Last Updated: January 2023

The Mathematics Department seeks to serve students by assisting them in developing the knowledge and skills they will find useful in further courses of study or in real-life situations. Most freshmen enter this progression at the Algebra I level.

In order to meet the varying demands, needs, and abilities of our students, the Mathematics Department offers a wide range of courses aligned to the Common Core standards. We strongly encourage students to take a math course in each of their four years in high school since the single greatest predictor of success in college or technical college courses is the completion of four years of high school mathematics.

MATH GRADUATION STANDARDS

The graduation standards for math are the Standards for Mathematical Practice from the Common Core. These mathematical practices represent what students are doing when engaging in mathematics and the complex reasoning we expect all of our students to demonstrate for College and Career Readiness. These Graduation Standards will be practiced and assessed overtime via the points of intersection with specific content standards, also identified from the Common Core.

To ensure the focus, rigor, and coherence of the Common Core, students must demonstrate proficiency in the content standards for Algebra I & Geometry. To earn course credit, students must demonstrate that they are, at minimum, approaching all of the standards (no 1s) taught and assessed in that course. This is represented as a final grade score of 2.0 or higher.

In order to move on to the next course in the sequence (at the same level--CP, Honors, etc.), students must demonstrate proficiency in most but not all of the course standards. This means that they may not have any “1s” and must achieve a final grade score of 2.5 or higher. To remediate, students will be assigned either to Math Lab (no credit) or Individualized Math (credit option that remediates standards and includes additional math objectives identified by students’ needs).

A final grade score below 2.0 is considered a failing grade and the student will be required to either repeat the course or take an equivalent course.

Students must earn 3 credits of Math to graduate, reaching graduation standards at least through Geometry. Student placement for courses will be based on demonstrated readiness as evidenced by their performance of standards.

Honors courses are available in Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-calculus and Calculus. AP classes are offered in Calculus and Statistics. Students wishing to take honors or AP math classes must meet the prerequisite criteria for the desired class and complete a time management activity. To continue in honors math classes, students must meet all standards and work to exceed some standards.

The Mathematics Department seeks to serve students by assisting them in developing the knowledge and skills they will find useful in further courses of study or in real-life situations. In order to meet the varying demands, needs, and abilities of our students, the Mathematics Department offers a wide range of courses aligned to the Common Core standards. We strongly encourage college bound students to take a math course in each of their four years in high school, including Algebra II as requested by many colleges. All students (college bound and non-college bound) are encouraged to consider taking Probability and Statistics to be best prepared for life after high school.

To ensure the focus, rigor, and coherence of the Common Core, students are strongly recommended to demonstrate proficiency in the content standards for Algebra I & Geometry. In order to move on to the next course in the sequence (at the same level--CP, Honors, etc.), students are strongly recommended to demonstrate proficiency in most but not all of the course standards. The Mathematics Department strongly recommends that students should not have any “1s” and should achieve a final grade score of 2.5 or higher in order to find success in future mathematics courses.

In the rare event that a student is awarded a half-credit in a mathematics course, this half-credit goes towards the total 23 credits but not towards the 3 math credits needed for graduation.

There are various pathways for courses that students can take in order to fulfill the requirements to receive a diploma, to be prepared to enter the workforce, and what colleges look for on transcripts. Students are not restricted to a specific pathway but should be aware of prerequisites and course descriptions.

A note about Honors/Advanced Placement Courses

Honors courses are available in Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-calculus and Calculus. AP classes are offered in Calculus and Statistics. Students wishing to take honors or AP math classes must meet the prerequisite criteria for the desired class. To continue in honors math classes, students are strongly recommended to meet all standards and work to exceed some standards.

Semester-long Classes:

PRE-ALGEBRA

Grades 9, 10

1 credit

Strongly Recommended: NWEA RIT score below 225 and/or 8th grade teacher recommendation

In Pre-Algebra, students will focus on successfully completing and reinforcing the math standards from grades 6, 7 and 8. The course will begin by building students’ number sense and computation skills, setting the foundation for higher level algebra concepts. Students will also be introduced to solving equations, inequalities, and graphing. Students successfully meeting the Pre-Algebra standards will be academically prepared to take Algebra I.

ALGEBRA I - Pt.1

Grades 9, 10, 11

1 credit

Strongly Recommended: NWEA RIT score between 225 or 244 and/or recommendation by the 8th grade teacher.

