Mathematics 5-12

Mission:
The mission of the North Plainfield Mathematics Department is to provide an educational experience in mathematics that helps students prepare for successful roles in an ever-changing society. This is accomplished through our commitment to excellent teaching, a well-designed curriculum, and a supportive environment for all our students.

Vision:
In order to ensure “the highest quality mathematics education for every student,” the Mathematics Department recognizes that curriculum, instruction, and assessment are dynamic, intellectually challenging, and attentive to the diverse needs of students. A mathematics curriculum includes what is to be learned, how it will be taught, and how learning will be assessed. To attain this vision:

• Teachers foster the development of problem-solving and reasoning skills through the use of mathematical models and multiple representations (e.g., numerical, visual, graphical, algebraic, and verbal).
• Students are provided the opportunity to demonstrate and apply skills, knowledge, and understanding in a variety of formats.
• Teachers select and implement mathematical tasks to engage students’ interest and intellect.
• Teachers continuously evaluate and revise curriculum to ensure mathematical ideas are connected and integrated across courses and between levels.
• Teachers continuously create and implement assessments to monitor student learning and progress towards explicit learning targets, guide instruction, and support programmatic decisions.

Our K-5 math classrooms use Go Math from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as a resource for students, families, and teachers.  All students have access to the online platform!

Go Math highlights the following:

• The textbook and resources emphasize mathematical understanding, computational fluency, and real-life applications.
• The materials are flexible enough to allow our teachers to make adjustments as needed and to use strategies and lessons we already know are effective in meeting student needs.
• There is a heavy emphasis on “math talk” which encourages students to explain their thinking.  Having students verbalize their thinking is important in developing a deep understanding of concepts.  You really understand a concept or procedure when you can explain it to others!
• There is a write-in book provided at every grade level so students can keep these resources.
• There is an interactive student edition available online at the ED link in each students Clever accounts, which provides additional review and practice for your child when needed.

Click here for 5th Grade Trimester Expectations

Middle School Mathematics (Grades 6–8)
The middle school mathematics program is designed to meet the increasing demands of the Student Learning Standards. We currently utilize the Big Ideas Math curriculum, supported by the online platform IXL, which provides targeted skill practice aligned with the core content.

All Grade 6 students receive a double period of math instruction daily to build a strong foundational understanding. In Grades 7 and 8, selected students also participate in a double period of math to receive additional support in identified areas of need.

For the 2025–2026 school year, select math sections will pilot the enVision and Math & You programs.
Students using the Big Ideas Math curriculum develop their ability to read, analyze, and compute across key domains, including operations, algebraic thinking, geometry, and probability.

High School Mathematics
To better meet the needs of our learners, North Plainfield High School offers a double-period Algebra 1 course for selected students, providing additional time and support to strengthen their mathematical skills and understanding.

Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses use the Big Ideas Math program to provide a consistent and rigorous learning experience across grade levels. These courses, along with Precalculus, are available at both college preparatory and honors levels.

Advanced options include Precalculus Honors, AP Precalculus, Quantitative Reasoning, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics. Many of these advanced courses are offered as concurrent enrollment opportunities through Stockton University, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit.

• Program of Studies
• NPHS Math Course Sequences