Chairperson: Wayne Carson

Overview

All mathematics courses will encourage students to reason mathematically, communicate mathematical ideas and concepts, become creative problem solvers and connect mathematics to every day life and various other disciplines.

Throughout all of the mathematics courses, students will use technology to further their understanding of mathematics. Calculators: standard four function, scientific, and graphing, will be used when appropriate. Computers will be used to practice skills and explore mathematic concepts. Courses include instruction on the proper use of technology.

The mathematics department recommends any student who is planning post high school course work to take four years of College Prep and/or Honors Mathematics.

Goals

• Maintain the increased level of rigor for 9 Honors, College Prep, and Applied Level math courses.
• Plan and deliver instruction that incorporates activities and instructional strategies, including use of online resources for rubrics and open-ended problems designed to provide students with frequent PSSA - formatted experiences that support their acquisition of skills necessary to demonstrate proficiency on the PSSA Math Assessment
• Implement "Math Edge" remedial mathematics classes and tutorial support designed to address the instructional needs of "at risk" students to support their meeting the performance criteria necessary to demonstrate proficiency on the PSSA Mathematics Assessment, and meet the District's proficiency requirements for graduation.
• Use MAP student performance data to make decisions and to differentiate the design and delivery of mathematics instruction
• Plan and implement instruction that incorporates specific classroom activities, assignments, and assessments that focus on PSSA Assessment Content Anchors and eligible content, including the use of PSSA practice materials, warm-up activities created within the department, online resources, rubrics, and open-ended performance tasks
• Analyze the PSSA and Map results to design a department plan for improving student performance on future assessments
• Increase the number of students participating in the extended day tutorial offerings by grouping participants with their current mathematics teacher
• Incorporate technology into mathematics instruction to support goals of the Mathematics Curriculum and connections to mathematics in the world outside the classroom
• Provide and maintain a site for online resources that is available to teachers and students
• Increase student awareness of the mathematics skills required for various career tracks involving degree/vocational training programs
• Continue the development of Moodle courses by District staff

Teachers