For students in Integrated Algebra B
The Spring 2011 self-select letter for 9th grade math registration is included in high school registration packets and on high school websites.
The goal of high school mathematics
The goal of high school mathematics in the Issaquah School District is for all students to be mathematically prepared and confident to pursue higher education or specialized career training, and to be equipped to apply mathematics as a life tool. To accomplish this goal, every student will become mathematically proficient, as defined by the National Research Council, to include the following five interwoven stands:
- Conceptual understanding—comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations.
- Procedural fluency—skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately.
- Strategic competence—ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems.
- Adaptive reasoning—capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation and justification.
- Productive disposition—habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief in diligence and one’s own efficacy.
High school math graduation requirements
In the Issaquah School District, all students are required to successfully complete three years of mathematics while attending high school (grades 9 – 12.) These three years are generally Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. Some students begin the high school sequence in Geometry or Algebra 2 through enrollment in Math Path II.
The graduating class of 2013 is the first to have to pass the High School Profiency Exam (HSPE) in math to graduate. For classes of 2011 and 2012 , students must earn two math credits after grade 10 if they have not yet met standard in math. Beginning in spring 2011, students in grade 10 will take end-of course assessments in Algebra 1 and Geometry during the last three weeks of school as part of the HSPE. Students who are currently enrolled in more advanced classes will have the opportunity to take a comprehensive exam instead of the Algebra 1 and Geometry end-of-course exams. Details about this assessment have not yet been finalized. Students who have transferred from out of state or from private schools should contact their high school counselor to determine their options for meeting these requirements.
Other graduation requirements are outlined in each high school’s course catalog.
Core math materials and resources
For the core classes of Algebra, Geometry and Algebra 2, materials published by Key Curriculum Press were adopted in the spring of 2010. Please select from the links below to learn more about resources available to students and their families to support them in becoming mathematically powerful young adults.
A note about calculators
Students will have access to a TI Nspire calculator when appropriate in their Algebra, Geometry, or Algebra 2 classroom. Homework will not require the use of the Nspire calculator, however a graphing calculator (TI-84 or the Nspire) is required for Algebra 2 and above. If you are contemplating the purchase of a graphing calculator for your student, the recommended calculator is the Texas Instruments Nspire handheld with touchpad. Nspire with CAS (Computer Algebra System) is not recommended. Students who already have a graphing calculator will be able to use it successfully throughout their Issaquah School District math experience. Graphing calculators are available to check out from each high school for students unable to purchase one.
Questions?
Contact Leslie Nielsen at 425.837.7051 or nielsenl@issaquah.wednet.edu