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Mathematics Curriculum

I. Philosophy

The mathematics department at The Colorado Springs School educates students on how to use mathematics as a practical tool in a wide range of disciplines. The department believes students should use mathematical skills to gain insight and knowledge about disciplines such as economics, the natural sciences, political science, and the humanities. Also of key importance in this program is the belief that students’ mathematical knowledge is rooted in real-life problems and situations and should grow from their experience. Students use technology to explore mathematics as it provides exposure to valuable techniques and reinforces the understanding of many skills. A major goal of the department is to encourage students not only to appreciate mathematics as an intellectual endeavor, but also to be able to apply mathematical logic and problem-solving to newly-encountered problems.

Courses incorporate a blend of experiential learning, exposition and discussion, guided practice, individual and group work, projects, and investigations that allow the student to see how mathematics fits into the larger picture of learning. Mathematics concepts are not taught in isolation but rather are interwoven over time and in a variety of applications and experiences. Each subsequent course should introduce a substantial amount of new material, but continuous review of prior material is encouraged. The rich content in Children’s School prepares students for more advanced mathematics in Middle and Upper School. Ultimately, a graduating senior should be prepared to pursue any career of his or her choosing.

II. Performance Goals and Objectives

The goals and performance objectives of the Mathematics Department are as follows:

  1. To prepare students for life-long studies
  2. To expose students to a variety of technological tools and their use in exploring mathematics
  3. To give students an appreciation of the elegance and exactness of mathematics
  4. To encourage and recognize creative solutions to problems
  5. To expose students to mathematics within the complexity of interdisciplinary problems

III. Instructional Strategies

  1. Traditional Strategies
    1. Projects that involve reading, writing, and mathematics
    2. Guided practice to reinforce the skill being learned
    3. Discussion-based lesson that involves the whole class
  2. Experience-based Strategies
    1. The use of technology including calculators and computers
    2. Gathering data from a variety of sources, including publications, the Internet, and through experiments
    3. The use of hands-on manipulative materials and real-life applications and projects

IV. Assessment Techniques

  1. Group work that involves students teaching students
  2. Chapter, cumulative, and unit tests and quizzes
  3. Class presentations by students
  4. Verbal assessment through question and answer in and outside of class
  5. Teacher observation through interaction with individuals and small groups

Upper School Math Courses

Required
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra 2

Electives
FST 45
FST 90
45 Pre-Calculus
90 Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB or BC
Statistics
AP Statistics