Mathematics Philosophy

MATH DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT (What is a philosophy?)

ASA teachers in K-12 mathematics courses use the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards as the basis for all curricular planning and teaching.  Students have ample opportunities to enhance learning through real-life application, mathematical writing, and the use of technology.  We recognize that not all students progress at the same rate; therefore teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs, abilities, and learning styles of students.  The curriculum is aligned for skill progression throughout all grade levels, starting with hands-on attainment in elementary followed by a sequential series of courses that begins in middle school and culminates with a study of calculus concepts

Math Department Essential Agreements (What are essential agreements?)

  • For each concept studied, students will regularly demonstrate understanding of the NCTM standards through real-life applications.
  • Students will complete at least one written assignment each quarter for which they will receive feedback following the 6+1 traits of writing.
  • Grade level appropriate technology is used in math classes to facilitate learning throughout each quarter. 
    1.      Elementary students will learn to operate a simple calculator and appropriate computer software.
    2.     Middle school and high school students will use appropriate computer software, including spreadsheets and graphing calculators.
  • Concept attainment will be through a grade level appropriate balance of hands-on activities and written skill applications. 
  • All teachers will differentiate instruction within their classroom in order to meet the needs, abilities, and learning styles of their students.  High school students will have the opportunity to accelerate their math studies, based on teacher recommendation.

Math Essential Questions (What are essential questions?)

  • What are different ways of representing, organizing, and relating numbers to mathematical operations?
  • How do we understand and represent patterns, relationships, and change?
  • What are the characteristics, properties, and applications of multi-dimensional shapes? 
  • How do we collect, organize, display, and analyze data? 
  • Which strategies and mathematical operations are used to solve problems and arguments, and how can we develop and improve them?
  • How can mathematical thinking be effectively communicated to different audiences? 
  • How are mathematical concepts related to one another, other disciplines, and to the real world?