Curriculum Standards Algebra

Curriculum Standards Pre-Algebra

Math at SJB

SJB offers advanced mathematics to a limited number of students beginning in 4th grade. The makeup of the advanced group can change from quarter to quarter.

Students learn complex mathematical ideas and advanced problem solving. The focus of this program is to provide accelerated, targeted math instruction designed to deepen the students’ understanding of number sense, computation, algebraic concepts, measurement, geometry, data analysis.

In 4th grade, students are selected based on in-school math assessments, teacher recommendations, and MAP Growth performance scores. The content, lessons, and activities are constructed around the small group, and the standards are related to the current mathematical strand. When the content has been sufficiently covered and checked for understanding, a new group is chosen based on a different area of the math curriculum, new strands, and the most recent MAP Growth scores. This enrichment program encourages students to think critically and to work efficiently, and it exposes them to new content in an exciting way. 

In grades 5-8, classes are divided so that students receive math instruction in smaller groups each day. Students in grade 7 receive pre-algebra instruction at different rates of acceleration and levels of complexity, and students in grade 8 receive algebra instruction and advanced algebra instruction. Students who need a greater challenge may be placed in an independent mathematics course in which they are limited only by the challenge of the content.

The primary goal in middle-school mathematics instruction is to prepare students for success in freshman math courses in the Catholic high schools and to give advanced math students the best opportunity to test out of freshman math and into an honors or higher-level math course at the start of high school.