Overview

Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships in number and in space. It serves as the underpinning for solving problems, posing conjectures, translating thoughts into symbols, and creating models. Mathematics is a thought process that touches all fields of study. It is the universal language that people use to solve problems and connect their understanding of order in the world.

The DeKalb County School District provides a mathematics curriculum for all students, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Mathematics in the District is based on state standards at each grade level and/or course. As implemented by the teachers, the District’s Standards reflect the increasingly rigorous proficiencies that students are expected to accomplish and demonstrate as they progress through school. These proficiencies include understanding of mathematical concepts, competence in problem-solving, ability to make connections among mathematical ideas and other areas of knowledge, articulacy in communication via mathematical symbols and conventional language, adeptness in mathematical reasoning, skill in the mathematical analysis of data, and mastery of basic computation skills.

Therefore, we believe that:

  • Mathematics can and must be learned by all students.
  • Students must learn mathematics with conceptual understanding to enable them to solve the new kinds of problems the rapidly changing world presents.
  • Formative assessment should be an ongoing classroom activity that supports the learning of mathematics and informs instruction.
  • Effective teaching requires that the teacher knows and understands mathematics, knows and understands the developmental stages of learners, and knows and employs a variety of instructional strategies.
  • Technology should be used in mathematics education as a teaching tool to enhance student learning, but not as a replacement for basic understanding and computational fluency.
A high quality education in mathematics is vital to all students. Such education contributes considerably to their intellectual development. At the same time, it enables them, not only to choose from a wide range of career paths, but also to compete successfully in today’s global economy.

Assessment

Assessment is a crucial component of the curriculum. The End of Course Tests (EOC) gauge student competency of mathematics courses in middle and high school. The End of Grade Tests (EOG) measures student achievement of the mathematics Georgia Standards of Excellence in elementary and middle school. The EOG is the promotional exam in math for grades five and eight as well as a valued indicator of a student’s success on the mathematics in high school. For more testing and assessment information, refer to Georgia Department of Education.

The DeKalb County School District believes that all students can learn. Students will be provided with a mathematical experience to promote success and prepare them for the challenge of mathematics at all grade levels as well as postsecondary experiences. Content Standards, Curriculum Map, and Unit Frameworks (Refer to your child’s syllabus for more details as it pertains to specific details for the curriculum)

Elementary Math
Middle School Math
High School Math

Watch Video

Math Standards Community Meetings

January 2023
Frequently Asked Questions

Rationale

Q: What was the reason for the changes?

A: The rationale for the changes is to focus on mathematical thinking and reasoning and to align mathematics to industry and workforce needs and 21st century skills. More information can be found in the Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards Explanation of Changes and Improvements.

Acceleration

Q: Does the acceleration packet reflect the new options for acceleration, i.e.: 8th Grade Enhanced Algebra Concepts & Connections?

A: The acceleration packet reflects the process for course or grade acceleration regardless of content area. For the Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections course, students do not need to utilize the acceleration process. The course is an option for any student who has successfully completed Grade 7 Mathematics.

Q: How are you going to meet the needs of your accelerated math students?

A: The DeKalb County School District has acceleration guidelines for students ready for more than what is offered at their grade level. Parents complete the acceleration referral form and submit it to the principal. The Acceleration Evaluation Committee at the school will review the form and supporting documents to decide if acceleration is the best option for the student. Students beyond Grade 2 can be accelerated for a particular subject or students can be accelerated for a whole grade. 

Compacted Courses

Q: Will kids currently in Accelerated Grade 6/7A Mathematics learn 7A Mathematics content a second time next year?

A: Although some of the content may be repeated, there is a new focus on mathematical modeling and mathematical reasoning, which is a shift for students and teachers.

Q: Can parents supplement 7B  Mathematics during the summer?

A: It is recommended that parents utilize the options for Math 7B through the local school including summer school.

Q: Why are you not offering the Accelerated Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A class?

A: Based on feedback from teachers, parents, and other stakeholders the state reviewed the course and made the decision to eliminate it.  Because the Analytic Geometry course was split between two courses, some teachers were being held accountable for content that was taught by another teacher.

Q: Why is there not one year of overlap in previously offered classes to give families preparation?

A: The Georgia K-12 Mathematics standards were approved August 2021. Since that time, stakeholders have been receiving updates and educators have been receiving resources and training. The Georgia Department of Education in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) Education have created a new campaign, Make Mathematics Count, GA! to assist parents.

