Changes in Georgia K-12 Mathematics Standards

May 3, 2022

The Georgia State Board of Education approved the new K-12 Mathematics Standards in August 2021. The standards were revised through a citizen-led, student-focused effort, led by Governor Brian Kemp, Superintendent Woods, and the Georgia Department of Education. 

The new standards are designed to provide a strong foundation beginning in the early grades and to be clear, understandable, and present a reasonable amount of content in each year – so students can truly master concepts, rather than simply being quickly exposed to them.

Review the new standards here

TIMELINE

The new mathematical standards for kindergarten through 12th grade will be implemented over the next three years.

FLEXIBILITY

The new K-12 Mathematics standards heavily emphasize flexibility with the use of mathematical strategies and methods, which does not need to wait until 2023-24. As a system, we will continue to emphasize concepts, instead of algorithms and shortcuts. Under the new Georgia math standards, teachers will have the flexibility to determine when a student has mastered a concept and is ready to learn an algorithm.

ACCELERATED COURSE PROGRESSION

The Mathematics Pathways to graduation was also updated. These changes impact middle and high school students. Starting with the 2022-23 school year, accelerated math will not be available for sixth grade students. 

• Previously, accelerated math covered a year and a half of math concepts, so the content was covered on an accelerated timeline. 
• Moving forward, students in sixth and seventh grades will have three (3) options: on-level math, advanced math, or honors math. 
• NOTE: Sixth grade students enrolled in accelerated math in 2021-22 will be able to finish this pathway and will not be affected by these changes. 

Moving forward there will be three check points built into a student’s math journey to determine if they need to make any adjustments. 

• Decision Point #1a: Rising 8th graders may be recommended to take Grade 8 Mathematics OR Enhanced Grade 8 Mathematics and Algebra: Concepts and Connections. 
• Decision Point #1b: For 10th grade, students on the Enhanced Grade 8 pathway may choose between Advanced Algebra: Concepts and Connections OR Enhanced Advanced Algebra and Precalculus: Concepts & Connections.
• Decision Point #2: For 11th grade, students in Geometry: Concepts and Connections may be recommended for Advanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections OR Enhanced Advanced Algebra and Precalculus: Concepts & Connections.

See the chart below for additional details.

CURRICULUM

BCSS will begin a curriculum adoption process for K-5 Mathematics. The plan is to implement the new curriculum in the 2023-2024 school year. Additional updates will be provided to BCSS families as we proceed with the new Georgia K-12 Mathematical Standards over the next 2 to 3 years.