Trustees Approve Change to Regents Math Courses Sequence

Huntington School Board members approved a proposal to resequence three math Regents courses beginning with the 2025/26 school year. Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack outlined the reason for the change and answered questions regarding it.

Trustees approved the proposal during their public meeting on Monday, November 18. It had earlier been approved by the district’s Math Subject Matter Council and the Educational Development Committee.

Mr. Cusack explained to trustees and residents attending last week’s meeting that several years ago the order of math courses was changed to Algebra for All in eighth grade followed by Algebra 2 in ninth grade and then Geometry.

“The rationale was to provide a direct relationship between Algebra and Algebra 2 by building on Algebra skills without interruption,” Mr. Cusack said. “However, the pacing and rigor embedded in the Algebra 2 curriculum proved a struggle for many students.”

Algebra/Trigonometry course enrollment increased due to some students lacking the algebra skills needed for successful completion of Algebra 2. “Returning to the trajectory of Algebra to Geometry and then Algebra 2 will place students in the best position for success while continuing to open pathways to higher mathematics courses for all students,” Mr. Cusack said. “After years of review of qualitative and quantitative data, and with input from faculty, students and parents, this proposal is recommended.”

Trustees heard that using the new tools of DESMOS and GeoGebra has created a “new dimension” to teaching Geometry. “These tools have not only increased engagement, but also depth of understanding,” Mr. Cusack said. “In addition, reconfiguring the order of courses allows all students to be exposed to Geometry at the high school level. This content is needed for not only upper-level math courses but also for the ACT/SAT. In addition, offering Algebra 2 to sophomores aligns to the Physics curriculum as well as supporting the continuity of skills needed to be successful in the following course, Precalculus.”

The trustees were told that students enrolled in a Regents course may be recommended for a support class linked to their Algebra, Geometry, or Algebra 2 section if needed, as has been the case prior.