Q: Please explain why advanced and accelerated math will not be offered in 6th grade. How will qualified students eventually catch up in 8th?

A: Based on feedback from teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, the Georgia Department of Education reviewed the courses and made the decision to eliminate the accelerated pathways. This allows students to develop a stronger foundation of the core skills and concepts needed for higher-level mathematics. All students will have an opportunity to advance their learning in the eighth grade by taking the Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections course. It is a blend of Grade 8 Mathematics and Algebra: Concepts & Connections. This course provides students with a high school credit in mathematics. Taking this course in the eighth grade is the equivalent of students taking the current Coordinate Algebra course in the eighth grade.

Q: It is important to me that my child can maintain her accelerated math curriculum, comparable to school districts across metro Atlanta as well as the nation. Will accelerated math still be available to those already on the track?

A: Students will have the opportunity to take higher level mathematics based on decisions made throughout their middle and high school years. The opportunities for enhanced classes are not at the same grade levels as previous. Students have two opportunities to accelerate their learning. The first opportunity is after successfully completing Grade 7 Mathematics. Students can take the Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections course, which blends Grade 8 Mathematics and Algebra: Concepts & Connections course. The second opportunity is after successfully completing Geometry: Concepts & Connections. Students can take the Enhanced Advanced Algebra/AP Precalculus: Concepts & Connections.

Q: For rising 9th graders who have been in the accelerated math program, is there any opportunity to take the remainder of geometry in the summer and then move on to the next course?

A: Students in Accelerated Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A may take Analytic Geometry B in the summer. See your school guidance counselor for more information.

Dual Language Immersion

Q: How will this work within the DLI classrooms? Kids still learning a new language may have difficulty working through in-depth word problems in the lower grades.

A: DLI classes will follow the new math standards with a focus on modeling and statistical reasoning in all schools and grade levels.

Enhanced Mathematics Courses

Q: How do the new math standards affect Accelerated Math?

A: With the transition to the K-12 Mathematics Standards, the state is recommending students in the Accelerated Grade 6/7A take Grade 7 Mathematics next school year. For students in Accelerated Grade 7B/8, they will take Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections. For eighth grade students in Coordinate Algebra or Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A, they will take Geometry: Concepts & Connections. ​For students who are in Accelerated Grade 6/7A who would like to take Grade 8 Mathematics in the Fall, there are a few options. Schools can utilize the Extended Learning Time (ELT) period or Connections period to learn the concepts from the Grade 7B Mathematics. Another option is for students to take Grade 7B Mathematics during the summer at the local school.

Q: What happens to 8th graders in accelerated math?

A: Students who are currently taking Accelerated Coordinate Algebra or Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A will be enrolled into Geometry: Concepts & Connections.

Q: For a rising 9th grader who did not have “enhancement” of math in middle school, are the most advanced accelerated math paths still available?

A: Yes, students who do not participate in the accelerated courses in middle school will have an opportunity to take an enhanced course in high school. Once students have completed Geometry: Concepts and Connections, they are able to take the Enhanced Advanced Algebra/AP Precalculus: Concepts & Connections course. For students who take only 1 enhanced course either in middle school or high school, they will still have an opportunity to take AP Calculus in the 12th grade.

Q: Will there be AP classes or any other form of advanced math classes for 9th graders?

A: No, there are no Advanced Placement (AP) math courses for mathematics for 9th graders. The AP courses offered are AP Statistics, AP Precalculus, and AP Calculus. AP Statistics course can be taken after successfully completing Advanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections. AP Precalculus course can be taken after successfully completing Advanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections. AP Calculus can be taken after successfully completing Precalculus, AP Precalculus, or Enhanced Advanced Algebra/AP Precalculus: Concepts & Connections.

Gifted Services

Q: What is the plan for gifted students not in magnet?

A: Gifted students will still be serviced through the gifted program at the local schools. Gifted instructional delivery models include advanced content, resource model, and cluster grouping.

Certification

Q: Will middle grade math teachers be able to teach 8th Grade enhanced math given a middle grade certificate? If not, who will teach the 8th enhanced math?

A: Teachers who teach the Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections must have a 6-12 mathematics certification. Middle school teachers will need to have the 6-12 mathematics certification to teach the course.

Literacy Connection

Q: How do children’s reading and writing abilities get considered?

A: DeKalb County School District is committed to provide the necessary supports. Teachers have instructional strategies and practices such as Newman’s Prompt and the 3-Read Protocol to support students with reading, comprehending, transforming, processing, and solving a word problem.

