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PLACEMENT CRITERIA: Updated 2025-2026 placement criteria for various courses can be found at the following link: https://bit.ly/btsdmathcriteria
In the 2023 Mathematics Department Program Evaluation, a recommendation was made to “Provide a comprehensive Algebraic course sequence by placing Algebra I and Algebra II in an uninterrupted course sequence.” This course sequence change would have students take Geometry first prior to their Algebra 1, in what we are calling a Geometry first initiative.
In a report to the Board of Education on May 3, 2024, “Update to Algebra Course Sequence” our plans to resequencing the mathematics scope and sequence were outlined. The revised scope and sequence will be implemented beginning in School Year 2025-2026.
This page is designed to provide information about this course sequence change is presented in a FAQ format.
What is changing?
What is changing?
This goal of this initiative is to provide a comprehensive Algebraic course sequence by placing Algebra I and Algebra II in an uninterrupted course sequence. The goal is to have all students take Geometry first followed by Algebra 1 and then Algebra 2. The course sequence will be implemented throughout our various mathematics pathways. Below is an illustration of the course sequence change. Noted in the image below, the purple and yellow courses are flipped, while the red courses are staying the same. The image highlights the goal to have Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 in an uninterrupted course sequence.
Why is it changing?
Why is it changing?
As noted in the 2023 Mathematics Department Program Evaluation,
"Algebra I has been taught before Geometry for hundreds of years, but this course sequence is antiquated and not setting students up for success. (“Klein, et al.”) According to a former president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, “we do more harm than good by placing students in a formal algebra course before they are ready, and few students are truly ready to understand the important concepts of algebra before eighth grade. Many students should wait until ninth grade.” (“Mathews”) Students need a level of maturity and understanding of abstract thinking before taking Algebra I, which they can gain by taking Geometry first.
Very few standards carry over between Geometry and Algebra II. (“New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Mathematics”). As a result, our Geometry course has become an Algebraic Geometry course often focused on maintaining students' basic underlying algebraic skills. Based on an analysis of grades from 2012-2019, many students struggle even more in Algebra II because of the interrupted course sequence. The current sequence of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II hinders students’ ability to maintain algebraic skills in order to maximize their mathematics potential."
In summary,
Algebra mastery is critical to create understanding of mathematics
Delaying critical Algebra 1 mastery by another year is more appropriate for students to develop abstract thinking skills
Allows students to continue to their Algebraic learning in an uninterrupted course sequence by taking Algebra II directly after Algebra 1
It is our position students will be more successful in Algebra II and beyond if there were no gap between Algebra 1 & Algebra 2.
Allows another year for students to solidify their understanding of the algebraic content learned in grades 6 and 7
Do you need to know Algebra to learn Geometry?
Do you need to know Algebra to learn Geometry?
No! Today’s Geometry courses are more akin to a heavily Algebraically infused Geometry, than that which is needed to demonstrate understanding of Geometric concepts. Often times students struggle in answering a Geometry question, not because of the underlying Geometry content, but of the Algebra which was infused. All of the 'Algebra' or what is more commonly referred to as 'Prealgebra' skills needed for Geometry success are taught in either Accelerated Middle School Math or Math 8.
What about the Summer Geometry program?
What about the Summer Geometry program?
We are committed to providing an opportunity for students to on-ramp from a one-year ahead accelerated pathway to a two year ahead accelerated pathway. This opportunity will still be available for students. However, rather than the course being offered in-between 8th and 9th grade, this opportunity will be offered in-between 7th and 8th grade. We are still finalizing details (including the criteria) for this opportunity and will publish details on the WAMS (Grades 6-8) Mathematics Program Information webpage of this website.
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