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Mathematics at Health Careers High School
Students entering Health Careers High School will be placed in a math class consistent with the courses they have completed in middle school. Below is a flow chart of the class sequence in mathematics.
Four credits of high school math are required by the state for a student graduating under the recommended high school program. The expected sequence of courses is for a student to begin with algebra I, followed by geometry, algebra II, and another math course to follow algebra II.
The math teachers realize that students are coming from many different schools with varying levels of preparation. We have found that students who are struggling in geometry pre-AP and algebra II pre-AP as freshmen have not retained and cannot apply the concepts taught in algebra I. Your child’s teacher will call you if this is the case, and we recommend that students in this position move back to algebra I pre-AP to strengthen their algebra skills. Ideally, these moves need to be accomplished as quickly as possible so students can concentrate on the basic material that they have failed to retain. We are concerned with the long-term success of every student, and having a good background in algebra I is the basis for every math course that follows.
Students who fail a math course are encouraged to go to summer school to make up deficiencies so that they can stay on track to graduate with their class.
Calculators
The math department recommends that every student have a Texas Instruments TI 84 or TI nspire calculator to use on a daily basis. The ideal situation is for the student to have his or her own calculator. However, if you cannot purchase a calculator, the school does have calculators that can be rented at a price of $10 for the school year, with the student supplying the batteries. Parents must sign a contract for the rental of a school calculator and are responsible for the replacement cost if the student loses or breaks the calculator. We recommend that a student who owns his/her calculator make arrangements with the math department to engrave his/her name on the calculator case in the event that the calculator is lost.
Success in Mathematics
The math department is committed to student success in mathematics. What follows are some steps that you and your child can take to achieve mastery in mathematics.
CLASSWORK: During the time that you are in class, use your time wisely to maximize your learning. Take detailed notes, ask for clarification of a concept that you do not understand, work diligently when given time for individual or group work. When working in a group, do your best to share your knowledge with the others. One of the best ways to truly understand something is to explain it to someone else.
HOMEWORK: Because much of the mathematics you are learning is new to you, doing homework is essential in order to practice and solidify your knowledge of this new material. Start your homework assignment the day it is introduced. If you learn something new on Thursday and do not look at it until Monday morning, you will probably have forgotten much of what you had learned. Divide your assignments into several parts and do some of it each night. Daily practice will help ensure that you can do routine problems quickly and easily.
STUDY GROUPS: Studying with your friends is an excellent way to learn new material and one that you will find invaluable in college. In fact, a research study investigating student success in college found that success is increased when students study together and help each other learn. In order to profit from this, however, you need to have prepared by thinking seriously about the material and trying problems on your own. If it is difficult for you to meet with other students because you live in different areas, you can meet in the library, in the halls, or in your math teacher’s room.
TUTORING: Please come in and get clarification from your math teacher on anything you do not understand before it becomes a crisis. Sometimes, asking just a few questions will fill in the gaps, and you are ready to move on.
ATTENDANCE: If you are absent from class, it is often difficult to catch up on the material you missed. Good attendance is essential for your success, especially on the block schedule where every class is the equivalent of two days work.
Computer Science, Statistics, and College Algebra
We have three computer science courses at HCHS. In order to take computer science pre-AP, students must have completed algebra I and geometry with a grade of 80 or higher. This course can be taken concurrently with geometry with the instructor’s permission. Computer science AP A is an advanced placement course and has a pre-requisite of computer science pre-AP or permission of the instructor. This course emphasizes efficient programming in Java. Computer science 3 honors is an extension of computer science AP A and introduces the student to programming for video games and robotics.
Statistics is another Advanced Placement course that has algebra II or precalculus as a pre-requisite. The course is not calculus based. Passing the AP test can earn a student college credit.
College algebra is designed for seniors who have passed algebra II but need more reinforcement of their algebra skills before attempting precalculus in college. This course can be taken for dual credit, with the college credit being earned through Northwest Vista College.
