MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

The secondary mathematics curriculum consists of course paths (or options) designed to develop mathematical competency and essential mathematical knowledge that will enable Louisiana’s high school students to become productive citizens and innovative problem solvers for the 21st century. This mathematics curriculum provides flexibility and affords greater opportunities for students with divers talents, abilities, interests, and goals to reach or surpass secondary mathematics graduation requirements. The expanded curricular options allow local districts and schools to determine which courses and combination of courses best serve the needs of its students.

ALGEBRA I

Algebra I focus on developing a rich understanding of fundamental algebraic ideas in realistic settings. Students explore data, the patterns formed by data, and the mathematical relations and functions that represent data.

ALGEBRA II

Algebra II provides an avenue for sharpening the understanding of algebraic concepts introduced in Algebra I and geometry and for extending the use of functions as models for real-world situations.

GEOMETRY

Geometry focuses on the study of visual patterns and the use of geometry to describe the physical universe and to represent mathematical concepts. Students utilize inductive reasoning to discover patterns and make conjectures; students employ deductive reasoning to confirm through proof.

ADVANCED MATH

This course deals with systems of numbers, linear and quadratic expressions, including conic sections, and polynomials.

PRE-CALCULUS

This course focuses on developing students’ problem-solving, reasoning, and communication skills and their ability to communicate about quantitative situations and ideas. It focuses student work in developing students’ understanding and abilities relative to modeling real-world events with secondary school mathematics, to employing the graphing calculator, a computer based technology in exploring and calculating the trends related to a variety of contexts. The content within this course is to prepare students for Calculus.

CALCULUS

This course is primarily concerned with an intuitive understanding of the concepts of calculus and with experiencing its methods and applications. The course deals with topics in differential and integral calculus. Students are engrossed in a graphical analysis, conceptual understanding, and application based learning.

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

This course introduces students to the use and interpretation of statistical claims they meet in their daily lives and for the development of critical attitudes necessary for mathematical thinking expected of college bound students.