|
About ACND : Administration : Admission : Calendar : Guidance |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
ACND News Center : Alumni : Academics : Athletics :Activities |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mathematics Philosophy
The Mathematics Department at AC-ND strives to prepare our students for higher mathematics learning by providing traditional college preparatory math courses. Within that framework of course offerings, the department also recognizes the diversity of abilities and learning styles that exist in our student body. We offer a range of levels within each traditional course selections so that the student can achieve at an optimum level. In lessons designed by the instructor, the students are prepared for standardized testing for college admissions. Computer and calculator use become part of instruction, especially in the upper grades. The instructors in the department work to allow each student to become the person God intended; so we are ever mindful that it is in the image and likeness of God that each person comes to our classroom. Respect for each other, the teacher, the school and the various cultures are taught in our daily interaction with the students and modeled by the teacher. LEVELS
OF CLASSES
The typical freshman will begin his math career at AC-ND taking Algebra I and advancing through Geometry and Algebra II. The student can then be placed in either Integrated or Applied Math, or if qualified, in Honors Pre-Calculus. If the freshman enters the honors tract, he/she will take Algebra I Honors and then will advance through the honors tract of courses. This will place him/her in the Pre-Calculus class by senior year. If a student enters AC-ND with Algebra I experience and scores very well on a placement exam, then the student will be given Algebra II Honors, thus making him/her eligible to take calculus in grade 12. Each summer, a 6-week, 150-hour course in Honors Algebra II is given for interested and talented students. Provided they qualify with outstanding abilities in Algebra I and Geometry, they can then advance into the Pre-Calculus class and qualify for Calculus in grade 12. The foundations tract exists to allow those students who come to us with weak basic math skills to begin the process of catching up and finding success in some traditional high school work. Pre-Algebra and the beginning portion of Algebra I will be assigned. In sophomore year, the second half of Algebra I will be assigned followed by Foundations Geometry in junior year. The student will then most likely conclude with a course in Applied Math. At the end of each school year, the student will be placed in courses for the following year on the recommendations of the teacher. This will allow a change in tracts if necessary. Department
Grading Policy
Recognizing different learning styles and learning curves, the department grades its students using a variety of evaluative tools. Each teacher will incorporate the following criteria in developing a student’s grade: tests, quizzes, homework, classwork, class participation, long-term assignments. The degree to which each is used in determining a grade is the judgment of the teacher. Each test given by a teacher will not only evaluate how well individual math skills have been mastered, but also prepare the student for standardized testing: for college admissions and professional development. The following should be expected on each test in every class: Multiple choice, showing all work, problem solving, writing, and critical thinking. Calculator
Use
Calculators have become an integral part of high school mathematics learning. Standardized testing groups now allow their use. However, it is this department’s belief that while students must know how to use calculators in order to master these tests, they must also continue to learn how to develop and calculate answers. Essentially, they must learn that thinking for themselves is a good thing. Therefore, this department will require calculators in all classes taught in grade 11 and 12 and in the Geometry Honors class. In all other classes, the individual teacher may use them if the lesson requires trigonometric and logarithmic functions. In order to enhance a student’s knowledge of basic math skills, teachers will conduct frequent skills drills, especially in all 9th and 10th grade classes – regardless of level – and in non-honors classes in 11th and 12th grades. Foundations
Classes
The classes at this level are designed to assist those weak in basic computational and analytical skills. Teachers of theses classes work at a pace that allows success and good progress. Emphasis is on the progress of the student not on finishing a textbook. Lessons include sessions on practicing basic skills, repeated practice of new material and hands on activities. On the recommendation of the teacher and director of the Foundations Program, a student may be moved into standards level classes. Pre-Algebra
Course Objectives: § to develop and reinforce the student’s basic understanding of numbers and how they work, § to ready the student for a course in Algebra Skills
to be Mastered
· Reading directions · Determining use of operations · Ordering numbers on a number line · Identifying types of numbers · Using the properties of arithmetic · Use of the 4 basic arithmetic operations · Operations with fractions · Operations with decimals · Use of percents · Use of ratios and proportions · Solving proportions · Estimating numbers · Measurements · Use of variables · Solving one step equations using manipulatives · Solving one step equations using algebraic steps · Use of deductive reasoning in identifying number patterns · Solving word problems involving arithmetic operations · To read charts and tables Algebra
IA
Course Objectives: § to introduce the student to algebraic concepts § to begin use of algebra in problem solving § to reinforce the basic skills mastered in Pre-Algebra Skills
to be Mastered
· Use of algebraic terms · Operations with algebraic terms · Operations with signed numbers · Use of order of operations · To find squares and square roots · To read a square root chart · To use scientific notation · Solving multi-step equations · Solving inequalities · Graphing inequalities on a number line · Introduction to graphing using a coordinate plane · Introduction to solving word problems Algebra
IB
· Course Objectives: · to reinforce the Algebra IA skills · to prepare the student for a course in geometry Skills
to be Mastered
Geometry
Course Objectives: § to continue the skills mastered in Algebra I § to introduce the student to develop deductive strategies for problem solving § to instruct geometric concepts through algebraic geometry and coordinate geometry Skills