Students entering Health Careers High School will be placed in a math class consistent with the courses they have completed in middle school. Below is a flow chart of the class sequence in mathematics.
Four credits of high school math are required by the state for a student graduating under the recommended high school program. The expected sequence of courses is for a student to begin with algebra I, followed by geometry, algebra II, and another math course to follow algebra II.
The math teachers realize that students are coming from many different schools with varying levels of preparation. We have found that students who are struggling in geometry pre-AP and algebra II pre-AP as freshmen have not retained and cannot apply the concepts taught in algebra I. Your child’s teacher will call you if this is the case, and we recommend that students in this position move back to algebra I pre-AP to strengthen their algebra skills. Ideally, these moves need to be accomplished as quickly as possible so students can concentrate on the basic material that they have failed to retain. We are concerned with the long-term success of every student, and having a good background in algebra I is the basis for every math course that follows.
Students who fail a math course are encouraged to go to summer school to make up deficiencies so that they can stay on track to graduate with their class.
Calculators
The math department recommends that every student have a Texas Instruments TI 84 or TI nspire calculator to use on a daily basis. The ideal situation is for the student to have his or her own calculator. However, if you cannot purchase a calculator, the school does have calculators that can be rented at a price of $10 for the school year, with the student supplying the batteries. Parents must sign a contract for the rental of a school calculator and are responsible for the replacement cost if the student loses or breaks the calculator. We recommend that a student who owns his/her calculator make arrangements with the math department to engrave his/her name on the calculator case in the event that the calculator is lost.
Success in Mathematics
The math department is committed to student success in mathematics. What follows are some steps that you and your child can take to achieve mastery in mathematics.
CLASSWORK: During the time that you are in class, use your time wisely to maximize your learning. Take detailed notes, ask for clarification of a concept that you do not understand, work diligently when given time for individual or group work. When working in a group, do your best to share your knowledge with the others. One of the best ways to truly understand something is to explain it to someone else.
HOMEWORK: Because much of the mathematics you are learning is new to you, doing homework is essential in order to practice and solidify your knowledge of this new material. Start your homework assignment the day it is introduced. If you learn something new on Thursday and do not look at it until Monday morning, you will probably have forgotten much of what you had learned. Divide your assignments into several parts and do some of it each night. Daily practice will help ensure that you can do routine problems quickly and easily.
STUDY GROUPS: Studying with your friends is an excellent way to learn new material and one that you will find invaluable in college. In fact, a research study investigating student success in college found that success is increased when students study together and help each other learn. In order to profit from this, however, you need to have prepared by thinking seriously about the material and trying problems on your own. If it is difficult for you to meet with other students because you live in different areas, you can meet in the library, in the halls, or in your math teacher’s room.
TUTORING: Please come in and get clarification from your math teacher on anything you do not understand before it becomes a crisis. Sometimes, asking just a few questions will fill in the gaps, and you are ready to move on.
ATTENDANCE: If you are absent from class, it is often difficult to catch up on the material you missed. Good attendance is essential for your success, especially on the block schedule where every class is the equivalent of two days work.
Computer Science, Statistics, and College Algebra
We have three computer science courses at HCHS. In order to take computer science pre-AP, students must have completed algebra I and geometry with a grade of 80 or higher. This course can be taken concurrently with geometry with the instructor’s permission. Computer science AP A is an advanced placement course and has a pre-requisite of computer science pre-AP or permission of the instructor. This course emphasizes efficient programming in Java. Computer science 3 honors is an extension of computer science AP A and introduces the student to programming for video games and robotics.
Statistics is another Advanced Placement course that has algebra II or precalculus as a pre-requisite. The course is not calculus based. Passing the AP test can earn a student college credit.
College algebra is designed for seniors who have passed algebra II but need more reinforcement of their algebra skills before attempting precalculus in college. This course can be taken for dual credit, with the college credit being earned through Northwest Vista College.