The Mathematics curriculum is structured to best address the broad needs of students. All courses are designed for students who learn best in an applied approach. The department advances five major goals for students:
Learn to value mathematics as a tool to explore relationships between mathematics and the many disciplines it serves.
Gain confidence in using mathematical power to make sense of new problem situations and the world we live in.
Develop ability in solving problem situations independently and in a cooperative group setting.
Given opportunities to read, write and discuss ideas, use the signs, symbols and terms of mathematics.
Gather evidence, make conjectures, develop and support rationale using mathematical reasoning.
The Mathematics department also applies the six guiding Principles of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks:
Guiding Principle 1: Learning
Mathematical ideas should be explored in ways that stimulate curiosity, create enjoyment of mathematics, and develop depth of understanding.
Guiding Principle 2: Teaching
An effective mathematics program is based on a carefully designed set of content standards that are clear and specific,
focused, and articulated over time as a coherent sequence.
Guiding Principle 3: Technology
Technology is an essential tool that should be used strategically in mathematics education.
Guiding Principle 4: Equity
All students should have a high quality mathematics program that prepares them for college and a career.
Guiding Principle 5: Literacy Across the Content Areas
An effective mathematics program builds upon and develops students’ literacy skills and knowledge.
Guiding Principle 6: Assessment
Assessment of student learning in mathematics should take many forms to inform instruction and learning.
Students are required to successfully complete the objectives of six credits of mathematics coursework but may elect up to eight credits. Aspects of mathematics that emphasize real-life situations are integrated regularly throughout all the mathematics courses. All courses are college preparatory and fully address the goals and objectives of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
The Honors mathematics pathway moves from Algebra II to Geometry to Advanced Algebra and Pre Calculus with senior year expectation of Calculus. Additional electives are available dependent upon student career plans. The majority of students follows a college preparatory pathway beginning with Algebra I but may elect Honors-level courses.
The need for technological proficiency is recognized at all levels and in all courses. Students are encouraged and trained to use calculators to speed arithmetic calculations, for advanced analysis, and to explore relationships and concepts, visualize solutions and promote hypothetical modeling of real-life situations. Additional methods utilizing computer software for exploration and analysis are also employed in all courses.