Quick Guide to STEM Mathematics

College Admission Credits Set by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB):

3 credits: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, or Integrated Math I, II, and III. Note: Successful completion of math through pre-calculus meets the requirement for 3 credits of math and the senior-year math requirement (below).

Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course: During the senior year of high school, students must earn a credit in a math-based quantitative course. This requirement may be met through enrollment in one of the three required math courses listed above; or by completing a math-based quantitative course like statistics, or appropriate career and technical courses; or by completing an algebra-based science course taken during the senior year that would satisfy this requirement and part of the science requirement below. Note: The senior-year math requirement does not mean a 4th credit of math is required, nor does it require a higher level of math; the intent is for seniors to take meaningful math. Exception: Completion of higher-level math prior to the senior year exempts students from the senior-year quantitative course requirement (e.g., pre-calculus, math analysis, or calculus).

Courses should be chosen from offerings according to interest and ability (prerequisite).

The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout all courses, and together with the Common Core State Standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.