Mathematics
Mathematics is a dynamic discipline that prepares students for a world that requires logical thinking and quantitative analysis. Learning is about understanding, and the Mathematics Department engages students and teachers in a shared, inquiry-based learning experience. This process of learning develops confidence, understanding, imaginative thinking, persistence, resilience and collaboration. Mathematics is content and process; therefore, students should experience both. The content and methods of teaching mathematics at HKIS reflect the Common Core Standards, developing upon essential conceptual understandings and procedures. Mathematics provides powerful tools for mindful processing of information. Through courses in the Mathematics Department, students acquire quantitative reasoning skills designed to prepare them for further study of mathematics and related fields. They are also equipped to make informed decisions and interpret the world intelligently whatever their future endeavors. Modeling, reasoning, communication, connections, and representation are now the cornerstones of mathematics. While traditional methods may still have a place in the classroom, the primary emphasis and responsibility for learning has shifted away from the teacher and toward the student. Independent and collaborative problem- solving receives greater attention than in the past to enhance student understanding and learning. In addition, the use of graphing calculators has opened up new possibilities for solving problems as well as investigating the underlying principles of mathematics. Throughout the mathematics courses, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and Common Core standards are used on a daily basis in selecting content, planning for learning opportunities, and designing assessments. Extensive use of graphing calculators requires students to own a TI-NSPIRE CAS. Course Selection The graduation requirement in mathematics is three years of study, with the expectation that incoming students have already completed Pre-Algebra. The Mathematics Department considers the core curriculum to be Algebra, Geometry and Advanced Algebra. Because HKIS is a college preparatory school, students are advised to study mathematics each year of High School. For students desiring a more rigorous mathematical preparation, the department offers courses through AP Statistics, AB and BC Calculus, and Advanced Math Topics for post AP students. Some students, especially those entering HKIS from a school that does not offer any Algebra in 8th Grade, may choose to take two mathematics courses simultaneously. This plan provides capable students with a thorough background in mathematics for all college work while still permitting them to take Advanced Placement courses in the senior year. Some courses may be taken concurrently: u Occasionally, exceptional students may take Geometry concurrently with Advanced Algebra. u PreCalculus may be taken concurrently with Statistics, AP Statistics, and
Mathematics of Human Behavior. u AP Statistics may also be taken concurrently with AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus
BC. u BC Calculus may be taken concurrently with Advanced Topics in Mathematics.
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