PROCEDURES FOR MATHEMATICS TELESCOPING

What is Mathematics Telescoping in GCISD?

• Telescoping is a process through which a student may accelerate in math beyond their enrolled grade level for math grades K-8.

• A student who consistently exhibits both process and critical thinking skills beyond the norm would be a strong candidate to consider for telescoping.

• Recommended criteria include:

o Achievement (MAP, ITBS, etc.) 95th percentile

o Aptitude (CogAT, Otis-Lennon) 120+

o Mathematics grade average 95+

• Please also refer to “Is Math Telescoping Right For My Child” for additional factors to consider.

What is the process for telescoping?

• Parents are strongly encouraged to contact campus administration regarding math telescoping for their student. Parents should use the Math Telescoping Crosswalk included in the Registration Packet for help in determining the exam(s) to select on the registration form.

• 2013 Telescoping Exam Dates:

o Saturday, May 18, 2013
o Tuesday, August 6, 2013
o Note: There will be NO exceptions to the exam dates. Please plan accordingly.

• There will be a fee of $18.00 for each telescoping exam taken (*with the exception of those who qualify for free/reduced services). Checks should be payable to GCISD and meet the conditions of the GCISD Check Acceptance Policy included in the registration packet. Exam fee(s) will become non-refundable for the May 18th exam date after the registration deadline of May 1, 2013. Exam fee(s) will become non-refundable for the August 6th exam date after the registration deadline of July 22, 2013.

• The completed registration form and exam fee should be mailed or delivered by the registration deadline for each exam to the Office of Assessment, Research and Evaluation.

• Campuses will be notified of students who will be tested within several days of receiving registration form and exam fee by Assessment, Research and Evaluation.

• Students must score at least 90% on the exam(s) to be considered for mathematics telescoping.

• For students new to the district (moving in after the August telescoping exam administration), campus teachers will partner with the Math Department to provide enrichment and extension opportunities within the classroom. Differentiated classroom instruction will be provided for students until the May telescoping exam administration.

• To receive credit for high school credit-bearing math classes (i.e. Algebra I, Geometry or beyond) while in Middle School, students must take the High School Credit by Exam. Registration packets for Credit by Exam are available on the Assessment, Research and Evaluation Department page on the District’s website. There is a separate Credit by Exam administration date. Note: This is a separate process from Math Telescoping, as it involves Credit by Exam. Credit-bearing High School courses are also subject to STAAR End-of-Course exams. Please call the Math Department with questions.

When will my student be tested?

• Students have the opportunity to be tested in May or August of each year. Students who test in May that do not meet the criteria may submit another registration form and exam fee for the August exam date.

• Registrations for the May 18th exam date received after the deadline of May 1, 2013 will be added to the registrations for the August 6th exam date.

• Math Study Guides can be found at the following link:CBE/EA Study Guides

Select Grades K-8, then select Mathematics under the grade you need

When do I find out the results?

• Parents and campus administrators will be notified of the results within 2 weeks of testing. Parents will receive a letter in the mail.   Please do not call the District Office, as exam results may not be given out over the telephone or via email due to privacy requirements.

How do I appeal?

• Students who test in May that do not meet the criteria may submit another registration form and exam fee for the August exam date. May exam results will not be considered for appeal.

• For parents wishing to appeal the August exam results:

o Students must have scored at least 80 on the telescoping exam to be considered for appeal. Please also consider the additional criteria on the Appeal Request Form.

o Appeals will be conducted on August 20, 2013. Once parents have submitted an appeal, they will be given a meeting time for that date by the end of the day on August 16, 2013.

o The Appeal Request Form must be submitted to the Coordinator of Advanced Academics by noon on August 15, 2013. No exceptions. The form may be emailed or handed in to the District Office by noon on that date.

LINKS:    2013 Math Telescoping Registration Packet

    Information Packet with Registration Form High School Credit by Exam - Summer