Mathematics
Department
Mathematics is a subject that will open many opportunities to our students in terms of career options, college entrance, thinking skills and their roles as citizens in our society. In recognition of this, the math and science departments work toward making these two subjects accessible to all students through a variety of programs, instructional approaches, and curriculum materials.
Elementary Mathematics
Students in grades K-5 use the Everyday Mathematics program. It is a rigorous and balanced program that emphasizes conceptual understanding while building a mastery of basic skills. Mathematics instruction in the North Plainfield Public Schools includes the full mathematics spectrum, not just arithmetic, as required by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
One of the key features in Everyday Mathematics is an emphasis on problem-solving. Problems are presented in everyday contexts. Another is the use of games to help students attain mastery of skills without the boredom of rote repetition.
Review is ongoing throughout the year. Students are not expected to master new concepts the first time they encounter it, but rather build their understanding over time.
A link below will bring you to the parents' section of the official site of the program.
The WAND Rubric
Teachers assess children's understanding of mathematical concepts in several ways. One way is by having children explain how they solved a problem. This method is also used on the NJASK tests in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6.
To help children write complete responses to these types of questions, we use the WAND rubric to help them know what they need to show about what they know. The letters stand for Words, Answer, Number Sentence and Drawing/Demonstration. We also score their work using this rubric. The WAND rubric is used by all elementary teachers, beginning in first grade. You can see the WAND rubric for grades 1-8 by opening the attached file at the bottom of this page. Ask your child to explain it to you!
Everyday Mathematics games will be featured on this website regularly. Check back each month for a new game that you can play with your children at home.
Concentration (Kindergarten)
Materials: Number Cards; markers
Directions: Use 20 or 40 cards. Place the cards face down in rows of 4 or 8. The first player turns over 2 cards. If the cards make a pair, the player keeps them. If not, they are turned face down again. The next player takes a turn, then the next, and so on. Players try to remember the position of cards so that they can match pairs. When all the cards are matched, the player with the most cards wins. Encourage children to say the number on each card as they turn them over.
Making Change Game (Grades 2 – 4)
Materials: 2 dice; one $1 bill, 6 quarters, 2 dimes and 2 nickels for each player
Number of players: 2 or 3
Directions: There is no money in the bank at the beginning of the game. Players take turns depositing money into the bank. To determine the amount they are to deposit, they roll the dice and multiply the total number of dots on the dice by 5 cents. At the beginning of the game, they will be able to count out the exact amounts. Later, they make change from the money in the bank it they don’t have the exact amounts. The first player without enough money to put in the bank wins.
Variations: 1) Use two different-colored dice to represent nickels and dimes. Each player starts with three $1 bills in addition to the coins. 2) Use three different-colored dice to represent nickels, dimes, and quarters. Each player starts with six $1 bills and one $10 bill in addition to the coins.
Middle School Mathematics
Links to the mathematics textbooks, Mathematics: Applications and Connections, are listed below for grades 6, 7, and 8. Each link brings you to a site that includes access to the online student edition. Your child should have a user name and password from his/her teacher. Other information includes example problems and GEPA test information.
The WAND Rubric
Children in grades 6, 7, and 8 have recently been introduced to the WAND rubric in their mathematics classrooms. The letters stand for Words, Answer, Number Sentence and Demonstration. This scoring guide will help students know how to completely answer open-ended questions in math class and on the NJASK 6, NJASK 7, and the GEPA. The ability to explain mathematical reasoning in writing is essential. You can view the WAND rubric by opening the attached file below.
Intensive Math
This course is designed to help students in understanding basic mathematical concepts and in developing proficiency with basic mathematical processes. Your child is identified as being in need of this course through a review of his/her performance in mathematics, and their NJASK scores. The course meets from 2:38 - 3:20 PM either two days or three days a week after school for the full school year. While the class work does help students prepare for the Grade 8 NJASK (formerly the GEPA), it is also preparing students for mathematics in high school.
A strong transcript for college entrance will include successful completion of rigorous mathematics courses, and we strive to give every student the ability to gain entrance into the college of their choice, and to have them fully prepared for the course work they will encounter there. While it may seem premature to speak of college entrance in middle school, we are well aware that mathematical proficiency begins with a strong understanding of numeration, geometry, data analysis, problem-solving and reasoning, and other areas prior to tackling algebra in high school. Advanced math courses will help students pass the HSPA, gain entrance into the college of their choice, build their confidence, increase their ability to solve problems beyond mathematics, and give them the choice of pursuing work that appeals to their interests in the future.
High School Mathematics
In response to students’ needs, North Plainfield High School has instituted a program which aims to strengthen math skills and understanding for its freshmen. Students who have demonstrated difficulty in attaining an understanding of basic mathematics concepts will take double periods of mathematics. These periods will meet consecutively and be taught by the same teacher. This will afford students the "gift of time" to explore difficult and challenging concepts in greater depth. Teachers chosen as instructors for this new program have already begun planning instructional activities that will take advantage of the district’s technology to a greater extent, including interactive white boards, graphing calculators, and software programs. The Cognitive Algebra Tutor program, which utilizes a combination of software and textbooks to guide students in learning mathematics, has been purchased, and teachers will attend multi-day training sessions during the summer to prepare for this program. The additional time will also allow teachers to more readily accommodate students’ learning needs through differentiated instruction, small group work and individual attention. Frequent assessment will ensure that teachers know where students are achieving proficiency, and where they still need support. Support for classified students and those who are English Language Learners will be a critical component of this program; the district seeks to impress upon all students that academic success is within their reach!
