The Mathematics Department of the Jersey City Public schools promotes student achievement through a solid mathematics curricula, implemented by highly qualified teachers who integrate instruction with assessment, education policies that enhance and support learning, and classrooms with ready access to technology. We are committed to both equity and excellence. Jersey City Public Schools provides ALL students access to high-quality, engaging mathematics instruction. Our students deserve the best education possible in order to evolve into productive global citizens.

K - 5 Curriculum Overview

In 2017, the Jersey City Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction Department revised the Kindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics Curriculum to ensure its alignment to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). A committee comprised of District Supervisors and classroom teachers from various schools within the District was assembled to accomplish this task. The curriculum outlines the essential questions, as well as instructional strategies and learning objectives relating to the various standards. Incorporating the 5 E Model, teachers are provided with a menu of hands on activities for both individual and groups of students as well as assessments and opportunities for both enrichment and remediation that will lead to the all students developing 21st century skills.

To ensure the effective implementation of the revised curriculum the district purchased the GO MATH program as a resource for both teachers and students.

GO MATH is a digitally enhanced program that is aligned to the NJSLA and provides students the ability to work in differentiated groups to meet each student’s individual needs. The Personal Math Trainer component of Go Math digital platform allows students to interact with content on a daily basis while modifying instruction to aide in the students mastery of the standard.  While a number of digital resources are provided the program offers an abundance of hands on activities and resources that provide students the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively.

6-8 Curriculum Overview

In 2017, the Jersey City Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction Department revised the Kindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics Curriculum to ensure its alignment to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). A committee comprised of District Supervisors and classroom teachers from various schools within the District was assembled to accomplish this task. The curriculum outlines the essential questions, as well as instructional strategies and learning objectives relating to the various standards. Incorporating the 5 E Model, teachers are provided with a menu of hands on activities for both individual and groups of students as well as assessments and opportunities for both enrichment and remediation that will lead to the all students developing 21st century skills. To ensure the effective implementation of the revised curriculum the district purchased the GO MATH program as a resource for both teachers and students. GO MATH is a digitally enhanced program that is aligned to the NJSLA and provides students the ability to work in differentiated groups to meet each student’s individual needs. The Personal Math Trainer component of Go Math digital platform allows students to interact with content on a daily basis while modifying instruction to aide in the students mastery of the standard.  While a number of digital resources are provided the program offers an abundance of hands on activities and resources that provide students the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively.

9 - 12 Curriculum Overview

Jersey City Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction Department revised high school mathematics courses to reflect the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that are assessed on the New Jersey State Learning Assessments (NJSLA). Committees composed of district supervisors and classroom teachers from various district buildings was assembled to put together the district curriculum for courses: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and UAV Technology. The curricula for each course consists of essential questions, instructional strategies, pacing guides, learning objectives, and sample lessons to help support teachers in the implementation of their instruction. Students will solve multi-step math problems that require reasoning and real-world situations. This requires students to reason mathematically, make sense of quantities and their relationships to solve real-world problems, and show their understanding. The infusion of technology is an integral part of all courses. Students will be able to use graphing calculators, computers, and other digital tools to represent and solve problems. Teachers use multiple programs as resources to provide assistance to the district curriculum such as Khan Academy, ALEKS, Sapling Learning, and My AP Classroom from College Board. 

Course Offerings

Mathematics Core Courses

• Algebra 1/Algebra 1 Honors
• Geometry/Geometry Honors
• Algebra 2 or Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors or Algebra 2/Precalculus

District Programs

GO Math is the Mathematics program used in grades K - 8. Go Math has several key features:

• The textbook and resources emphasize mathematical understanding, computational fluency, and real life applications.
• There is a heavy emphasis on “math talk” which encourages students to explain their thinking.  Having students verbalize their thinking is important in developing a deep understanding of concepts. 
• There is an interactive student edition available online at the Think Central link below which provides additional review and practice for students when needed.
• Math on the Spot videos are provided online. These short videos provide an explanation or brief tutorial for a specific concept or skill.

Student Opportunities 

• Students have the opportunity to take Algebra 1 in the 8th grade. Over the years, students taking Algebra 1 in the 8th grade have been successful on state assessments.
• Students are able to participate in LEGO Robotics. In the past, this opportunity was for middle school students. Recently, 5th grade students were invited to participate and made a positive impression on the competition.
• Sumdog is a website that engages students with adaptive learning and multi-player games. It is aligned to all key standards for K-8 and is able to be accessed from home.

Resources

NJ Student Learning Standards	Sapling Learning	K-8 Go Math-Parent Letter	Renaissance Star K-12