Algebra I Part 1 in combination with Algebra I Part 2 allows students to study Algebra I concepts over two semesters, giving the students more time to process and practice the Algebra I standards. Thirteen Common Core Standards will be assessed over the course of the two semesters. In Algebra I Part 1 students will study equations and inequalities, domain and range, function notation, and systems of equations. Students successfully meeting the Algebra I Part 1 standards will be academically prepared to take Algebra I Part 2. THIS COURSE WILL NOW BE OFFERED ONLY IN THE SPRING

ALGEBRA 1 - PT. 2

Grades 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra 1 - Pt. 1

Algebra I Part 2 in combination with Algebra I Part 1 allows students to study Algebra I concepts over two semesters, giving the students more time to process and practice the Algebra I standards. Thirteen Common Core Standards will be assessed over the course of the two semesters. In Algebra I Part 2 students will study systems of equations, exponent properties, polynomials and factoring, and numerous types of functions (linear, absolute value, exponential, quadratic). Students successfully meeting the Algebra I Part 1 and Part 2 standards will be academically prepared to take Geometry. THIS COURSE WILL NOW BE OFFERED ONLY IN THE FALL.

ALGEBRA I (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11

1 credit

Strongly Recommended: NWEA RIT score of 245 or greater and/or recommendation by the 8th grade teacher.

Algebra I (CP) is a one semester, one credit course. Students will study equations and inequalities, domain and range, function notation, systems of equations, exponent properties, polynomials and factoring, and numerous types of functions (linear, absolute value, exponential, quadratic). Students successfully meeting the Algebra I standards will be academically prepared to take Geometry.

ALGEBRAIC GEOMETRY - Pt.1

Grades 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: successful completion of Algebra I (CP) or Algebra I-Pt.1 & Pt.2

Algebraic Geometry Part 1 in combination with Algebraic Geometry Part 2 allows students to study geometry concepts over two semesters, giving students more time to process and practice the standards. Eleven Common Core Standards will be assessed over the course of the two semesters. In Algebraic Geometry Part 1 students will study topics such as geometry definitions, line and angle relationships, how to prove theorems and use them to solve problems, coordinate geometry, perimeter, area, and transformations. Students successfully meeting the Algebraic Geometry Part 1 standards will be academically prepared to take

Algebraic Geometry Part 2. THIS COURSE WILL NOW BE OFFERED ONLY IN THE SPRING.

ALGEBRAIC GEOMETRY - Pt.2

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: successful completion of Algebraic Geometry Pt. 1

Algebraic Geometry Part 2 in combination with Algebraic Geometry Part 1 allows students to study geometry concepts over two semesters, giving students more time to process and practice the standards. Eleven Common Core Standards will be assessed over the course of the two semesters. In Algebraic Geometry Part 2 students will study topics such as how to prove theorems and use them to solve problems, volume, congruence, similarity and trigonometric relationships. THIS COURSE WILL NOW BE OFFERED ONLY IN THE FALL.

GEOMETRY (CP)

Grades 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra I (CP) or Algebra I-Pt.1 & Pt.2

Geometry (CP) is a one semester, one credit course. Students will learn basic geometry definitions, line and angle relationships, how to prove theorems and use them to solve problems, coordinate geometry, perimeter, area, volume, transformations, congruence, similarity and trigonometric relationships. Students successfully meeting the Geometry standards will be academically prepared to take Probability and Statistics, Fundamentals of Algebra II, or Algebra II (CP).

HONORS GEOMETRY

Grades 9, 10

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra I (CP) or Algebra I-Pt.1 & Pt.2

Strongly Recommended: a recommendation by the 8th grade teacher if an incoming freshman and/or successful completion of Algebra I exceeding most standards

In Honors Geometry, students will study eleven Common-Core standards in geometry with a focus on logical rigor and formal proof. Topics include inductive and deductive reasoning about angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, coordinate geometry, perimeter, area, volume, transformations, congruence, similarity and trigonometric relationships. This course is designed for students who are excited about math, are seeking a challenge, and are willing to work independently to achieve mastery. Students successfully meeting the Honors Geometry standards will be academically prepared to take Honors Algebra II.

PROBABILITY & STATISTICS (CP)

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of an Algebra I

Strongly Recommended: Geometry course

The growing consensus is that students who want an edge in the competition for top jobs need a foundation in statistics. In a world where we are bombarded by statistics on a daily basis, it is essential that we can determine the validity of the information we see and ponder its implications.

Probability and Statistics is an introductory course offered to juniors and seniors who have met algebra 1 standards. Students study four broad conceptual themes including: exploring data, planning experiments and studies, using probability and simulation, and statistical inference.

This course is intended for college-bound students who are interested in taking a mathematics elective and in becoming well prepared for a college-level statistics course. Although students will use some math skills from previous classes, this course will be more interdisciplinary and will strongly emphasize critical thinking skills.

CONSUMER MATHEMATICS

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of an Algebra I course

Strongly Recommended: Geometry course

Not sure how to balance a checkbook? Do you know what is needed to complete your taxes? Do you feel prepared to handle the responsibilities of a credit card or apply for a loan? This course will help you navigate the mathematics of being an adult. Students will be assessed through the National Standards for Personal Financial Education.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ALGEBRA II

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of a Geometry Course

In Fundamentals of Algebra II (CP) students will build on understandings gained in Algebra I and Geometry. The primary focus will be to strengthen students’ understanding of functions and their operations and applications. This course will introduce some of the most central concepts of Algebra II and those that appear on the Accuplacer and SAT exams.