Master Schedule

Q: Will all options be offered at all schools, or is there a minimum number of students who must request an enhanced option for that to be offered?

A: All options will be offered at all schools. Based on requests and required class sizes, local schools will make the necessary adjustments.

Pathways

Q: What is the new on-grade-level sequence of math courses for grades 9-12?

A: The new on-grade-level sequence for mathematics is as follows:  9th Grade – Algebra: Concepts & Connections, 10th Grade – Geometry: Concepts & Connections, 11th Grade – Advanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections, 12th Grade – AP Statistics, Precalculus, or Advanced Mathematical Decision Making (AMDM).

Q: Is it true that our kids will no longer have the option to take two years of calculus?

A: No, it is not true. For students who take the Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections in eighth grade and Enhanced Advanced Algebra and AP Precalculus: Concepts & Connections in tenth grade, will take college-level Calculus beyond AP Calculus or Dual Enrollment.

Parent Support

Q: How will you support parents in the rollout of this new Math Curriculum to bridge a partnership with the family, teacher, and student?

A: The District Mathematics Community meetings were designed to offer information to parents and stakeholders about the changes to mathematics. Also, the K-8 Curriculum Connections Guides located on the DCSD website will be updated to support the mathematics curriculum rollout.

The Georgia Department of Education has a partnership with GPB Education to ensure all kids have access to continued free educational resources at home. They offer broadcast programming and accompanying digital resources to provide opportunities for interactive at-home learning that align with standards. In addition, they have launched a new campaign, Make Mathematics Count, GA! Make Mathematics Count, GA is a special series to support parents with understanding the expectations of teaching and learning mathematics. Videos and support guides are offered for parents which focus on building foundational numeracy, problem solving, and conceptual understanding of grade level/course specific content. Parents will also learn about the mathematics content and strategies for helping learners develop a deep understanding of mathematical ideas. Finally, teachers should provide insight on how parents can support their students in their classroom and activities.

Piloting Standards

Q: Has DCSD or the State of GA activated this new curriculum successfully with a “test” school to note any other issues that may arise?

A: There has not been a “test” school for the new standards or curriculum. However, both have been created by math educators including classroom math teachers and university professors.

Post-Secondary

Q: How will the course name changes impact transcripts for college admission? Are the course name changes similar with what other states are doing?

A: The official course names will appear on transcripts. Colleges are familiar with the high school course names. They will have access to the Course Description document including National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Q: Are the new math standards and courses aligned with requirements to attend University System of Georgia institutions?

A: The teams of educators who created the new standards and courses included collegiate mathematics experts. The high school courses are aligned to the requirements and expectations of the University System of Georgia institutions.

Resources

Q: Will the K-5 resources change or be updated to reflect the new standards?

A: Yes, resources for K-5 will be updated to reflect the new standards using approved instructional resource adoption process.

Q: Will there be new curriculum paid for by DeKalb for all schools?

A: A team of DeKalb educators have written a new curriculum for the grade level and courses. In addition, new resources will be adopted and purchased.

Q: Will it be required for use?

A: The expectation is teachers will utilize the resources provided from the district and state.

State Assessments

Q: How will this change be manifested or connected to the mandatory testing: MAP, GA Milestone?

A: The changes in the standards are directly connected to the changes on the GA Milestone assessments starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The Georgia Department of Education Assessment Department is working with the Georgia Department of Education Mathematics Department to ensure the Milestone Assessments are aligned to the new standards.

Q: Which class has the Milestones test?

A: Grades 3-8 will have an End of Grade (EOG) Milestone assessment and Algebra: Concepts & Connections will have an End of Course (EOC) Milestone assessment.

State Comparison

Q: How does this curriculum change compare to other state curriculum?

A: Other states are in the process of changing their standards. Those states are implementing similar changes to include more mathematical reasoning and data analysis.

State Updates

Q: Where are the changes? Is the Georgia Department of Education still accepting feedback and questions?

A: The Georgia Department of Education has created a web page of resources dedicated to the changes with the Georgia K-12 Mathematics Standards.  The website is https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculum-and-Instruction/Pages/GA-K12-Math-Standards.aspx

Student Supports

Q: How do the programs meet the needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia?

A: While there are changes to the number of standards and courses through reimagining math in the State of Georgia, DCSD is committed to providing supports to every student. The Division of Curriculum & Instruction is committed to supporting every student in the general program.