Mathematics
The Mathematics Department provides a sequence of courses intended to meet the needs and abilities of every student. Basic concepts and skills are stressed at every level. Mastery of mathematical skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning, the beauty of mathematics, the contributions of mathematics to society, familiarity with technology and preparation for future study are all objectives of the curriculum. Students may be required to use a calculator. See individual course descriptions for specifications.
ALGEBRA
Grade 9 1 year 1 credit
This course is a comprehensive and rigorous study of elementary algebra, linear, quadratic and exponential functions. It will prepare students for the NYS Regents exam in Algebra. The course will follow the NYS Algebra Learning Standards. This course ends with a local exam and with the NYS Regents exam in Algebra. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisite: Passing math 8.
ALGEBRA A
Grade 9 1 year 1 credit
This is a two-year algebra course. The main topics covered are variables, equations, operations with integers, formulas, graphing, linear and exponential functions and problem-solving skills. This course is the beginning preparation for the NYS Regents exam in Algebra. The course will follow the first half of the NYS Algebra Learning Standards. This course ends with a local exam. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course.
HONORS GEOMETRY
Grade 9 1 year 1 credit
prerequisite courses in middle school and have met predetermined requirements. Teacher recommendation is required. This is a rigorous Regents-level course that focuses on the study of geometry, problem solving, logical reasoning proof, and the integration of algebra and geometry with real world situations. The course will follow and exceed the NYS Geometry Standards. It will end with the Regents exams in Geometry. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Honors Algebra and passing NYS Algebra Regents exam.
GEOMETRY
Grade 10 1 year 1 credit
This is a Regents-level course that focuses on the study of geometry, problem solving, logical reasoning, proof and the integration of algebra and geometry with real-world situations. The course follows the NYS Geometry Standards and ends with a local exam and the NYS Regents exam in Geometry. Prerequisite: Passing the NYS Algebra Regents
ALGEBRA B
Grade 10 1 year 1 credit
This course is the second year of the NYS Algebra curriculum. It focuses on the study of elementary algebra, linear and quadratic functions. It will follow the second half of the NYS Algebra Learning Standards. The course ends with a local exam and the NYS Regents exam in Algebra. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisite: Algebra A.
APPLIED GEOMETRY
Grades 10, 11 1 year 1 credit
This course will focus on fundamental geometry concepts, including real-world situations and hands-on activities. The use of algebra to solve geometric problems will be part of this course. A final exam is taken at the completion of the course in June. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator or scientific calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Passing the Algebra Regents and successful completion of Algebra or Algebra B.
HONORS ALGEBRA 2
Grade 10 1 year 1 credit
Honors Algebra 2 will be available for tenth-grade students who have taken the prerequisite courses, such as Honors Geometry, and have met other predetermined requirements. Teacher recommendation is required. This is a rigorous Regents-level course that focuses on the study of polynomial, rational, and radical relationships; trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and drawing references and conclusions from data (probability and statistics). The course will follow and exceed the Algebra 2 Common Core Learning Standards adopted by NYS and will end with a local exam and the NYS Regents exam in Algebra 2. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisite: Honors Geometry and passing NYS Algebra and Geometry Regents exams
ALGEBRA 2
Grade 11 1 year 1 credit
This Regents-level course follows successful completion of Regents Algebra and Regents Geometry. It is strongly recommended that a student entering this course has earned a grade of 85% or better as an overall average in both prerequisite courses. The course includes such topics as polynomial, rational, and radical relationships; trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and drawing inferences and conclusions from data (probability and statistics). The course will follow the Algebra 2 Common Core Learning Standards adopted by New York state and will end with a local exam and the NYS Regents exam in Algebra 2. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Passing the NYS Algebra and Geometry Regents exams.
ALGEBRA 2A
Grade 11 1 year 1 credit
This course will focus on the first half of the Algebra 2 course listed above. A local final exam is taken at the completion of this course in June. Successful completion of this course, the Algebra 2 B course and a grade of 65% or better on the State Algebra 2 Regents exam will complete the Regents sequence in mathematics and may lead to an Advanced Regents diploma. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra, Geometry, and a grade of 65% or better on both the Algebra and Geometry Regents exams.
ALGEBRA 2B
Grade 12 1 year 1 credit
This course will focus on the second half of the Algebra 2 course listed above. Successful completion of this course and a grade of 65% or better on the Algebra 2 Regents exam will complete the Regents sequence in mathematics and may lead to an Advanced Regents diploma. Students will take a local exam and a NYS Regents exam in Algebra 2 at the end of the course. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Algebra 2A course.