ALGEBRA II (CP)

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of a Geometry Course

In Algebra II (CP), students will review Algebra 1 concepts about linear functions briefly before moving on to quadratic, polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Students successfully meeting the Algebra II (CP) standards will be academically prepared to take Probability and Statistics, AP Statistics, or Precalculus (CP).

HONORS ALGEBRA II

Grades 10, 11

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Honors Geometry

Strongly Recommended: successful completion of Honors Geometry with a 2.5 or better

In Honors Algebra II, students will immediately begin working on the chosen Algebra II Common Core standards, and students will be expected to review any Algebra I concepts on their own. Topics include quadratic, polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. This course exposes students to higher level applications. Students successfully meeting the Honors Algebra II standards will be academically prepared to take Honors Precalculus.

PRECALCULUS (CP)

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II or Honors Algebra II

Students in this course will explore topics in Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. Topics will include linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions, trigonometry of triangles, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, exponents and logarithms. This course is designed for students who are interested in continuing their study of algebra-based mathematics beyond Algebra II. Students successfully meeting the Precalculus standards will be academically prepared for entry-level mathematics courses at most colleges.

HONORS PRECALCULUS

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Honors Algebra II

Strongly Recommended: successful completion of Honors Algebra II with a 2.5 or better

Honors Precalculus is an honors level course where students study and apply linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions with greater complexity and rigor. These functions will be presented in a variety of ways: verbally, geometrically, numerically, and analytically. Additionally, as time allows, students will be introduced to matrices, parametric equations, conic sections, sequences and series, and limits. Students successfully meeting the Honors Precalculus standards will be academically prepared to take Honors Calculus.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II or Honors Algebra II

Statistics is one of the most useful and interesting courses a high school student can take, and it has become more and more applicable in recent years. In this course, students will explore advanced topics in statistics, with emphasis on the study and collection of data and the inferences one can make from such data. Concepts include: observing patterns in data, planning experiments and studies, using probability and simulation, and inferring information about the real world from smaller samples.

This course is intended for college-bound students who wish to satisfy a college requirement with the AP exam. This class is fast-paced to cover all of the content tested by the AP examination and to allow time for practice for this exam.

BIVARIATE STATISTICS

Grades 10, 11, 12

.5 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of AP Statistics

This third-quarter class expands on topics introduced in the AP Statistics course. Students will complete a major statistics project and continue practicing for the Advanced Placement test. Topics of particular focus include multivariable inference using chi-squared methods and regression inference. We may include extensions in ANOVA and multiple regression.

HONORS CALCULUS

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Honors Precalculus

Strongly Recommended: successful completion of Honors Precalculus with a 2.5 or better

Students taking Calculus will continue to look at functions and how they change, from a variety of perspectives: geometrically, verbally, numerically, and analytically. This course will cover the four basic tenets of calculus; limits, derivatives, definite integrals and indefinite integrals. “Real life” applications of calculus will be studied throughout the course. This one semester, college level calculus class will cover the majority of the content of the AP Calculus AB curriculum. Students who are successful in this course will be encouraged to take Advanced Placement Calculus AB, where the emphasis will be on learning some additional calculus topics and preparing for the AP exam in May.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB

Grades 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Honors Calculus

Strongly Recommended: successful completion of Honors Calculus with a 2.5 or better

Students who have successfully completed Honors Calculus are encouraged to continue their study of calculus with a second semester of AP Calculus. It is important for students to realize that after completing first semester calculus, they will have learned nearly all the required material for the AP Calculus AB exam. This Advanced Placement course will have three main focuses: a continuation of advanced calculus topics, preparation for the AP exam and a project of the student’s own choosing. Completion of this course along with Honors Calculus will provide students with the equivalent of a college course in calculus.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC

Grade 12

1 credit

Prerequisite: successful completion of Advanced Placement Calculus AB

Strongly Recommended: successful completion of AP Calc AB with a 2.5 or better

This course is for those students wishing to extend their calculus knowledge after successfully completing the AP Calculus AB course. Students will proceed through the AP Calculus BC curriculum and prepare to take the AP Calculus BC exam.

Quarter-long Classes:

MATH LAB

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

No credit, but each section runs for 9 weeks

Math Lab is a supported study hall for any student enrolled in a math class or needing to reinforce math skills from previous grade level math work. Students will receive support for their math class, including review of prerequisite skills, reteaching new concepts, assistance on homework and meeting standards in current or prior math classes. Students enrolled in the Math Lab are expected to use the time to complete their math homework and have the Math Lab supervisor check their work before moving on to homework for other courses. In addition, students may use the Math Lab to practice for the PSAT, SAT, or the Accuplacer Exam.