MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT The goal of the Mathematics department is to provide students with an appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics, a solid foundation in the basics of the various fields of mathematics (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, functions, as well as numerical, graphical and statistical analysis) and the ability to solve application problems in a variety of ways. Calculator technology is emphasized, and teachers make use of interactive whiteboards and various software packages to provide dynamic visualizations of the concepts being studied. Students are provided with opportunities to practice standardized testing skills, and they can participate in local and national competitions through our Math Club program. We encourage our most talented students to accelerate through our summer Honors offerings, thereby allowing them to complete AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC and/or Multivariable Calculus before graduating. All courses offered in the mathematics department fulfill the “c” requirement for admission to the University of California.
COURSE PLACEMENT Placement in mathematics classes is determined by the department in conjunction with the administration and is based on performance in mathematics classes, placement tests, teacher recommendations, and performance on standardized tests. In addition, in order to remain in the “Honors” sequence, students must have a yearly assessment average of 83%or higher in their current math course and be recommended by their current math teacher.
TEACHING STRATEGIES Several math teachers are employing the “Flipped Learning” approach for their courses. This involves having the students watch teacher-created videos as their first introduction to the material, followed by in-class problem sets done in collaborative groups with teacher assistance. Manipulatives are used whenever possible in the middle school and in the Geometry course where a hands-on approach is beneficial. Cooperative learning is employed in various ways throughout our program, thus encouraging teamwork and enhancing comprehension. Numerous aids are employed including SMART® Software (which emulates an interactive whiteboard), computer graphing software (to analyze functions in the advanced courses), dynamic algebraic applications using Geometer’s Sketchpad® and Geogebra® software and computer calculator emulators. In addition, several math teachers offer online support and discussions to assist students.
CALCULATORS The use of calculators is incorporated throughout the Middle and Upper School programs. Students are formally instructed in the use of this technology, but only after they are able to do the computations, algebraic manipulations, and functional graphing exercises by hand. Students in Math 6 and Pre-Algebra must purchase the TI-34 MultiView (a Texas Instruments scientific calculator); those in Algebra I or higher must purchase a TI-Nspire CX CAS (a symbolic manipulator, programmable graphing calculator). This graphing calculator is approved for use on the PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, and AP exams. In addition, all math classes are equipped with the TI-Navigator technology, allowing for communication between the students and the teacher via the calculators; teachers can poll students for understanding and adjust the course of the lesson as a result.
MATH LAB The Math Lab is a drop-in tutorial setting designed to help support students with their mathematics work. Math Lab is open for the Middle and Upper School before classes in the morning and during Upper School lunch Monday through Friday. 30
