Mathematics

The Mathematics program in the 8th Grade through High School encompasses all aspects of mathematics from Life Skills Math through Calculus. Students are placed homogeneously in language-based classes to meet each level of ability, as well as learning-style requirements.

LPS's Mathematics Curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Frameworks and the NCTM Standards. However, there is also a primary focus on communication, along with problem-solving and reasoning. In the context of a mathematics classroom, we can concentrate simultaneously on extending students' mathematical abilities and fostering their communication skills.

Affirming the state's vision, we believe that all students can become mathematically literate - able to appreciate and truly understand mathematics. In addition, we are committed to helping all of our students achieve mathematical power, which encompasses a student's ability to:

• Explore, think, and reason logically.
• Use a variety of tools and methods to effectively solve non-routine problems.
• Recognize that mathematics is not simply a set of concepts and skills to be acquired.
• Develop personal self-confidence in developing mathematical abilities.

Students gain mathematical power through problem-solving, communicating, reasoning, and making connections on a consistent basis. Because of their importance, mathematics power and mathematical literacy are at the center of the LPS Mathematical Curriculum. Problem solving, communication, reasoning, and making connections are the cornerstones of the LPS Mathematics Curriculum.

Problem Solving

• A strong problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics builds on the natural, informal procedures for doing mathematics that students can develop on their own.
• Students are encouraged to refine and extend their problem-solving skills through investigations, explorations, speculations, and discussions.

Communication

• Communicating helps students clarify their thinking and sharpen their understanding.
• Problem-solving skills and reasoning abilities can be further enhanced as they discuss ideas and fine-tune their explanations. For LPS students, there's an even greater need.
• Language and communication skills are stressed in everything that is taught and done in the classroom.

Reasoning

• Reasoning involves being able to make logical conclusions, explain and justify one's thinking, and apply these skills in various mathematical and real-world contexts.
• Critical thinking and reasoning is placed at the center of what and how we teach.
• The emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning encourages students to realize that mathematics makes sense.

Making Connections

• Students learn to see how different mathematical concepts are connected to one another.
• Mathematics also connects and relates to other disciplines like the Arts, Science, Social Studies, Health, and Language Arts.

In order to address the afore-mentioned goals, all classes of mathematics are offered at three levels – A, B and C. Classes designated as A and B focus on success at MCAS.

Manipulatives are used at all levels to provide a tactile, as well as visual approach to learning mathematics.

Eight grade math is typically Basic or Applied Math, but some students move right into pre-Algebra or Algebra. The academic sequence is as follows:

• Life Skills Math.
• Basic Math.
• Applied Math.
• Pre-Algebra.
• Algebra I.
• Geometry.
• Algebra II.
• Pre-Calculus.
• Calculus.

Students who are struggling in a particular course, may repeat the entire course at a different level, or repeat the first or second half of the course.