MATHEMATICS
The
mathematics department offers a comprehensive program of study designed to meet
the needs of all students at all levels of mathematical development. The courses offered emphasize the skills
necessary for students to be successful in their college or career choices. The
goals of the mathematics department are to assist students to become problem
solvers, to think and communicate mathematically, to become critical thinkers
and to value the role of mathematics in society and in a multitude of other
disciplines. Students are ability
grouped based on achievement, teacher recommendation, and interest. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors must take a
mathematics course within the mathematics department. All students must take a minimum of three years of
mathematics and pass the state High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) as a
requirement for graduation.
PREREQUISITE: Math 8, minimum
grade of 85 and recommended ASK 8 score of 215
Algebra IA
is the study of the structure of the real number system in a general and
abstract manner. It is designed for the
student with above average ability. The
student uses symbols representing numbers to perform the operations of
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on the integers, rational
and irrational numbers and to solve equations and inequalities. Graphing and
problem solving skills are developed. Knowledge of the fundamental operations
of arithmetic is required. Students
should demonstrate proficiency in the use of signed numbers, variables, and
operations with rational and irrational numbers.
ALGEBRA IB Grade
9 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Math 8, minimum
grade of 75 and recommended ASK 8 score of 200
Algebra IB
is the study of the structure of the real number system in a general and
abstract manner.
It is paced for the average ability student. The student
uses symbols representing numbers to perform the operations of addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division on integers, rational and irrational
numbers, to solve equations, inequalities and problems. Knowledge of arithmetic and Pre-Algebra
skills are required.
ALGEBRA IC Grades
9, 10 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Math 8, minimum
grade 70 and recommended ASK 8 score of 190
Algebra IC
is the study of the structure of the real number system in a general and
abstract manner for the student who has difficulties mastering mathematical
concepts and skills. The student uses
symbols representing numbers to perform all operations on integers, rational
and irrational numbers. Equations and
inequalities will be solved. Knowledge
of arithmetic is required.
INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA
PREREQUISITIE: Math 8
Grade 9 5 Credits
Introduction to Algebra provides the foundation in algebra, geometry and
problem solving that is needed for success in subsequent courses. Students will develop prerequisite skills
necessary for Algebra I including the use of signed numbers and variables. Students will study operations with rational
numbers, simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions, percents, solving
equations, linear functions, probability, and graphing. Students must have successfully completed
Math 8.
MATH STRATEGIES I Grade 9 2 ½ Credits
Math Strategies I is
a semester course for freshmen that have been identified as needing continued
assistance in developing mastery of mathematical skills and who have not
demonstrated proficiency on the ASK 8.
Students will focus on content areas outlined by the New Jersey Core
Curriculum Content Standards for mathematics.
The goals of this course are to improve basic skill and develop
test-taking strategies. This course
should be taken concurrently with Algebra IC or Introduction to Algebra and is
not considered one of the three full year mathematics courses required for
graduation. Students in this course
will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
GEOMETRY HONORS Grade 9, 10 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I (middle school)
grade of 90, Algebra IA grade of 93
Geometry Honors is
for the student with outstanding aptitude, interest and achievement in
mathematics. Emphasized are algebraic
concepts, logical thinking, deductive reasoning, mathematical proofs, and the
properties of plane and spatial figures.
A greater number of theorems are presented for mastery and algebraic
applications are emphasized. Geometric
inequalities, analytic proofs and transformations are also presented.
GEOMETRY A Grade
9, 10
5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I (middle
school) grade of 85, Algebra IA grade of 80
Geometry A
is a college preparatory course for the above average student that emphasizes
logical deductive reasoning, mathematical proofs, and properties of plane and
solid geometric figures and shapes.
Topics include: lines, angles, triangles, congruence, similarity,
parallelism, polygons, circles, solids, area, volume, constructions and
transformations.
GEOMETRY B Grade
9, 10 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IB, grade of
75
Geometry B is
designed for the average ability college preparatory student who has completed
Algebra I. Proofs are de-emphasized in
synthetic and analytic forms. Topics
include: lines, angles, triangles,
congruence, similarity, parallelism, polygons, circles, solids, area, volume,
constructions and transformations.
GEOMETRY C Grades
10, 11 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IC
Geometry C is a college preparatory
course for the student who has difficulty mastering mathematical concepts and
skills. Although the same topics are
covered as in Geometry B, more manipulative hands-on student investigation and
alternative assessment projects are encouraged. Recognition and application of definitions, theorems and postulates
is emphasized.
