What is changing in seventh grade?

Beginning in fall 2026, the current “advanced math” course in seventh grade will transition to a model called TAG clustering.

What is TAG clustering?

TAG clustering is a strategy where TAG-identified students are enrolled in core math with their peers and intentionally grouped with at least a few academic peers within each class. TAG students are not all placed in one classroom. Instead, peer clusters are formed within each room.
Within this setting:

• TAG students learn grade-level content alongside classmates.
• They also engage in deeper, more complex questions or projects designed to extend their thinking.
• Teachers provide differentiated instruction and enrichment to ensure all students are appropriately challenged.

What does TAG clustering look like in class?
All students receive strong grade-level instruction. During designated parts of class, TAG cluster groups may work on:

• More complex multi-step problems and math investigations
• Tasks that require students to explain their reasoning in writing and discussion
• Extension activities that go beyond the standard lesson when students demonstrate mastery

This approach keeps students connected to core instruction while creating built-in opportunities for deeper thinking and problem solving.

Why are the district’s math pathways changing?

These shifts are based on both local data and national research showing that early access to Algebra I is associated with:

• Stronger math achievement in high school
• More students taking advanced courses
• Increased college and career readiness

Right now, only a small number of our students reach Calculus by graduation. This approach is designed to expand opportunity by strengthening readiness and providing clearer, more flexible pathways to advanced math over time.

Will students still have opportunities to accelerate?

Yes. Seventh-grade students who demonstrate readiness will still have access to extension activities and enrichment within their TAG cluster.

In eighth grade, qualifying students will be eligible to take Algebra I (Math Core I) for high school credit, which is the first official point of acceleration in the updated pathway. The course will be offered at the student’s middle school, with no need to travel to Roseburg High School.

How does eligibility for Algebra I in eighth grade work?

• Students with a MAP score of 240 or higher, indicating readiness for Algebra I, will be automatically enrolled.
• Families can choose to opt out if they feel it is not the right fit.
• Students who are not automatically enrolled will have the opportunity to meet with a school team to discuss options.

Is this lowering expectations?

No. The intent is to maintain high expectations while creating clearer, more consistent opportunities for students to go deeper when they are ready, and to strengthen foundational skills so more students can succeed in more rigorous math over time.

If my student does not take Algebra I in eighth grade, are future advanced options still possible?

Yes. Students progress at different rates. Families can work with their school team to understand course options over time based on student readiness, goals and progress.

What does the full math pathway look like?

The district is adopting the 2+1 math pathways model. To receive a high school diploma, students will need to take Core I, Core II and an additional +1 course. 

The core classes cover the essential skills students need for graduation and life after high school, including algebra, geometry, data and statistics. After completing Core I and Core II, students can select from a variety of math courses, including prerequisites to reach more advanced math. Many students will take math each year of high school and reach higher levels of math. 

Middle School:
Seventh Grade: Grade-level instruction with TAG clustering
Eighth Grade: Eligible students may take Algebra I (Math Core I) for high school credit at their home middle school

High School:
Two core math courses: Math Core I and Math Core II (Algebra, Geometry, and Data/Statistics)
Current +1 personalized math course based on interests or college and career goals, such as:

• Financial Algebra (Applied)
• Data Science (STEM/Data)
• CTE Math, MTH102 and MTH103 (Career-focused)
• Contemporary Math, MTH105Z (General college readiness)
• Precalculus, MTH111Z and MTH112Z (STEM-focused)
• AP Calculus, MTH251Z and MTH252Z (College-level)
• AP Statistics, STAT243Z (College-level)

When does this change begin?

Pathway courses will begin shifting in fall 2026. Parents will receive updates and information from their child’s school before the school year begins.

What is changing in eighth grade?

Beginning in fall 2026, students who meet specific criteria will be eligible to take Algebra I (Math Core I) for high school credit. This course will be offered at the student’s middle school, with no need to travel to Roseburg High School.

How does eligibility for Algebra I in eighth grade work?

• Students with a MAP score of 240 or higher, indicating readiness for Algebra I, will be automatically enrolled.
• Families can choose to opt out if they feel it is not the right fit.
• Students who are not automatically enrolled will have the opportunity to meet with a school team to discuss options.

