Mathematics

Math teacher lecturing about graphing circles

Our vision of student learning for mathematics in Northshore School District for all students to build a strong conceptual foundation for mathematical thinking, providing learning opportunities in a positive, safe, and inclusive environment in which all students can confidently explore, question, create, solidify, communicate, and apply mathematical ideas. We will pursue growth for every student, endeavoring to eliminate the outcome and opportunity gaps within our culturally and cognitively diverse population.  Educators will empower students to make informed and thoughtful decisions which will guide them towards becoming math-minded citizens and productive members of their community.

We envision mathematics classrooms where all students and teachers

  • engage deeply in collaborative conversations and in actively learning mathematics;
  • challenge, discuss, and stretch their thinking to form new connections within mathematics, across content areas and to the real world;
  • think critically to solve problems, building a strong conceptual foundation for mathematical thinking and communication in multiple ways;
  • have access to rigorous, equitable, diverse, and developmentally responsive curriculum that utilizes investigation and problem solving;
  • use the tools of mathematics including technology flexibly and efficiently;
  • show perseverance, resilience, and independence;
  • are empowered to take risks and cultivate a growth mindset;
  • use standards and student needs drive instructional decisions; and
  • are progressing toward college and career math readiness.

 

Standards

Washington formally adopted the Mathematics K–12 Learning Standards, which are based on the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. These standards include content standards for each grade level as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice which describe essential mathematical habits of mind and action that should pervade mathematics curriculum and pedagogy.

Family Guides for K-12 Math

The NSD Family Guides for Mathematics give students and families and overview of the major work for each grade level/course. Visit bit.ly/NSDfamilymath to view the NSD Mathematics Family Resources including the Family Guides for Mathematics.

 

Core Instructional Materials

  • Grades K-5:
    • Math Expressions - adopted 2009 and updated in 2013. The program is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
    • K-5 Math Expressions eStudent Editions (students must login using their district Google account to access)
  • Grades 6-8:
  • Grades 8-11:
    • Prentice-Hall Algebra/Geometry/Algebra 2 - adopted 2009 for Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 courses

 

Pathways

Students and families should carefully consider potential post-high school plans as students select math courses. Choosing courses thoughtfully as early as middle school will ensure that students receive the level of math instruction required for their college major or other post-secondary track. Please speak with your child's math teacher or counselor for more guidance.

Middle School Pathway

Pathway

5th Grade

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

A

Math 5

Math 6*

Math 7*

Math 8

B

Math 5

Math 6*

Self-select 7th Grade Challenge Math

Algebra 1

C

Grade 5 EAP & students receiving HiCap accelerated math services

Algebra 1

 Geometry

Algebra 2-Trigonometry
D Grade 5 HiCap students in regular classroom & students who received HiCap designations this school year

7th Grade Challenge Math

 Algebra 1 Geometry

*Students will be screened for Algebra Readiness for the following school year. Parents will be notified of potential Algebra Readiness in the spring and those students may begin Algebra 1 in the fall.

Download Middle School Pathways PDF

High School Pathway

Pathway

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

A

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Precalculus or AP Statistics

B

Geometry

Algebra 2 or Alg2-Trig

Precalculus

AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics

C

Alg2-Trig

Precalculus

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, or IB Higher Level Math

Download High School Pathways PDF  

 

Assessments for Learning

Student progress in mathematics at the elementary and middle school levels is monitored using the i-Ready Math Assessment according to the following schedule:

  • Kindergarten: Winter and Spring
  • Grades 1-8: Fall, Winter and Spring

Students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 take the Smarter Balanced assessment in mathematics each spring during the last 12 weeks of the school year.

 

Graduation Requirements

  • 1.0 Credit: Algebra 1
  • 1.0 Credit: Geometry
  • 1.0 Credit: Student Choice*

*This credit is chosen by the student and is based on their interest and High School & Beyond Plan.

Parent Resources

The Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions eStudent Editions for Grades K-5 allow for online access to the Student Activity Books used in your student's class as well as the Homework and Remembering Pages and Family Letters. To access the eStudent Editions, please click the link below and have your student login using their district Google account.

Core Focus on Mathematics for 6-8 Math allows for online access to the student text and worksheets. To access the online student editions, please click the link below and have your student login using their district Google account.

The NSD Family Guides for K-12 Mathematics give students and families and overview of the major work for each grade level/course. These documents are available in the NSD Mathematics Family Resources.

 

Subject Areas