High School Mathematics Course Descriptions, curriculum guides

Last updated 2/26/2007

Course progression for Mathematics

All current high school students pursuing a University or Dual Path must enroll in a math course in their senior year. Beginning with the 2007-2008 ninth grade class, ALL students will be required to enroll in a math course each year of high school.

Note: The graduation requirements for a student electing to take the Technical Path are three units of mathematics, one of which must be Algebra I or Technical Algebra. Technical Path students, who enter the 9th grade in 2005-06 and thereafter, must also have a Geometry or Technical Geometry unit to graduate. Students electing the College Prep Path must complete Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

3102 Algebra I

A preparatory course that places an emphasis on the systematic development of the language through which most of mathematics is communicated. Provides the mathematical understanding to operate with concepts at an abstract level, then apply them in a process that fosters generalizations and insights beyond the original content. Topics covered are: properties of the number system, linear functions, inequalities, operations on real numbers and polynomials, exponents, radicals and quadratics. Successful completion of this sequence prepares students for Geometry. (Prerequisite: Recommended academic status from the 8th grade , CRT scale score 534 to 577 on the TCAP test, a score of 16-18 on the Explore test) (Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide)

3102 Algebra I (Accelerated)

For students who did exceptionally well in 8th grade mathematics. Course content covers the course topics in Algebra I in greater depth and at a faster pace, thus providing time for enrichment through the study of optional performance objectives. (Prerequisites: Departmental Recommendation, TCAP CRT scale score of 579 or above, Explore test score of 20 – 25)

(Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide)

3103 Algebra II

The study of functions and an extension of the concepts of Algebra I and many of the concepts of Geometry are provided. Topics covered are: linear and quadratic equations and functions; systems of equations and inequalities; polynomials and rational polynomial expressions; polynomial functions; conic sections; exponential and logarithmic functions; probability and statistics. Satisfactory completion of this course prepares students for entry into Pre-Calculus or Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. (Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry credit with a grade of “C” or better or Departmental Recommendation) (Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide)

3103 Algebra II (Honors)

For students who have completed Honors Geometry with term grades of at least a “B”. It provides a rigorous preparation for Honors Pre-Calculus. This course places an emphasis on algebraic proof and provides an enriched version of Algebra II through the study of additional objectives and topics. Successful completion of this course prepares students for entry into Pre-Calculus. (Prerequisites: Students with Algebra I and Honors Geometry credit with term grades of at least a “B”, and/or Departmental Recommendation) (Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide)

3108 Geometry

A survey of the fundamental and advanced concepts of plane geometry and the related topics in three dimensional geometry, coordinate geometry and transformational geometry. The course begins with necessary introductory vocabulary and continues with algebraic and geometric proofs based on an axiomatic system. Applications of the theorems are inter-mixed to help the student grasp an understanding of how geometry is used in different careers and everyday life. Algebra is utilized extensively in this course. Successful completion of this course prepares a student for further work in Algebra II. (Prerequisite: Algebra I with grade of “C” or better)(Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide)

3108 Geometry (Honors)

For 9th grade students who have completed Algebra I in the 8th grade or Algebra I (Accelerated) in the 9th grade with term grades of “B” or better.  Topics found in Standard Geometry are covered more in-depth with emphasis placed on problem solving, writing skills (especially written proofs), and algebraic applications.  Additional enrichment objectives are covered as time permits.  Successful completion of this course prepares a student for further work in algebra, usually Honors Algebra II. (Prerequisites: Algebra I and Departmental Recommendation). (Curriculum Guide) (Pacing Guide)

3122 Technical Geometry

This course is designed for students on the technical path.  This course incorporates the same core geometric concepts required in a standard geometry course but includes additional topics that focus on career and technical applications.  These concepts will be taught using practical applications in a contextual style of teaching, including labs and projects.  The structure of the course will include teaching groups of skills and concepts followed by their incorporation in a real world application and setting. (Prerequisites: Algebra I or Technical Algebra)

3113 Calculus (College Prep)

For students who have a thorough knowledge of college preparatory mathematics.  Course content includes the study of limits; derivatives; integration; applications; exponential; logarithmic and trigonometric functions. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus). (Curriculum Guide)(Pacing Guide)

3123 Technical Algebra

This course is designed for technical path students. This course uses problem situations, physical models, and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning. Problem solving situations, including those related to a variety of careers and technical fields, will provide all students an environment which promotes communication and fosters connections within mathematics, to other disciplines and to the technological workplace. Students will use physical models in a laboratory setting to represent, explore, and develop abstract concepts. The use of appropriate technology will help students apply algebra in an increasingly technological world. The concepts emphasized in the course include: measurement, statistical data analysis, functions, solving equations, and slope as rates of change and proportionality. (Prerequisites: Technical Mathematics and/or Foundations I and Departmental Recommendation.) (Follows State Department of Education Curriculum).

