Texas Math Progression (Grades 2

This document outlines the typical math sequence and core concepts for Texas students from Grade 2 through Grade 12, based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and standard Texas graduation requirements. Districts may offer local variations, acceleration, or dual credit.

Elementary School (Grades 2–5)

Focus: Building numeracy, operations, and mathematical reasoning.

Grade 2 — Core TEKS Strands

Number & Operations: place value up to 1,200; compare, order, and represent numbers; addition and subtraction up to 1,000.
Algebraic Reasoning: basic patterns and relationships.
Geometry & Measurement: recognize and classify 2-D and 3-D shapes; measure length, time, and money.
Data Analysis: collect and organize data using picture and bar graphs.
Personal Financial Literacy: saving, spending, and charitable giving.

Grade 3 — Key Concepts

Multiplication and Division: facts, strategies, and models.
Fractions: unit fractions and part-whole understanding.
Geometry: area, perimeter, attributes of shapes.
Measurement: mass, capacity, time, temperature.
Data: tables and graphs.
Financial Literacy: income, spending, saving, credit.

Grade 4 — Key Concepts

Operations: multi-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
Fractions & Decimals: equivalence, compare, add/subtract fractions; decimals to tenths/hundredths.
Geometry: angles, lines, symmetry.
Measurement: unit conversions, perimeter, area.
Data & Financial Literacy: analyze data; profit and interest basics.

Grade 5 — Key Concepts

Fractions & Decimals: add, subtract, multiply, divide with fractions and decimals.
Volume: cubic measurement and formulas.
Graphing & Patterns: coordinate plane (first quadrant), numerical patterns.
Data & Probability: mean, median, mode, range (intro).
Financial Literacy: budgets, taxes, profit.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Focus: Transition from arithmetic to pre-algebra and algebraic reasoning.

Grade 6 — Key Concepts

Ratios & Proportional Relationships: rates and unit rates.
Fractions, Decimals, Percents: conversions and applications.
Expressions & Equations: writing expressions, solving one-step equations.
Geometry: area, surface area, volume.
Data: mean, median, mode, range.
Financial Literacy: savings, credit, simple interest.

Grade 7 — Key Concepts

Proportional Relationships: scale drawings, similar figures, percent problems (tax, tip, discount).
Rational Numbers: operations with positive and negative integers, decimals, and fractions.
Expressions, Equations & Inequalities: two-step equations/inequalities.
Geometry: circumference, area, surface area, volume of prisms.
Probability: simple and compound events.
Financial Literacy: taxes, compound interest, budgeting.

Grade 8 — Key Concepts

Real Numbers: rational vs. irrational numbers, square roots.
Linear Equations & Functions: slope, y-intercept, graphing linear functions.
Systems of Equations: solve by graphing and substitution.
Geometry: transformations, the Pythagorean Theorem, volume of cylinders/cones/spheres.
Data & Statistics: scatterplots and correlation.
Financial Literacy: loans, credit, and investments.

Note: Many districts allow advanced students to take Algebra I for high school credit in Grade 8.

High School (Grades 9–12)

Focus: Abstract reasoning, modeling, and application under the Texas Foundation High School Program (minimum 3 math credits, typically 4 for college-bound/STEM students).

Algebra I (usually Grade 9, or Grade 8 if accelerated)

Linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.
Solving equations and inequalities.
Systems of linear equations and inequalities.
Polynomials and factoring.
Graphing and interpreting functions.
Using algebra to model real-world problems.

Geometry (usually Grade 10)

Points, lines, planes, and transformations.
Triangle congruence and similarity.
Right-triangle trigonometry (intro to sine, cosine, tangent).
Circles, area, perimeter, surface area, and volume.
Proof and reasoning, including coordinate proofs.

Algebra II (usually Grade 11)

Polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
Complex numbers.
Function transformations and inverses.
Sequences and series.
Mathematical modeling with technology.

Note: Algebra II is required for the STEM endorsement and for the Distinguished graduation plan.

Advanced / 4th-Year Math Options (often Grade 12 or earlier)

Students choose based on graduation endorsement, college plans, and career goals:

Precalculus / AP Precalculus: trig, advanced functions, limits intro.
AP Calculus AB / BC: limits, derivatives, integrals, applications.
Statistics / AP Statistics: data collection, probability, inference.
Algebraic Reasoning: deep structure of expressions and functions.
Mathematical Models with Applications: applied algebra/geometry in real-world contexts.
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning (AQR): decision-making, logic, personal finance modeling, quantitative literacy.
Dual Credit / College Algebra / Trigonometry: college-level math through partners like community colleges.

Accelerated STEM / AP Pathway Example:
Grade 8 → Algebra I
Grade 9 → Geometry
Grade 10 → Algebra II
Grade 11 → Precalculus or AP Precalculus
Grade 12 → AP Calculus and/or AP Statistics

This is common for students pursuing STEM endorsements, competitive college admissions, engineering, or computer science pathways.

Summary Table: Grade Level vs Course Focus

Grade	Typical Course	Core Focus
2	Math 2	Place value, addition/subtraction to 1,000, shapes, time, money
3	Math 3	Multiplication/division, fractions, area & perimeter, data displays
4	Math 4	Multi-digit operations, fractions & decimals, symmetry, unit conversions
5	Math 5	Fraction & decimal operations, volume, coordinate graphs, mean/median/mode
6	Math 6	Ratios, percents, one-step equations, surface area/volume, statistics
7	Math 7	Rational numbers (positive & negative), two-step equations, probability, budgeting & interest
8	Math 8 / Algebra I (accelerated)	Linear equations & functions, systems, Pythagorean Theorem, transformations, scatterplots
9	Algebra I	Linear/quadratic/exponential functions, systems, factoring, modeling
10	Geometry	Proofs, congruence/similarity, trig ratios, coordinate geometry, volume
11	Algebra II (or other 3rd math)	Polynomials, rationals, exponentials, logarithms, complex numbers, sequences/series, modeling
12	Precalculus / AP Precalculus / AP Calculus / Statistics / AQR / Algebraic Reasoning / Math Models / Dual Credit	Advanced functions, trig, limits, calculus, data & inference, applied quantitative decision-making

Important Graduation Notes:

Texas Foundation High School Program requires Algebra I, Geometry, and a 3rd math credit.
STEM endorsement and Distinguished Level of Achievement require Algebra II plus advanced math.
Many students graduate with 4 math credits, not 3, to stay competitive for college admissions.

Use this page in counseling talks, course selection nights, parent meetings, and curriculum planning for vertical alignment.

Texas Mathematics Progression (Grades 2–12)

Elementary School (Grades 2–5)

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

High School (Grades 9–12)

Summary Table: Grade Level vs Course Focus