Elementary Curriculum at LTPS

Dr. Damian Bariexca- K-6 Supervisor of Math & Science, Instructional Technology, Music & Art

Maureen Hayes- K-6 Supervisor of Language Arts, Social Studies, World Languages; Libraries & Health/Physical Education

Our vision at Lawrence Township Public Schools is to provide students with a mathematics experience that promotes high-level, rigorous sense-making about math concepts. We provide students with multiple entry points to access the content and opportunities to take risks to communicate patterns and structure, find flexible and creative solutions, and connect complex math ideas to one another. Our goal is to provide ALL students with an exceptional mathematics experience that empowers them to think and reason like mathematicians inside and outside the classroom.

Within a Math Workshop model, students are:

• provided with experiences to build strong number sense
• engaged in purposeful, relevant, and engaging curriculum
• persevering through problem solving as they build their confidence as mathematical thinkers
• reasoning and modeling with manipulatives to support conceptual understanding
• providing evidence to support their thinking through engaging in mathematical discourse
• applying their mathematical knowledge to create and innovate
• reflecting and learning from their mistakes

Bridges is a rigorous and engaging math program that we have adopted in all our K-5 math classrooms. This program includes a heavy focus on the use of visual models and manipulatives, along with a blend of inquiry-based learning and direct instruction. A Bridges classroom features a combination of whole-group, small-group, and independent activities that can all be blended into a math workshop model. Students engage in three major kinds of activities: Number Corner, Problems and Investigations, and Work Places.

Descriptions below are adapted from the 2023 NJ Student Learning Standards for Mathematics

Kindergarten: Representing and comparing whole numbers; describing shapes and space

Grade 1: Addition and subtraction strategies within 20; whole number relationships and place value; measuring length in units; geometric shapes

Grade 2: Furthering understanding of base-ten notation; developing accuracy and efficiency with addition and subtraction; using standard units of measure (inches, feet, ounces, pounds); describing and analyzing shapes

Grade 3: Multiplication and division strategies within 100; understanding fractions; understanding rectangular arrays and measuring area; describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes

Grade 4: Multi-digit multiplication and multi-digit division; understanding equivalent fractions, adding/subtracting fractions with like denominators, and multiplying fractions by whole numbers; classifying geometric figures by properties (angle measures, symmetry, etc.)

Grade 5: Developing accuracy and efficiency with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions; dividing by 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system; developing understanding of volume

For more detail about what is learned at each grade level, please see the Math Standards website from the NJ Department of Education.

Math At-Home Activities

Elementary students in Lawrence Township will spend their primary years immersed in language arts through engaging, literature-rich instruction that weaves science and social studies into thematic units at each grade level. Each unit will focus on all components of language arts; reading, writing, speaking, listening, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, grammar and handwriting.

Students will work towards mastery of grade level expectations through whole class and small group instruction, as well as independent reading and writing.

As students move through the K-6 continuum, they will transition to more complex texts and novels across a variety of genres.

Additional information and resources about ELA instruction in Lawrence : LTPS PreK-6 ELA Website

The science of reading refers to the body of research and understanding about how the human brain processes written language and how individuals learn to read. This field of study investigates the underlying processes involved in reading, including how we recognize letters, associate them with sounds (phonics), comprehend the meaning of words and sentences, and ultimately extract information from written text.

Our language arts curriculum is Lawrence is designed around the research and science of reading. Teachers implement the Orton-Gillingham reading approach using the scope and sequence and materials from the Institute for Multisensory Education.

• All of our K, 1 & 2 general education and K-5 Special Education teachers have attended the 30-hour IMSE Orton-Gillingham training.

• All K-2 classrooms follow the scope and sequence for OG+ from IMSE

• All 3, 4, 5 general education and special education teachers have been trained through the IMSE Morphology Plus 30-hour course and are implementing this scope and sequence.

What is IMSE?

Here are IMSE resources for families

National Association For the Education of Young Children (for preschool families)

Information for Parent Engagement in Literacy

Book Lists by Grade Level

Scholastic Book Lists by Grade Level

Reading Universe

The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) is a mandatory annual, online, standardized test for students in grades 3 and up, measuring proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science based on state standards. It evaluates critical thinking and career readiness, with specific exams for grades 3-9 (ELA), 3-8 (Math), and 5, 8, and 11 (Science).

This assessment is adaptive.

Key Aspects of NJSLA

• Purpose: Measures student proficiency in New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and assesses school/district academic performance.
• Subjects & Grades:
  • ELA: Grades 3–9.
  • Mathematics: Grades 3–8, plus Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
  • Science: Grades 5, 8, and 11.
• Format: Online, computer-based tests involving a mix of multiple-choice, constructed-response, and interactive, technology-enhanced items (e.g., drag-and-drop, graph creation).
• Administration: May 2026
• Resources: NJSLA Practice Tests

NJSLA results are used to inform instruction and identify learning gaps, rather than directly determining graduation, though high schoolers may use them to meet graduation requirements in certain scenarios.

This video provides a nice visual representation of the progression of early numeracy.