MATH STRATEGIES II Grade 10 2 ½ Credits
Math Strategies II is a semester course
designed for sophomores who have not met the required level of competency on
state assessments and who were not enrolled in Math Strategies I. Students will
receive individualized and small group instruction aimed at developing the math
skills necessary to achieve proficiency on the HSPA. This course does not fulfill math graduation requirements. Students in this course will be evaluated on
a pass/fail basis.
ALGEBRA II HONORS Grades 10, 11 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Geometry H, grade of
85, Geometry A, grade of 95
Algebra II
Honors is designed for the outstanding mathematics student. The properties of the complex number system
are developed. Linear, quadratic
functions and relations, as well as rational and imaginary expressions are
studied. This course is a prerequisite
for PreCalculus Honors.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IA and Geometry A, grade of 80
Algebra IIA
is designed for the student with above average ability in mathematics. The properties of the real numbers system as
developed in Algebra I are reinforced and the additional properties of the
complex number system are developed.
Linear, quadratic functions and relations as well as operations with
rational, irrational, and imaginary expressions are studied. This course is a prerequisite for
PreCalculus.
ALGEBRA IIB Grades
11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IB, and
Geometry B, grade of 75
Algebra IIB
is designed for the college preparatory student who has completed
geometry. Proficiencies include linear
and quadratic functions, relations and the operations with rational,
irrational, imaginary and complex expressions.
This course is not designed for the student who plans to take
Pre-Calculus or Calculus. A student may
elect to take Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry after completing Algebra IIB if
he/she achieves a grade of 85 or above.
ALGEBRA IIC Grades
11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I and
Geometry
Algebra IIC
is designed for the college preparatory student who has completed geometry and
has difficulty mastering mathematical concepts and skills. Proficiencies in this course include the
linear and quadratic functions and relations as well as the operations with
rational, irrational, imaginary and complex expressions. This course is not
designed for the student wishing to prepare for PreCalculus or Advanced Algebra
and Trigonometry. Students may elect Senior Math after completing Algebra
IIC.
MATH STRATEGIES III Grade 11 2 ½ Credits
Math Strategies III
is a semester course designed to prepare juniors for the state High School
Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). Students
will focus on content areas outlined by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content
Standards and strategies for responding to open-ended questions. This course is highly recommended for
students in C level math courses and for students who did not demonstrate
proficiency on the ASK 8. This course
does not fulfill math graduation requirements. Students in this course will be
evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
PRECALCULUS HONORS Grades 11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra II Honors, grade of 85, Algebra IIA grade of 95
Honors PreCalculus prepares the student to
elect the BC Advanced Placement Calculus.
The student will study polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic
and periodic circular functions and their applications. The graphing calculator will be used to make
predictions, solve problems and verify solutions. Included will be trigonometric identities and equations, graphs
in Cartesian and polar coordinates, solutions of triangles, and the linear and
quadratic relations. The introductory
concepts of Calculus, such as limits and the definition of the derivative, are
studied as a prerequisite to BC Calculus.
PRECALCULUS Grades
11, 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IIA, grade
of 85
Students
intending to study mathematical and scientific related fields during their
college experience should elect PreCalculus.
Functions (trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, circular, linear,
polynomial, rational), inverse functions, identities, equations (trigonometric,
polar, linear, and quadratic), Cartesian and polar graphing, solutions of
triangles, and application problems will be studied. Proficiency with algebraic skills and graphing calculators is
important.
ADVANCED ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY Grade 12 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IIA, grade
of 75, Algebra IIB, grade of 85 and Proficient on the HSPA
Seniors who
have completed Algebra IIA or Algebra IIB and who are preparing for a
non-mathematical liberal arts college program may elect this course. Emphasis will be placed upon algebraic and
geometric reinforcement, the concepts of trigonometry, cartesian and polar
graphing, analytic geometry, and functions but with less rigor and depth than
the PreCalculus course.
AP CALCULUS BC Grade 12 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: PreCalculus Honors,
grade of 90
AP Calculus BC is for the accelerated
student who has mastered a background of honors courses including the Honors
PreCalculus. The course covers the
equivalent of two semesters of college calculus proficiencies and prepares the
student to take the AP Calculus BC Examination for college credit. Be prepared
for extra in school and home study. Calculus, the mathematics of motion and
change, is referred to as the foundation of advanced mathematics. Topics include curve-sketching, analysis of
graphs given in functional, parametric, polar and vector form, limits,
continuity, derivatives, integrals, sequences and series. Students will explore calculus applications
to physics, economics, biology and the environmental sciences. Familiarity with the graphing calculator is
required.
