications and Eligibility for Middle School Level Change
Applications will be sent via Parent Square to families of all Grade 6 and 7 (grade level math) students in early April. Applications are due by May 15. Once the applications and student eligibility are reviewed, families should expect to receive a response by June 15.
Google Form Application for MS Level Change – Link will be updated April 2026.
What is required to complete a level change?
- Meet the 6 eligibility requirements.
- Students and their families are required to secure a tutor for this process. It is not required for the tutor to be a NYS Certified Mathematics Teacher.
- The student will need to achieve a score of at least 85% on the local exam (administered in August).
- Complete a portfolio that is turned in prior to the exam.
What is the role of the Tutor?
Must instruct all course material for the selected math course over a period of 6-8 weeks.
The director of mathematics will provide an outline for the completion of the course which will include, Next Generation Learning Standards to be taught, timeline for completion, and arrangements for student completion of chapter tests.
Note: Students and families are responsible for securing a tutor, however, the district can provide recommendations for tutors (a link to tutor recommendations is provided in the application). Further, the Niskayuna School District does not provide payment for tutors and does not manage or negotiate tutoring rates. Niskayuna believes that every student deserves access to educational opportunities regardless of financial circumstances. If your family is experiencing financial hardship that prevents access to tutoring, please contact Ashley Rickert for available options.
What are the portfolio requirements?
- A log of time the student worked with the tutor throughout the summer on the required lessons.
- All completed work organized in a 3-ring binder.
- An outline of all work assigned for each chapter.
- Minimum of 5 completed assignments from each chapter. These assignments should be organized by chapter and be clearly labeled to indicate chapter, page and problem numbers.
- Assignments that show mastery of the chapter’s concepts at a variety of cognitive levels. All student work must be neat and organized.
- Tests for each chapter. These tests will have been administered in test conditions. The student will show all work as evidence of the methods used in solving. The test will be scored by the tutor with a test grade clearly visible on the paper.
What happens if I do not complete the components of the level change?
Students failing to meet level change requirements for a middle school course must enroll and complete the course traditionally to receive credit.
If I am attempting a level change in order to access an accelerated math course, when could I have my schedule changed to reflect the desired course?
Niskayuna Middle School Guidance requires students to complete all math level change requirements, including the local exam in mid-August, before schedule adjustments are made. Exam scores may not be available until late August.