GPS Math Night Apalachee High School

9 th Grade Math Choices for  Mathematics I : Algebra/Geometry/Statistics  Accelerated Mathematics I: Geometry/Algebra II/Statistics  Mathematics Support

Why do we have a new mathematics curriculum? In achievement test comparisons, students in the United States rank lower than those in other nations. Higher scoring countries typically use a mathematics curriculum that integrates topics like algebra, geometry and statistics, making mathematics easier to understand and apply.

Why do we have a new mathematics curriculum? Our new curriculum, the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS), follows that same approach. When completely implemented, students will be better prepared mathematically.

What exactly is a GPS?  GPS stands for Georgia Performance Standard.  Each GPS specifically describes what the students are expected to know and be able to do.  Each GPS also helps guide the teacher in the instruction and assessment that should take place in the math classroom.

What exactly is a GPS?  Each GPS includes… Content Focus Sample Assessments Illustrated Tasks Examples of Student Work Teacher Commentary  Student editions of each GPS are available at

What can you expect to see happening in a GPS Math classroom?  Students that are… Actively engaged in mathematics Explaining their thinking Justifying their work Using multiple representations Making connections Choosing the appropriate technology

Course Descriptions  Mathematics I: Algebra/Geometry/Statistics This is the first course in the sequence of high school math courses designed to ensure that students are college and work ready.

Course Descriptions  Accelerated Math I: Geometry/Algebra II/Statistics This is the first course in the sequence of high school math courses designed to ensure that students are prepared to take higher level mathematics courses during their high school career, including AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics.

Course Descriptions  Mathematics Support The purpose of this class is to address the needs of students who have traditionally struggled in mathematics by providing the additional time and attention they need in order to successfully complete their regular grade-level mathematics course without failing.

Course Descriptions  Mathematics Support This an elective class that will be taught concurrently with a student’s regular mathematics class.

What’s in Math I? Statistics  Permutations and combinations  Laws of probability  Comparison of samples and population using summary statistics  Mean absolute deviation Algebra II  Characteristics and transformation of functions and their graphs  Sequences as functions Geometry  Argument and justification  Inductive and Deductive reasoning  Proof  Application of properties of polygons  Use of Coordinate plane to investigate and verify properties of geometric figures Algebra 1  Radical Expressions  Polynomial Expressions  Rational Expressions  Quadratic Equations  Rational Equations  Radical Equations

What will students do in Math I?  explore the characteristics of basic functions using tables, graphs, and simple algebraic techniques;  operate with radical, polynomial, and rational expressions;  solve a variety of equations, including quadratic equations with a leading coefficient of one, radical equations, and rational equations;  investigate properties of geometric figures in the coordinate plane;  use the language of mathematical argument and justification;  discover, prove, and apply properties of polygons;  utilize counting techniques and determine probability;  use summary statistics to compare samples to populations; and  explore the variability of data.

What will students do in Accelerated Math I?  represent and operate with complex numbers;  explore the characteristics of basic functions utilizing tables, graphs, and simple algebraic techniques;  operate with radical, polynomial, and rational expressions;  solve equations, including quadratic, radical, and rational equations;  investigate properties of geometric figures in the coordinate plane;  use the language of mathematical argument and justification;  discover, prove, and apply properties of polygons, circles and spheres;  utilize counting techniques and determine probability;  use summary statistics to compare samples to populations;  explore variability of data; and  fit curves to data and examine the issues related to curve fitting.

What will students do in Math Support?  focus on mastery of the standards being taught in the regular grade-level mathematics class, not the content from elementary or middle school.  emphasize mastery of standards through the frequent use of aligned quizzes and tests.  review content with a focus on standards not previously mastered.  preview mathematics concepts to be addressed in the regular mathematics class, including prerequisite skills necessary for those concepts, vocabulary, and definitions.  build a positive disposition toward learning mathematics.

A-B Block Schedule  All 9 th grade students will attend their Math I or Accelerated Math I class every other day for the duration of the school year.  Students enrolled in Mathematics Support will alternate their days in Support Class.  Students not enrolled in Mathematics Support will alternate their days in Health/Personal Fitness.

We look forward to a great year!  For more information… Dorann Mansberger, AP of Curriculum  Lee Bane, Mathematics Dept. Chair  Online Resources  