Math

The mathematics content, instruction, and assessment in Bronxville Middle School is rigorous and in full alignment with the New York State Next Generation Math Standards. Noted Stanford mathematician, George Polya, believes the main point in mathematics education is to develop problem solving tactics and develop two types of reasoning - demonstrative and plausible. Demonstrative reasoning is illustrated by mathematical proof whereas plausible supports conjectures based upon inductive reasoning and statistical evidence. In Bronxville Middle School, we pride ourselves on helping students to develop strategies to support these types of learning to ensure preparedness for the rigor of high school mathematics.

To support these types of reasoning, the BMS Mathematics department formats instruction to include the following elements: mathematical fluency, problem solving techniques, reasoning, written and verbal reasoning, and vocabulary development. Students engage in a mixture of teacher led and modeled instruction as well as cooperative practice, inquiry based instruction, and independent practice. Students relate mathematics to the real world, explain and challenge their mathematical thinking, and reason abstractly using a variety of strategies. Lastly, teachers assess formatively on a daily basis and use this data to drive differentiation that occurs within our classrooms. Students receive feedback on how to improve their work and logical processes in addition to supplying teachers with data necessary to inform future instruction.

Eureka Math Squared NY is our core program for grades six, seven, and eight. This program was carefully chosen by a team of lead teachers, mathematics coach and MS mathematics curriculum leader, based on rigor, alignment to state standards, capacity for digital assessments, and a balance of traditional teaching methods as well as inquiry based and exploratory activities. Eighth graders enrolled in Algebra I use Big Ideas as their core program that we have fully aligned to state standards. Guided by our New York State Next Generation Math Standards, the overarching topics in each grade include: ratios and rates in sixth grade, ratios and proportionality in seventh grade and ratios and linearity in eighth grade. In Algebra I, students take a comprehensive Algebra I course which includes the study of linear, exponential and quadratic functions.

Bronxville Middle School prides itself on our open enrollment policy to honors level mathematics. This policy, established in 2021, has opened doors for more students to enroll in advanced placement courses in high school. Last year, Bronxville Middle School had 79 percent of eighth graders enrolled in Algebra I and out of the 79 percent of the grade, 100 percent of the students scored at a proficient level on the Algebra I Regents exam. With respect to our sixth and seventh grade programs, our students are among the top performing students in the state with both grades scoring at 93 percent proficient.