Program of Studies - Acton-Boxborough Regional School District ...

MATHEMATICS
The goal of the Mathematics Department is to teach mathematical structure,
theory, concepts and skills to develop student self-confidence and positive
attitudes towards mathematics.
Our Guiding Principles are as follows:
Mathematical ideas should be explored in ways that stimulate curiosity,
create enjoyment of mathematics, and develop depth of understanding.
Effective mathematics programs focus on problem solving, and require
teachers who have a deep knowledge of the discipline.
Technology is an essential tool in a mathematics education and all students
should gain facility in using it where advantageous.
All students should have a high quality mathematics program.
Assessment of student learning in mathematics should take many forms to
inform instruction and learning.
All students should understand the basic structure of mathematics.
All students should recognize that the techniques of mathematics are
reflections of its theory and structure.
All students should gain facility in applying mathematical skills and
concepts.
All students should understand the role of inductive and deductive reasoning
in mathematics and real life situations.
Students are grouped homogeneously for most mathematics courses and there
are prerequisite degrees of achievement for some courses. Although concepts
and mechanics are taught at each level of difficulty, emphasis shifts from
mechanics to concepts and theory according to the difficulty level, Standard Prep
to Honors. Recommendations for homogeneous grouped classes is based upon
student achievement, motivation and proficiency.
Standard Prep (SP) students cover, at a slower pace, the concepts and skills
usually required for college admissions with stress on practical applications.
College prep (CP) students thoroughly cover the concepts, skills, and
applications required for college admission. Accelerated/Enriched (AE) students
demonstrate math aptitude, complete more material and do more exercises that
require deeper conceptual understanding. Honors (H) students demonstrate
special mathematics aptitude and interest for learning even more sophisticated
concepts and theory. The grade 9 mathematics course in the Transition Program
(#360), requiring RJG staff recommendation, is counted toward graduation
requirements in mathematics.
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