Mathematics is the symbolic language of thinking and prepares students for all other curriculum content. It represents the most international of all curriculum areas and influences not only students’ ability to problem solve in a mathematical context but also in every area of personal and civil life. The Franklin Lakes District recognizes the importance of mathematics and believes that students of all ages can and should develop positive mathematical identities and attitudes, as they become powerful math learners. The instructional goal of the mathematics program is to promote an understanding of mathematical concepts so that students can apply their skills and knowledge to novel problems and situations. In so doing, the program challenges students to attack all problems in a reasoned and logical manner. Computational skills and the ability to choose and apply abstract algorithms to problem solving are important components of the program. In order for students to successfully meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Mathematics, they must develop a strong number sense in order to conceptually understand why algorithms work and to recognize and appreciate the elegance with which equations can represent mathematical thinking.
In response to the District’s 2018-19 Mathematics Programming Evaluation, we are now positioned to take the first steps forward to improve our system for Math learning and understanding such that it supports ALL learners to engage with mathematics, deeply understand, and apply it. Toward this end, the next few years of professional work in K-8 mathematics will focus on the following long-term objectives:
Our plan for improvement in math focuses on system-wide efforts across a number of critical areas. As depicted in the graphic above, these include: