Math Department Goals and Competencies
We strive to develop students who lean into challenging problem-solving, who seek opportunities to apply mathematics widely, and who appreciate the inherent beauty of mathematics beyond its standard utility. We encourage every student to believe “I am a Math Person.”
M1 - I can problem solve.
M1-a. I can use both abstract and concrete approaches to solve a problem.
M1-b. I can think creatively about how to solve a problem.
M1-c. I can apply concepts I’ve learned to new types of problems.
M1-d. I can discriminate between essential and non-essential information.
M1-e. I can determine whether an approach is valid and a solution is reasonable.
M2 - I approach mathematics with a growth mindset and am willing to persevere through the challenges of mathematical study.
M2-a. I accept responsibility for my own learning.
M2-b. I can improve if I practice, engage, and thoughtfully reflect.
M2-c. I keep trying even when problems are difficult.
M2-d. I show a willingness to learn from my mistakes.
M2-e. I look for ways to conceptually understand rather than memorize procedures.
M2-f. I am patient through challenges and resilient despite setbacks.
M3 - I can effectively communicate and collaborate in the study of mathematics.
M3-a. I can listen to others and appreciate diverse ways of thinking.
M3-b. I can explain my approach and reasoning to others.
M3-c. I can use correct mathematical language and representations.
M3-d. I can formulate questions that help me strengthen my understanding.
M3-e. I can ask for help.
M4 - I can make mathematical connections to real world problems and issues.
M4-a. I can recognize patterns and connect ideas.
M4-b. I can connect real-life situations to what I am learning in the classroom.
M4-c. I can use mathematics to represent and understand real-life situations.
M5 - I can apply the basic foundations of mathematical thinking I have learned.
M5-a. I can demonstrate fluency with numbers and operations.
M5-b. I can use variables, equations, and algebraic expressions to model situations and solve problems.
M5-c. I can apply my understanding of functions to model data and make predictions.
M5-d. I can apply a combination of algebraic and geometric thinking to solve problems.
M5-e. I can apply logical thinking and reasoning to develop logical arguments.
M5-f. I can apply my understanding of probability and basic statistics to study patterns, make predictions, and draw inferences using data.