District Presents Math Pathway Plan to School Committee
BPS lays out a plan to introduce Algebra 1 in 8th grade with multiple entry and decision points with the goal of making math courses accessible to all students.
At the January 14 School Committee meeting, Burlington Public Schools Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Chen, updated the School Committee on the progress toward refining middle and high school math pathways to make Algebra 1 and calculus accessible to all students who want to take it.
Chen pointed out that currently, no English learners and only 7% of special education students are in advanced high school math classes.
The transition will be made possible by the addition of integrated math courses in 7th and 8th grades to better prepare kids for Algebra 1. An integrated course in 7th grade covering all 7th and 8th grade math standards will be offered. In 8th grade, students can choose between algebra 1 or an integrated course that combines 8th grade and Algebra 1 content.
Students also have the opportunity to decelerate their math journey if their course performance or comfort level suggest they're not ready to continue on an accelerated path. The point, says Chen, is to keep options open for students rather than limiting them or setting them up for struggles later on.
These changes will be phased in starting in the 2025-26 school year. By 2026-27, students will have several choices as they move into high school math.
Elementary parents wishing to know more about the K-5 math program, which is designed to give students the skills needed to be successful in these middle and high school pathways, are invited to attend Family Math Night at their child's elementary school. Parents can engage in math with their children and learn more about the elementary math curriculum.
- Memorial - January 14, 6:30-8:00
- Francis Wyman - January 21, 6:30-8:00
- Fox Hill/Pine Glen - January 22, 6:30-8:00
Some parents attended the meeting to express their concerns and frustrations with the current math program—one they say is failing their students now. They said that at times kids suffer from gaps from following the current less-smooth math pathways and that current support and teaching methods aren't working for all students.
High School Principal Mark Sullivan acknowledged these concerns, saying the math department is working to make improvements. He outlined several support options for students, including flex block time, peer tutoring, and an academic support center.
School Committee Member Melissa Massardo and Chair Christine Monaco emphasized that these concerns are recurring year after year and encouraged administrators to address the issues raised by parents now, before current middle schoolers get to high school and have the same difficulties.
The math pathways aren't the only part of the district's educational offerings about to change. BHS Support Services Coordinator Joe Attubato and Principal Mark Sullivan presented the 2025-26 Program of Studies to the Committee and highlighted several changes. Additions to course offerings include AP African American Studies, Art & Wellness, Hip Hop Music Theory, Retail Management, Gender Studies in Literature & Media, and the brand-new AP Cybersecurity course. They're removing Italian Food, Culture & Cuisine due to low enrollment, and several course descriptions have been modified. They also made course leveling more explicit in the catalog.
As for the new pathways, The Algebra 1 Committee will continue to fine-tune the plan in the coming months, with a final proposal expected for approval later this spring.
