Middle School Pathways

Instructional Pathways for Grades 6-8

Knollwood offers students a variety of instructional pathways to meet their full academic potential.  Below are descriptions of the various pathways offered to students enrolled in grades 6 through 8. Students are selected for courses each year and are not locked into any particular track.  This affords each eligible student an opportunity to be part of an accelerated program, as opposed to being locked into a cohort of advanced study.  Through teacher observation and various data points, students who meet the criteria for an accelerated course of study will be enrolled in the appropriate section/subject.  

Math Pathways

Data Points:  LinkIt Form C, placement tests, final grades, and test averages

Traditional Pathways:  6th, 7th & 8th Grade Math

Students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade math courses continue to learn the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Mathematics by utilizing the Big Ideas math program. Our math teachers teach to our new math curriculum, which is posted on our website. 

Advanced Level Pathways:  6th Grade Accelerated, 7th Grade Accelerated and Algebra & 8th Grade Algebra and Geometry Honors

Students in the advanced pathways continue to learn the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Mathematics by utilizing the Big Ideas math program. These advanced courses will allow students to navigate through topics in mathematics that are beyond the regular grade level standards and algebra standards. The standards and content will be presented in a more rigorous in-depth format.   Algebra and Geometry are aligned with high school standards.

Advanced Literacy Pathways - 6th, 7th & 8th Grade

Data Points:  LinkIt Form C, placement tests, final grades, and  study habits

Students in Advanced Literacy courses will read many of the same texts as their peers however, they will be required to read more companion texts to deepen their understanding of themes and issues driving the text. More of this work will be independently accomplished with a follow-up discussion or seminar when class reconvenes. Students will have additional opportunities to demonstrate their understanding through project-based learning.  

For 2026-2027:  Please note that NJSLA scores have historically been used as one of multiple data points when confirming math and ELA course placement and reviewing placement appeals.

However, because the NJSLA assessment underwent a significant overhaul and was newly implemented this year, these results will not be used as part of the placement process at this time. The district will resume using NJSLA data once the assessment demonstrates consistent reliability and validity over time.

World Language Pathways

Data Points:  Placement tests (reading, writing, speaking, listening), final grades, teacher recommendation

Traditional Pathways:  Spanish and French

Students in Spanish and French focus on listening and speaking through the techniques of student directed storytelling. Reading and writing domains are a focal point with increased level of mastery on verbs and vocabulary, including grammar.   

Advanced Level Pathways:  8th Grade Spanish Honors/French Honors

Students in Spanish and French Honors will be expected to read more demanding texts, with increasing rigor of verbs and adverbs, including reflexive verbs. Students will receive intensive review at more frequent intervals. Cognates are folded into the texts to assist in the ease of transition between languages and connections.