AP CALCULUS AB Grade 12
5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: PreCalculus Honors,
grade of 85, PreCalculus, grade of 93
AP Calculus AB is for the accelerated
student who has achieved mastery of Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and
PreCalculus. The course covers the
equivalent of one semester of the average college calculus proficiencies and
prepares the student confidently to take the AP Calculus AB Examination for
college credit. Be prepared for extra
in school and home study. Calculus, the
mathematics of motion and change, is often referred to as the foundation of
advanced mathematics. Topics include analysis
of graphs in functional form, limits, continuity, derivatives and
integrals. Students will study
applications of differential and integral calculus: distance, velocity,
acceleration, areas, volumes, related rates and solids of revolution.
CALCULUS Grade
12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: PreCalculus, grade
of 80
This survey course in Calculus is
designed to introduce students who have successfully completed PreCalculus to
the major concepts of Calculus. The
tools of Calculus, limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals, are taught
with limited applications. This course
is not structured to prepare students for the AP exams. Good algebra skills and geometric
understanding are necessary. The course
does not represent a semester of college Calculus.
INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS Grades 11, 12 2
½ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IIA or
Algebra IIB
Emphasized
will be the components of statistical inference, measures of central tendency
and dispersion, elementary probability, including independence and conditional
probability, distribution functions, tests of hypotheses, and statistical
reporting. These concepts have become
basic tools of society in an information age.
They are pivotal in the study of the social and natural sciences,
especially in the fields of government, business, and industry.
SAT PREPARATION Grades 11, 12 2 ½ Credits
The purpose
of this course is to prepare college oriented students for the SAT I: Reasoning
Test. The class will be team taught by an
English and a mathematics teacher in order to expose students to all aspects of
the test. Students will review
necessary skills and concepts as well as familiarize themselves with the format
of the test and with effective test taking strategies.
VISUAL BASIC I Fall Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 2
½ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IA can be
taken concurrently
This course provides
the foundation for the computer science sequence and is designed to introduce
the student to computer programming.
Visual Basic is the first course in a three-year sequence that will
prepare the student to successfully take the Advanced Placement Computer
Science A Examination. The student will plan, code, run and debug solutions to
real world applications using the Visual Basic programming language. The student will also learn algorithms and
techniques used in arrays, sorting, searching and data files in order to solve
more complex problems and applications.
The class is conducted in a lab format and most lab activities are
completed during the class period.
VISUAL BASIC II Spring Grades 9, 10,
11, 12
2 ½ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Visual Basic I
This course
is the second in a three-year program designed to provide a foundation in
computer programming. The student will
use more advanced programming techniques in order to solve more complex
problems and applications.
C++ /JAVA Grades 10, 11, 12
5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Visual Basic I
and II, grade of 85
This course is a yearlong elective course, which will teach the
student procedural and object-oriented programming skills and design. The student will be able to create and
refine C++ programs with the emphasis on object-oriented programming using the
syntax of the C++ programming language. Java will be introduced as a
preparation for AP Computer Science.
This course is a prerequisite to the AP Computer Science course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT Grades 11, 12 5 Credits
COMPUTER SCIENCE A /JAVA
PREREQUISITES: C++/JAVA, grade of
85
This yearlong
elective Advanced Placement course is for the student interested in pursuing
the study of Computer Science. The
student will study programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving
and algorithm development. It is
designated to be equivalent to a first semester college course in computer
science. This course will prepare the
student to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science A Examination to
qualify for college credit.
The purpose of this
course is to introduce the student to the major concepts and tools for
collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad
conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and
statistical inference. AP Statistics
provides the necessary foundation for college level courses in the fields of
psychology, science and business. This
course will prepare the students to successfully take the AP Statistics
Examination in order to qualify for college credit.
SENIOR MATH Grade 12 2 ½ Credits
PREREQUISITE: Algebra IIC, grade
of 85, Algebra IIB grade of 75 and Proficient on the HSPA
In this semester
course students will review fundamental concepts of Statistics, Algebra I, Geometry,
and Algebra II in preparation for college entrance examinations and for a
foundational college math course.
Students will focus on refreshing and developing their math and problems
solving skills and on the application of mathematical concepts to real world
situations as well as the connection of math to other disciplines.
MATH STRATEGIES IV Grade 12 2
½ Credits
This semester course
is required for seniors who have not demonstrated proficiency on the HSPA. Students will receive remediation in areas
identified by their HSPA scores. The
Special Review Assessment (SRA), an alternate method of demonstrating math
proficiency for graduation, will be administered in this course. This course does not fulfill math graduation
requirements. Students in this course
will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.