Rational for New Shift to Geometry 1st[list=1][*]The shift prepares students for a "conceptual age," shifting from emphasizing knowledge to critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.[/*][*]Builds on middle school concepts of congruence, similarity, and proportionality.[/*][*]Geometry offers concrete experiences that align with developmental readiness before they experience the abstractness of Algebra 1.[/*][/list]