Mathematics Department
Department Mission Statement
The mission of the mathematics department is to facilitate all students to obtain mathematical content and skills that will empower them to:
- Enroll in the highest level course in which he/she can succeed
- Think critically and creatively
- Solve rigorous and authentic problems
- Collaborate and communicate effectively
- Identify and use appropriate tools and technology
Learning Expectations
Effective communicators who organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication.
Students are expected to:
Critical thinkers and problem solvers who solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts.
Students are expected to:
Efficient users of technology who recognize its role in mathematics.
Students are expected to:
Each student should purchase a scientific calculator as these will be used frequently in class and are allowed on standardized tests (MCAS, SATs & ACTs). Students enrolled in Algebra II, Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics are encouraged to purchase a TI-84 graphing calculator. Be aware that the minimum requirement in math for admission to Massachusetts state colleges is four years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
Students are expected to:
- Express mathematical ideas coherently to diverse audiences
- Use appropriate and accurate mathematical language
- Develop, evaluate, and defend persuasive mathematical arguments
- Analyze, evaluate, and discuss the mathematical reasoning and strategies of others
Critical thinkers and problem solvers who solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts.
Students are expected to:
- Identify and describe the problem
- Collect and organize information
- Formulate relevant questions and develop an appropriate model
- Choose appropriate strategies and implement a plan of action
- Draw logical conclusions and evaluate results
- Responsible citizens who participate actively as members of a team
Efficient users of technology who recognize its role in mathematics.
Students are expected to:
- Use technology as a learning tool
- Select appropriate technology
- Acknowledge the limitations of technology
Each student should purchase a scientific calculator as these will be used frequently in class and are allowed on standardized tests (MCAS, SATs & ACTs). Students enrolled in Algebra II, Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics are encouraged to purchase a TI-84 graphing calculator. Be aware that the minimum requirement in math for admission to Massachusetts state colleges is four years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
Suggested Math Course Sequence
Freshman
|
Sophomore
|
Junior
|
Senior
|
Accelerated Track
|
Geometry L5
|
Algebra II L5
|
Precalculus L5
|
AP Calculus AB or BC and/or AP Statistics
|
Honors Track Option 1
|
Geometry L4
|
Algebra II L4
|
Precalculus L4
|
Calculus L4 and/or AP Statistics or Statistics L4
|
Honors Track Option 2
|
Algebra I L4
|
Geometry L4
|
Algebra II L4
|
Precalculus L4
|
College Prep Option 1
|
Geometry L3
|
Algebra II L3
|
Introduction to Precalculus L3
|
Precalculus L4 and/or Statistics and/or Applied Discrete Math L3
|
College Prep Option 2
|
Algebra I L3
|
Geometry L3
|
Algebra II L3
|
Introduction to Precalculus L3 and/or Statistics L3 and/or Applied Discrete Math L3
|
College Prep Option 3
|
Foundation of Algebra L2
|
Intermediate Algebra L2
|
Geometry L3 or
Numerical Geometry L2 |
Algebra II L3 or
Fundamentals of Algebra II L2 |
Note: Students may deviate from the suggested sequence shown above by meeting the prerequisites shown in the course descriptions as well as by obtaining the approval of their current math teacher and the department chair. Students desiring to enroll in a class without having met the prerequisite grade will be required to take a department exam and pass with the prerequisite grade as stated in the Program of Studies in order to demonstrate the foundation of skills and motivation necessary to be successful in the course. Students are only eligible to take the math department exam if their final course average is within ten points of the prerequisite grade.