PRECALCULUS
Grades 11, 12 1 year 1 credit
3 UHS credits offered through SUNY Albany
Precalculus is a course designed for students who intend to continue their education beyond high school in a scientific or technical field and will, therefore, study calculus at some time in the future. Advanced algebra and analytic geometry are studied in this course, plus topics that are basic to calculus, such as limits. Success in this course is more likely if students earned a grade of at least 80% in Algebra 2. A TI-84 Plus CE calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Passing Algebra 2 & Algebra 2 Regents exam.
HONORS PRECALCULUS
Grade 11 1 year 1 credit
3 UHS credits offered through SUNY Albany
Honors Precalculus is designed for juniors (and qualifying seniors) who have successfully taken the prerequisite courses, such as Honors Algebra 2, and have met other predetermined requirements. Teacher recommendation is required. This is a rigorous college-level course for students who intend to take AP Calculus in high school. Advanced algebra and analytic geometry are studied in this course, plus topics from calculus, including limits and derivatives. A TI-84 Plus CE calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisites: Honors Algebra 2 and passing the NYS Mathematics Regents exams.
ESSENTIAL ALGEBRA (PRE-COLLEGE ALGEBRA)
Grades 11, 12 1 year 1 credit
This course is designed for students who have completed at a minimum a Geometry course and are looking for a fourth year of math. It targets students who are interested in a 2- or 4-year college track and who are looking for additional support in Algebra as they prepare for college. This course prepares students with the essential Algebra skills to be successful on the college placement test, which may allow them to enroll in a credit-bearing Algebra course as a freshman in college. A TI-84 Plus CE calculator will be used in this course. Prerequisite: Geometry or Applied Geometry.
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Grades 11, 12 1 year 1 credit
3 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This course is designed for college bound seniors who have completed three high school mathematics courses. This course will follow the curriculum provided by SCCC. Topics include functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, matrices, and sequences and series. Good attendance is key to a student’s success in this college-credit bearing course. Successful students often take Essential Algebra prior to this course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of 3 high school mathematics courses. Students who have successfully completed Algebra 2 are not eligible for this course.
STATISTICS
Grades 11, 12 1 year 1 credit
3 UHS credits offered through SUNY Albany
In our data-driven world careers in statistics are in high demand and salaries for statisticians are rising fast. This course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. This introductory course is designed for students who are considering any major from science or business to psychology or social sciences. It follows the syllabus provided by SUNY Albany UHS program. A classroom set of TI-Nspire handheld calculators will be used in class. Students are not required to buy this calculator. Strong verbal and reading skills along with good attendance are key to a student’s success in Statistics. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 2, Algebra 2A, Algebra 2B, or an 85% or better in Applied Geometry.
AP STATISTICS
Grades 11, 12 1 year 1 credit
3 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This course follows a concept-oriented, rather than skills-oriented, curriculum. Students must have strong verbal skills because they will be required to think critically and defend their decisions in writing. AP Statistics will cover the material normally covered in a college introductory statistics course: exploratory data analysis, planning and conducting a study, probability and statistical inference. The instructional approach will include projects, group problem solving, and the use of technology and writing. In general, a student who earns a 3 on the AP Statistics exam will earn credit for a college’s introductory statistics course. At the most selective universities, students must earn a 4 or 5 on the AP exam to receive credit. A TI-Nspire CX calculator is provided for student use throughout this course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2.
AP CALCULUS AB
Grade 12 1 year 1 credit
4 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This course is offered to qualified students who have completed the four-year high school mathematics sequence at the end of their junior year. The topics covered in this course are the topics normally covered in one and a half semesters of college calculus. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared and required to take the AP calculus exam, for which a fee is charged. Generally, students who successfully complete this course and score well on the AP exam receive one semester of college credit. A TI-Nspire CX calculator is provided for student use throughout this course.
AP CALCULUS BC
Grade 12 1 year 1 credit
8 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This course is offered to qualified students who have completed the four-year high school mathematics sequence at the end of their junior year. Teacher approval is required. The topics covered in Calculus AB are also covered in this course in the same depth. However, Calculus BC is an extension of AB in that BC will cover several additional topics. Hence this course will move at a quicker pace. Students who complete Precalculus with an average of 95% or better are eligible for this course. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared and required to take the AP calculus exam, for which a fee is charged. Generally, students who successfully complete this course and score well on the AP exam receive up to two semesters of college credit. The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will be used in this course.