Why are the district’s math pathways changing?

These shifts are based on both local data and national research showing that early access to Algebra I is associated with:

• Stronger math achievement in high school
• More students taking advanced courses
• Increased college and career readiness

Right now, only a small number of our students reach Calculus by graduation. This approach is designed to expand opportunity by strengthening readiness and providing clearer, more flexible pathways to advanced math over time.

Is this lowering expectations?

No. The goal is to maintain strong expectations while creating a clearer, more consistent pathway for students who are ready to accelerate, and ensuring support for students who need it.

What comes next after Algebra I in eighth grade?

Students who successfully complete Algebra I (Math Core I) in eighth grade will move on to Math Core II in high school. From there, students can complete prerequisite coursework to access advanced math options such as AP Calculus and AP Statistics and more, or select from other math options like Data Science or CTE Math. 

If my student does not take Algebra I in eighth grade, are future advanced options still possible?

Yes. Students progress at different rates. Families can work with their school team to understand course options over time based on student readiness, goals and progress.

What does the full math pathway look like?

The district is adopting the 2+1 math pathways model. To receive a high school diploma, students will need to take Core I, Core II and an additional +1 course. 

The core classes cover the essential skills students need for graduation and life after high school, including algebra, geometry, data and statistics. After completing Core I and Core II, students can select from a variety of math courses, including prerequisites to reach more advanced math. Many students will take math each year of high school and reach higher levels of math. 

Middle School:
Seventh Grade: Grade-level instruction with TAG clustering
Eighth Grade: Eligible students may take Algebra I (Math Core I) for high school credit at their home middle school

High School:
Two core math courses: Math Core I and Math Core II (Algebra, Geometry, and Data/Statistics)
Current +1 personalized math course based on interests or college and career goals, such as:

• Financial Algebra (Applied)
• Data Science (STEM/Data)
• CTE Math, MTH102 and MTH103 (Career-focused)
• Contemporary Math, MTH105Z (General college readiness)
• Precalculus, MTH111Z and MTH112Z (STEM-focused)
• AP Calculus, MTH251Z and MTH252Z (College-level)
• AP Statistics, STAT243Z (College-level)

When does this change begin?

Pathway courses will begin shifting in fall 2026. Parents will receive updates and information from their child’s school before the school year begins.

What to expect in ninth-grade 

Roseburg Schools is updating our middle and high school math pathways beginning in the 2026-27 school year. These updates will not affect ninth-grade math placement for current eighth-grade students.

• Students in Math Core I will take Math Core II in 10th grade
• Students in Math 9 Honors will follow the current honors progression, including Math 10 Honors in 10th grade

There is no change to placement for the 2026-27 school year.

Why are the district’s math pathways changing?

These updates are part of a longer-term plan to:

• Build a stronger foundation in math concepts and problem-solving
• Expand advanced math opportunities for more students
• Support student readiness for college and career

While current eighth-grade pathways remain the same, these changes will gradually impact future cohorts by providing a clearer, more flexible path to higher-level math. 

What does the full math pathway look like?

The district is adopting the 2+1 math pathways model that can begin in the eighth-grade. To receive a high school diploma, students will need to take Core I, Core II and an additional +1 course. 

The core classes cover the essential skills students need for graduation and life after high school, including algebra, geometry, data and statistics. After completing Core I and Core II, students can select from a variety of math courses, including prerequisites to reach more advanced math. Many students will take math each year of high school and reach higher levels of math. 

Middle School:
Seventh Grade: Grade-level instruction with TAG clustering
Eighth Grade: Eligible students may take Algebra I (Math Core I) for high school credit at their home middle school

High School:
Two core math courses: Math Core I and Math Core II (Algebra, Geometry, and Data/Statistics)
Current +1 personalized math course based on interests or college and career goals, such as:

• Financial Algebra (Applied)
• Data Science (STEM/Data)
• CTE Math, MTH102 and MTH103 (Career-focused)
• Contemporary Math, MTH105Z (General college readiness)
• Precalculus, MTH111Z and MTH112Z (STEM-focused)
• AP Calculus, MTH251Z and MTH252Z (College-level)
• AP Statistics, STAT243Z (College-level)