Welcome parents, teachers, and most importantly, students:
The Colfax High School Math Department is excited to announce an offering that will prepare students for success in Integrated Math at Colfax High School. By successfully demonstrating competency in the topics in this readiness course, students will significantly enhance their performance in Colfax High School's Integrated Math classes. This preparatory program is designed with the intent to build a student’s strong mathematical foundation and solidify concepts taught in our integrated math classes, ensuring that student are well-prepared for the challenges of their next high school integrated math class. Additionally, students who complete the course and achieve a score of 85% or higher on an end of course assessment (taken in the first week of the fall term) will earn 10 elective credits. This will provide a valuable boost in a student's academic journey.
We look forward to supporting your success at CHS and wish you the best!
Course readiness options
IBSL1 Readiness (coming soon)
IBSL2 Readiness (coming soon)
SBAC Readiness (coming soon)
Academic Achievement and Skill Development
Foundation Building
High school math preparation classes strengthen foundational knowledge in key areas such as algebra, geometry, and calculus.
This foundation is crucial for success in more advanced math courses and standardized tests.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
These classes emphasize logical reasoning, analytical skills, and problem-solving techniques.
These skills are essential not only for math but also for other academic subjects and real-world situations.
College Readiness
Colleges and universities often require a solid math background for admission.
High school math prep ensures that students meet or exceed these requirements, making them competitive candidates for higher education.
Get a Boost
Students who complete the course and achieve a score of 85% or higher on an end of course diagnostic test (taken in the first week of the fall term) will earn 10 elective credits. This will provide a valuable boost in a student's academic journey.
Students who score at or above standards on the SBAC are eligible for a "grade bump" in a previous math class.
Standardized Testing Success
SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) Preparation
Familiarity with Test Format: SBAC prep classes help students become familiar with the test format, question types, and timing, reducing test anxiety and increasing confidence.
Targeted Practice: These prep courses provide practice with the specific types of questions that appear on the SBAC, allowing students to hone their skills and improve their performance on the actual test.
Identifying Weaknesses: Prep classes help identify areas where students may be struggling, allowing them to focus on these weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
Performance Enhancement
High performance on standardized tests like the SBAC can influence college admissions decisions.
Preparation classes can significantly enhance students' test scores, opening up more opportunities for their academic futures.
Success on the SBAC at CHS affords students a "grade bump" in the math class of their choice.
Personal Growth and Confidence
Building Confidence
Mastering challenging math concepts and performing well on standardized tests builds self-confidence.
This confidence can extend to other areas of academic and personal life, fostering a positive attitude towards learning.
Time Management and Study Skills
Prep classes teach valuable time management and study skills.
Students learn how to effectively allocate their study time, prioritize tasks, and develop study plans, skills that are beneficial throughout their academic careers and beyond.
Goal Setting and Achievement
Setting and achieving goals in math prep classes encourages a sense of accomplishment and motivates students to set higher goals in the future, both academically and personally.
Long-Term Benefits
Career Opportunities
Strong math skills are essential in many career fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
High school math preparation provides a competitive edge in these areas, opening up a wide range of career opportunities.
Life Skills
Math teaches valuable life skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
These skills are useful in everyday decision-making and financial planning, making individuals more capable and independent.
In Summary
Taking high school math and SBAC preparation classes offers numerous benefits, from enhancing academic performance and college readiness to building confidence and essential life skills.
These preparations equip students with the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in their academic and professional futures.
Rationale:
The importance of mastering math fundamentals is underscored by multiple studies and reports, particularly from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The 2022 NAEP report highlights significant declines in math proficiency among U.S. students, particularly noting that many eighth graders performed below the basic level, which underscores the critical need for strong foundational skills in mathematics. These foundational skills are vital not only for academic success but also for future opportunities in higher education and the workforce.
Moreover, trends in NAEP data show that consistent performance in math is linked to better educational outcomes and preparedness for college and careers. The Brookings Institution’s analysis of long-term NAEP trends reveals that while math scores have generally improved over the decades, they have plateaued in recent years, emphasizing the ongoing need for focused math education to sustain and build on these gains.
Globally, mathematical literacy is essential for competitiveness in a globalized economy. As noted in NAEP's international assessments, students with strong math skills are better equipped to handle complex problem-solving and analytical tasks, which are highly valued in today's job market. This underscores the importance of robust math education policies and practices that ensure students achieve a high level of proficiency in fundamental math skills.
For further details, you can explore the NAEP's comprehensive reports on their official website and the Brookings Institution's studies on educational trends and performance.
Sources:
[NAEP Mathematics: Mathematics Results]( https://www.nationsreportcard.gov
[Brookings Institution: Trends in NAEP Math, Reading, and Civics Scores]( https://www.brookings.edu