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 Academic Program > Curriculum Guide > Mathematics
The program recognizes that students differ in terms of their conceptual development and that development is not an even process for all individuals. We meet all students where they are and delve within topics instead of surveying multiple topics, while always being mindful of age-appropriateness and cognitive development. Sixth grade math classes are heterogeneously grouped; homogeneous groupings formally begin in seventh grade. Students' placement is assessed throughout the school year through multiple forms, including pencil-paper tests, long and short-term projects, performance assessments and portfolios, and formally at the end of every year. All students are asked to stretch their minds by not only learning new topics and applying them, but by applying them in new situations, which allow teachers to assess the depth of their understanding. Helping students to develop good mathematical study skills and learning strategies is an integral element of each course. * Bloom, B.S. (Ed.) (1956) Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals: Handbook I, cognitive domain. New York ; Toronto: Longmans, Green. Sixth GradeThis diversified program helps students move from concrete to abstract thinking. Students review basic computational skills and work together to solve many "real life" problems in the areas of decimals, fractions, percentages, proportions, graphing, measurement, probability, geometry, and estimation. Calculator use is de-emphasized so that students develop mental math skills and are able to set up problems with appropriate operations, use a variety of techniques to approach and work on problems and understand the underlying mathematical components of a problem. In the spring, each student's grades and classroom performance are assessed to help determine placement in Pre-Algebra for seventh grade. Texts: Seventh Grade Pre-AlgebraThe Pre-Algebra curriculum is designed to ease students in their transition from concrete to abstract. The topics covered are the use and application of all basic operations, to measure geometric figures, to use and apply variable expressions and equations, and to recognize and apply a family of functions. Throughout the year topics from Algebra are introduced creating a secure foundation for Algebra next year. Text: Eighth Grade Algebra IThroughout the year we will use all the basic operations to apply algebraic concepts to geometry, to cover in depth the use and application of variable expressions and equations, and to recognize and apply linear functions and a family of functions. In order to determine the how and why behind the algebra, the students are asked to arrive at conclusions through deductive and inductive thinking. Text:
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The Middle School Mathematics curriculum is structured around the framework of Bloom's Taxonomy*, which breaks down cognitive thought into different levels. We seek to provide a balance between developing and sustaining basic skills, and engaging in conceptually sophisticated mathematical ideas required for success in high school mathematics. All levels of math involve writing, both reflective and analytical. Teachers also strive to give students a sense of real life applications by answering the question "What does this mean for me?" Connection with experimentation, manipulation of objects, and data collection allow students to discover patterns and draw conclusions. Often practice includes game playing and activities which allow students to apply what they have learned while allowing teachers to creatively assess.