Mathematics

The Williamsburg-James City County Schools Mathematics Curriculum incorporates the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning into all of our mathematics classrooms. These standards were revised in the spring of 2016. These revised standards have intentionally increased the level of rigor and expectations for students learning mathematics.  Each spring students in grades three through eight, as well as all Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II students, are assessed using the state assessments to measure student understanding of this curriculum. Our vertical curriculum begins in the kindergarten classroom. The K-8 curriculum focuses on number sense, computation and estimation, measurement, geometry, probability, statistics, and patterns, functions and algebra. The high school curriculum becomes more focused on algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics.

Elementary students learn through an interactive, hands-on approach to mathematics. It is the foundation on which students experience success and determination with real-world, application-type problems. Students are encouraged to explore patterns and build relationships with manipulatives, as well as engage in ‘€Math Talk’€ as they solidify their understanding of foundational number concepts.

All middle school students will be in Algebra I, a high school credit course, by the eighth grade. Technology, manipulatives, and collaboration are techniques that are used with students to help them develop a deep understanding of the mathematics curriculum. Application of foundational number concepts is interwoven within the middle school math curriculum. This curriculum is focused on preparing students for the rigor high school mathematics.

High school students have the opportunity to take an extensive range of courses. Classes range from Algebra I to AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Students have the option of taking Algebra and Geometry as semester or year-long courses. The expectation is that students take a minimum of one math course each year they attend high school, with all students completing either Functions-Trigonometry or Probability and Statistics by graduation.  Math is an integral part of adult success in our world.  Math helps us learn to think, problem solve, and interpret the world around us.

Foundations of Algebra Part III

All 7th grade students will be enrolled in the Foundations of Algebra Part III Course.

This is an accelerated course. Foundations of Algebra Part III students will complete the Math 8 Standards of Learning assessment at the end of the course.

Algebra I

All 8th grade students will be enrolled in a high school Algebra I course. This is an accelerated course.

Criteria will be examined to determine placement in an Algebra I yearlong course, or the Algebra I Sequence I course, with Algebra I Sequence II completed as a 9th grader.

Students will complete the Algebra I Standards of Learning assessment at the end of the Algebra I yearlong course, or at the end of Algebra I Sequence I/II course. The Algebra I grade is part of the student’s high school transcript.