to be Mastered
Standards ClassesThese classes are for all those students who do not qualify for either foundations or honors classes. The wide variety in ability thus makes this level class oftentimes the most difficult to teach. The goal of the teacher in these classes is to prepare a student for higher math and also to reinforce previously learned skills. The teacher will move at whatever pace is appropriate for the particular class. Honors ClassesA student is placed in the honors class if he/she has scored very high on the entrance exam and comes with recommendations and/or credits in such classes. It is the desire of the department that the student continues to work at this high level and maintains a B average. An honors class will presume that the students bring strong backgrounds in arithmetic and previously taught subjects. Also, a willingness to invest time to the mastery of the subject is expected. All honors classes are quick paced and place a heavy emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Algebra
I
Course Objectives: 1) to introduce the student to algebraic concepts 2) to begin problem solving using algebraic methods 3) to understand and use algebraic concepts Skills
to be Mastered
§ Operations with signed numbers § Types of numbers § To understand and use algebraic terms § To use order of operations § To perform operations with algebraic terms § To solve single and multi-step equations § To solve single and multi-step inequalities § To solve equations involving proportions § To graph inequalities on a number line § To solve word problems using algebraic equations § To perform operations with polynomials § To factor polynomials § To graph linear equations on a coordinate plane § To solve a system of linear equations algebraically and graphically § To solve a system of linear inequalities graphically § *To solve word problems using a system of equations and inequalities § *To work with algebraic fractions § *To work with radical expressions § *To use the Pythagorean Theorem § *To graph parabolas § *To solve quadratic equations using factoring § *To use the quadratic formula § *To identify and calculate trigonometric functions *To
be taught in Algebra I Honors Geometry
Course
Objectives: 1) to introduce the methods of inductive and deductive reasoning 2) to introduce the concepts of geometry 3) to use geometry in solving mathematical problems Skills
to be Mastered
§ To know and use deductive reasoning in identifying patterns § To become familiar with and use geometric symbols § To know and use points, angles, planes, lines and all terms associated with these concepts § To use postulates and theorems associated with the above ideas § To know and use theorems about midpoints, angle bisectors and perpendiculars § To know and use different types of angles § To construct geometric shapes and situations § To plan out and write two-column proofs § To classify and use triangles of all kinds § To know and use congruence concepts § To know the properties of polygons § To use intersecting and parallel lines § To know and use corresponding parts and figures § To prove triangles congruent with traditional theorems and proofs § To know and use properties of parallelograms and other quadrilaterals § To know and use concepts of logic § To write indirect proofs in paragraph form § To express ratios and solve proportions § To determine geometric mean and use it to solve word problems § To know basic trigonometric functions § To solve right triangles § To know and use Pythagorean Theorem § To know and use properties of circles and all related angles § To know and use chords, secants and tangents § To use area and volume formulas of prisms and spheres § To understand and apply scale factors § To use distance, midpoint and slope formulas § To know and use geometric transformations
*Geometry Honors will
emphasize the problem solving in the above topics Course
Objectives:
Skills
to be Mastered
*Algebra II Honors Course
Objectives
· to introduce the student to trigonometry · to use trigonometry to solve problems · to learn a variety of mathematical topics · to complete topics not covered in Algebra II · to reinforce skills learned in all other math courses Skills
to be Mastered
· To know and use the basic trigonometric functions · To solve problems using trigonometric functions · To use Law of Sines and Law of Cosines · To graph sine, cosine and tangent curves and their various forms · To introduce and use trigonometric identities · To calculate logarithms · To solve equations using logarithms · To introduce and use topics related to statistics · To introduce and use topics related to probability Applied
Math
Course Objectives: § to introduce the student to business related math situations § to assist the student in using math in practical, every-day situations § to introduce the student to other mathematical topics § to reinforce the skills learned in other math classes Skills
to be Mastered
§ To be able to keep payment records and use them § To reconcile check register balances § To find gross, net and average pay § To know and use decimals and fractions § To determine overtime pay § To calculate fringe benefits, expenses, commission pay § To plan and develop a budget § The check sales receipts § To determine unit pricing § To calculate down payments and monthly payments § To determine and compare interest rates and payments on different loans § To calculate depreciation and costs of doing business § To compare purchasing and leasing § To calculate income, sales and social security taxes § The determine property taxes and assessed value § To know and use financial planning concepts § To calculate rates and purchasing power § To know and use trigonometric functions in solving right triangles § To introduce the student to concepts related to statistics § To introduce the student to concepts related to probability Course
Objectives
Skills
to be Mastered
NOTE: It is understood that the above course outlines are not limited to the topics listed. All instructors will be able to design lessons that include more than is here. Also, the pace at which the teacher moves the class will depend largely on the abilities the class brings with it. All teachers are instructed to insure that a proper amount of mastery is achieved before moving on to the next topic. Textbooks are to be seen as a supplement to course outlines. They are merely a tool in learning. Supplemental material is expected and encouraged.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
::ACNDMail :: :: Contact List : : :: Contact our webmaster :: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|