3124 Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry (College Prep)

Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry (College Prep)   For students who have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, but who may not be ready for the sophistication of Pre-Calculus, or who may be entering fields which require mathematics but not necessarily calculus. The content includes the study of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; and the discrete mathematics topics of matrices, probability and statistics. Students who successfully complete this sequence will have the skills necessary for pre-calculus at the college level. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Departmental Recommendation) (Curriculum Guide)(Pacing Guide)

3126 Pre-Calculus

Develops the topics essential for success in Calculus. Content includes a study of algebraic, transcendental, and trigonometric functions, as well as their compositions and inverses; vectors, polar graphing, complex numbers, conic sections, and sequences and series. Students who complete this sequence successfully will have a strong background for a first-year Calculus sequence. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II with “A” or “B” average grades and/or Departmental Recommendation) (Curriculum Guide)(Pacing Guide)

3126 Pre-Calculus (Honors)

Provides 11th grade students with a rigorous preparation for Advanced Placement Calculus.  The faster pace of this course provides the time to enrich the content of the BMP Pre-Calculus through the study of additional objectives and topics.  Successful completion of this course provides the student with the necessary prerequisites for Advanced Placement Calculus. (Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra II (Honors) with “A” or “B” average grades and Departmental Recommendation)

(Curriculum Guide) Pacing Guide)

3127 AP Calculus AB (Advanced Placement)

A course devoted mainly to the topics in differential and integral calculus. Students who are enrolled in this course will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement AB Calculus Exam and seek college credit and/or placement from institutions of higher learning. The scope of the course follows the topics listed in the College Board Advanced Placement Mathematics Course Description. (Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus (1 unit) and Departmental Recommendation.) (Curriculum Guide) (Pacing Guide)

3128 AP Calculus BC (Advanced Placement)

Reviews all the topics covered in AP Calculus AB plus additional objectives and the additional topics. Students who are enrolled in this course will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement BC Calculus Exam and seek college credit and/or placement from institutions of higher learning. The scope of the course follows the topics listed in the College Board Advanced Placement Course Description. [Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB (1 unit) and Departmental Recommendation.]] (Curriculum Guide) (Pacing Guide)

3129 Statistics AP (Advanced Placement)

For the student who wishes to obtain a college credit in statistics. The course will be non-calculus in its orientation with a major focus on data analysis. This course should be most helpful for most students going on to college. This course follows the topics listed in the College Board Advanced Placement course description. (Prerequisites: Algebra II with a "B" or better and College Prep English or higher) (Curriculum Guide) (Pacing Guide)

3130 Foundations I (Algebra/Geometry)

This introductory course is designed for students needing reinforcement in estimation, computation, basic measurement, and abstract reasoning skills. Through the applications of skills in pre-algebra and pre-geometry, students are able to develop the foundation necessary for future success in Algebra and Geometry. Students may earn only one credit in the following courses to satisfy the mathematics graduation requirement: Foundations I, Technical Mathematics, or Foundations II. (Prerequisite: Below 500 CRT scale score on the TCAP, Explore test score of 12 or below) (Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide, Curriculum Guide IA, Pacing Guide IA)

3131 Foundations II (Algebra/Geometry) and
3102 Algebra I (Year-long sequence)

This two-term sequence covers a review of pre-algebra skills and the basics of Algebra I. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who find it helpful to integrate pre-algebra and algebra skills. More time is devoted to skill development than is possible in the one-term Algebra I class. (Prerequisite: Foundations I and Departmental Recommendation) (Curriculum Guide, Pacing Guide)

3134 Foundations III (Algebra/Geometry)

 The first term of an all-year, two-term sequence covering the basics of Algebra I. This course is generally for students who do not expect to follow a college preparatory mathematics program. It is designed to meet the needs of students who find it helpful to proceed more slowly through the topics of algebra. More time is devoted to the teaching of concepts and the practice skills and applications than is possible in the one-term Algebra I course. This course gives elective credit. It does not count as one of the three required courses for graduation. (Prerequisites: Foundations I, Foundations II, or Departmental Recommendation)

3102 Algebra I-T

  The second term of a year-long study of Algebra I. It is designed for students who need more time to develop ideas and more practice than is possible at the pace of the one-term course, Algebra I. Successful completion of this will give the student necessary algebraic skills needed for post-high school training. (Prerequisite: Foundations I and Foundations II, or Foundations III and Departmental Recommendation)

3180 Gateway Algebra

A remedial course to be taken only by students who pass the 3102 Algebra I and who fail the Gateway Algebra I test. This course is for elective credit only.

3199 Math Computer Applications

 A course that will provide students with a background in the logic needed to create programs using a variety of programming mediums: the TI calculators, BASIC, and VISUAL BASIC. Reference will also be made as to how other languages such as C++, COBOL, FORTRAN, LOGO, PASCAL, and Java are structured. Mastery of these techniques will lead to the ability to create instructional software that can be used across the curriculum.

3635 AP Computer Science A (Advanced Placement)

 Emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. The scope and sequence of this course follows the topics listed in the College Board Advanced Placement course description. (Prerequisite: Math Computer Application or Departmental Recommendation)