Committed to a progressive approach to mathematics instruction that favors conceptual understanding over rote computational work, our math classes are conducted with the main objective of deep conceptual understanding achieved via hands-on projects that are engaging and empowering to all students. This method of instruction provides practical strategies and activities to show all children—even and especially those students who claim not to like math—that they can in fact enjoy and succeed in mathematics. We have been part of New York City’s Algebra4All initiative. At the end of 8th Grade, students may sit for the Algebra Regents exam.
In 6th grade, we use a variety of curricula along with online supporting resources and sources to explore all of the topics within the Common Core State Standards. Emphasis is placed on developing conceptual understanding as well as procedural fluency, as well as on our Algebra unit in order to prepare the students to take the Algebra Regents in 8th grade. All year students are challenged to apply mathematics to real world scenarios and develop complex solutions to the problems we explore. Students work independently, in partnerships and in small groups to make predictions, discover patterns and draw conclusions in order to become highly skilled observers, thinkers and explorers. We incorporate our Smart Board technology as well as laptops and Google Chromebooks into our lessons in order to enhance the learning experiences of our students through math games and activities. Our math classroom is an inclusive environment where students of all needs, interests, learning styles and ability levels are met where they are and pushed in a positive and supportive learning environment to become their best selves because we believe in cultivating a growth mindset in Math. Units of study are Numbers; Number Operations; Ratios, Rates, and Proportional Reasoning; and Expressions and Equations.
In 7th grade, students will be challenged to apply mathematics to real world scenarios and to develop complex solutions to the problems classes explore. The focus is on deep mathematical understandings and real world applications. A central goal is to remember that we are constantly working as a team, and that perseverance in working through difficult and frustrating problems is extremely important to students’ growth as life-long learners. Units of study are The Number System; Ratios and Proportional Relationships; Expressions, Equations and Inequalities; Statistics and Probability; and Geometry.
In 8th grade, all students take Common Core Algebra 1, a high school level Algebra 1 course aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Algebra 1 and culminating with the Algebra 1 Regents Exam in June. Units of study are Numbers and Expressions, Equations and Functions, Linear Relationships, Exponential Relationships, and Polynomial Expressions and Equations.