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BUGS Math

An Updated overview for Mathematics instruction at BUGS

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Middle School Math

The current NYS Math standards, specifically those for grades 6-8, are built on learning progressions that do not repeat in another grade level. Meaning the progression of topics in each grade build to create a foundation of knowledge for topics covered in Algebra I.

Example of a progression in middle school Math

Peyser E. and Curran D. Rethinking Middle School Math Acceleration. (2021). Curriculum Associates.

Grade 6

Develop an understanding of Unit Rate

Grade 7

Extend learning to think of Unit Rate as a Constant of Proportionality

Grade 8

Apply understanding of Unit Rate to define the slope of a graph of a proportional relationship

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BUGS Math Program Revisions

Beginning 2023-24 SY

6th Grade

Math 6

7th Grade

Math 7

8th Grade

Math 8 or Algebra 1

Implement i-Ready Math for individualized enrichment or support through an online, research based platform Continue utilizing co-teaching models to accelerate students performing below grade-level Create more opportunities for students to push beyond mastery of grade-level standards, particularly in the Expressions and Equations domain We increased from 4 to 5 periods of Math weekly	All students in 8th grade are taught prioritized standards in Math and/or Algebra 1 content We increased from 4 to 5 periods of Math weekly Curriculum is differentiated and taught by 3 instructors Students transition into Math 8 or Algebra I after midline assessments Students who meet criteria take Algebra I Students not ready (or who choose to) take Math 8
Why not a fully accelerated 6 - 8 math curriculum? Students behind in 6th and/or 7th grade math already have an accelerated trajectory to “catch up” Tracking earlier on can decrease the pathway to Algebra I for some students (some students will be more prepared than others, reduces heterogeneous classes, etc.)

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Connecting NYC DOE to BUGS

Office of Curriculum & Instruction (STEM)

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An acceleration in middle school math - where students take Algebra I in the 8th grade means

We will teach 8^th grade math standards, especially those targeting pre-algebra skills
We will also teach Algebra 1 skills to students who demonstrate Algebra readiness
Academic support outside of school hours is often necessary

Schools should strive to ensure students’ success in 8th grade Algebra is equitably shared across the student population.

Create flexible course pathways to promote access for as many students as possible
Get the balance right between equity and responding to real variation in student ability

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Why Not Have a Standalone Algebra 1 Class?

Math is by far the most heavily tracked course in the American secondary education system, and the ramifications for students of color are life-altering.³

^{Despite fears that de-tracking will harm students, studies show the opposite. Middle schoolers, from all backgrounds, who attend de-tracked classes actually perform better in high school.}

Federal data show that white and Asian students disproportionately take Algebra 1—long seen as a critical gateway to advanced math—before high school, while African-American and Latino students are overrepresented among those taking it for the first time in grade 9. Many of them take it as late as their junior or senior year.⁴

BUGS DEI Mission

“…actively strive to repair the detrimental effects of racism, discrimination and systems of oppression…”

Peyser E. and Curran D. Rethinking Middle School Math Acceleration. (2021). Curriculum Associates.

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Avoiding “Algebra Too Soon”

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Attainment of Foundational Concepts

Foundational Algebra I skills

Solving 2-step and multi-step equations
Fluency and calculator skills
Graphing skills
Interpreting data

Students must demonstrate proficiency of these skills before moving on to Alg. I.

Students should have time to experience productive struggle with math to ensure a deeper understand of the concepts.

Acceleration of Content

Students who demonstrate readiness should have an opportunity to take Algebra I.

“Algebra too soon” means that a student is lacking the prerequisite knowledge of math foundational skills to be successful in algebra which involves more abstract concepts.

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A timeline of Algebra I in 8th Grade

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Fall

Math academy begins for students working towards mastery level of 8th grade math standards or students approaching readiness for A1 skills

Mid-Winter

Academy begins for A1

Beginning Semester 1

All 8th grade students focus on the same prioritized standards through the end of the semester. These include pre-Algebra and some Algebra concepts and skills.

January

Data from Midlines used to drive decisions for continued instruction in 8th grade math content only or Algebra 1 content only

Early Spring

Supplemental Algebra I Regents Exams Prep Begins

June

Students take the Algebra I Regents exam on June 4, 2024

Instruction across classes (regardless of A1 or Math 8), will be cognitively demanding and representative of grade-level coursework.

Regardless of what pathway students take, we are preparing all BUGS graduates to have mastered the standards in Algebra I by the end of 9th grade. Our focus in building a strong foundation in math.

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Criteria for Algebra I

Standards-Based Learning + Commitment

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Standards-Based Learning

Standards-based Learning provides a comprehensive understanding of students’ mathematical skills.

Linear Skill Progression

The standards (skills) in math are highly linear, so it is required that students have demonstrated success with prerequisite skills).

STAR Assessment Midline Data
Demonstration of prerequisite skills
Math fluency
Algebra I Readiness Indicators
8th Grade Math Teacher Recommendation
Skills demonstrated on assessments
Work Habits
Agreement of Student & Family

Agree to participate in “Math Academies” outside of school hours. To have exposure to all of the AI content, all students scheduled for A1 must participate in Math Academy for additional content exposure

Some students who need additional support may need remediation in additional Math Academy

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Supplemental Alg. I Prep vs Math Academy

Math or Algebra 1 Academy: Uses assessment data to address skills and concepts students need to master in alignment with content taught in class during the school day.

Supplemental Alg. I Regents Exam Prep: Emphasizes test taking skills necessary to be successful on the Algebra 1 test and reinforce skills and concepts taught.

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How did BUGS do last year?

Math Proficiency at BUGS

(Whole School)

NYS Math 8 Exam

BUGS students had a 57% pass rate

Algebra I Regent Exam

BUGS students had a 90% pass rate

BUGS	66%
District	56%
Citywide	46%
State	48%

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Additional Resources

For questions regarding the math curriculum at BUGS, please contact AP of STEAM Sade Martinez at sade.martinez@bugsbrooklyn.org or Principal Wynette Caesar at wynette.caesar@bugsbrooklyn.org.

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Please direct your questions or comments to

Sade Martinez

AP of STEAM

Sade.Martinez@BUGSBrooklyn.org

Wynette Caesar

Principal

Wynette.Caesar@BUGSBrooklyn.org