MATHEMATICS

Grades 8- 12 Curriculum

In eighth grade, students have a choice to take 8th grade Math or Math 1. Eighth and ninth grade choice of math course is ultimately given to the student and parent, with recommendations from counselors and middle school math teachers. The charts below show what math classes are available by grade depending on what math class was taken previously.

CHART FOR 8^th GRADE MATH TAKEN IN 8^th GRADE

SEQUENCE OPTION 1: 8th grade MATH, MATH 1, MATH 2, & MATH 3

SEQUENCE OPTION 2: 8th grade MATH, CORE MATH 1, CORE MATH 2, & CORE MATH 3

ELECTIVES (E): PRE-CALC, FINITE MATH, & ELEMENTARY STATISTICS

NOT AN OPTION (X): CALCULUS

SEQUENCE: MATH 1 (8TH), MATH 2, MATH 3, & PRE-CALCULUS

ELECTIVES: CALCULUS, FINITE MATH, & ELEMENTARY STATISTICS

See the sequence options below each chart to see what courses are required. Three (3) years of Math are required at the high school to complete graduation requirements.

INTEGRATED MATHEMATICS

Over a three-year period, Integrated Mathematics (Math 1, 2 & 3) teaches the same mathematical topics as a contemporary Algebra I/Geometry/Algebra 2 sequence. The difference is in the organization of the content.

Instead of being divided into separate courses, algebra and geometry are taught in each of the three years. In addition, topics from logical reasoning, measurement, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics, and functions are interwoven throughout each year.

MATHEMATIC OPTIONS

Pella High School is now offering two options for students to meet math credit graduation requirements. The decision to offer two options was made in order to give all of our students the best opportunity for success in meeting the state of Iowa's Common Core requirements.

The Math 1-2-3 option is a three-course program that is structured around problem-based activities. This program takes a more theoretical approach, utilizes discovery learning, and assignments are focused on skill application. The Math 1-2-3 program builds directly on math skills already attained in previous math courses. This option covers all required math standards in the Iowa Core as well as the recommended optional standards. Math 1-2-3 is recommended for students planning on enrolling in Precalculus.

The Core Math 1-2-3 option is a three-course program that is structured to include similar topics but with more supports in place. This program takes a topics-based approach and utilizes direct instruction more. The Core Math 1-2-3 program builds directly on math skills already attained in previous math courses. This option covers all required math standards in the Iowa Core and is recommended for students not intending to enroll in Precalculus.