Math & Computer Science
Department Lead
Chris Baugh
chris_baugh@fuhsd.org
Math Sequence Link
Courses
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Pre-Calculus Honors
- AP Calculus A/B
- AP Calculus B/C
- AP Statistics
- Computer Programming JAVA
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
Algebra
Grade level: 9-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approve math course, subject area C
Recommended Coursework: none
Algebra1 is imperative for success in subsequent math courses, and transitions students from arithmetic to symbolic reasoning. The key content, which follows the state standards for Algebra 1, involves understanding, writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations and inequalities. When graphing linear equations, emphasis will be placed on understanding the slope-intercept formula and slope in general as it relates to parallel and perpendicular lines. Solving systems of two linear equations in two unknowns is also emphasized. Quadratic equations will be solved by factoring, using graphs, and applying the quadratic formula. Students should also become comfortable with operations on monomial and polynomial expressions. They learn to solve problems employing all of these techniques. Algebra 1 meets the graduation requirement. This is a one period course that covers all the district standards.
Geometry
Grade level: 9-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approve math course, subject area C
Recommended Coursework: C or better in Algebra 1
The Geometry course, which follows the Common Core State Standards for Geometry, focuses on a formal development of geometric skills and concepts. Students build their visualization, reasoning, and mathematical communication skills through study of the following topics: transformations, congruence, similarity, properties of geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, circles), geometric modeling (plane and solid), coordinate geometry, and right triangle trigonometry. They also develop the ability to construct formal logical arguments and proofs in a geometric setting. Geometry meets the graduation requirement, and together with Algebra 1, prepares a student for Algebra 2.
Algebra 2
Grade level: 9-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approve math course, subject area C
Recommended Coursework: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry
Algebra 2 expands and refines the mathematical content of Algebra 1 and Geometry. Emphasis is placed on abstract thinking skills, the function concept, extension of right triangle trigonometry to the unit circle and domain of all real numbers, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, radical, rational, and trigonometric functions comprise the core material through which equations, graphs, and their transformations are studied and applied. The course also includes an introduction to statistics and sequences and series. Calculators are used to aid in the solution of problems and in making estimates for realistic solutions. Successful completion of Algebra 2 prepares students for Pre-Calculus or Applications of Advanced Mathematics.
Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Grade level: 9-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approve math course, subject area C
Recommended Coursework: Mastery of Algebra 1 and Geometry
Algebra 2/Trigonometry is for students who plan to maximize the amount of mathematics studied in high school. Course content includes a more rigorous study of all topics taught in the Algebra 2 course. As in Algebra 2, emphasis is placed on abstract thinking skills, the function concept, extension of right triangle trigonometry to the unit circle and domain of all real numbers, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, radical, rational, and trigonometric functions comprise the core material through which equations, graphs, and their transformations are studied and applied. The course also includes an introduction to statistics and sequences and series. Beyond the content of Algebra 2, in the trigonometry portion of Algebra 2/Trigonometry, students study, in depth, all 6 trigonometric functions as they relate to the unit circle using radians and degrees, including simplifying expressions, solving equations, graphing, and applications. Additional topics include solving triangles, defining and solving equations with inverse trigonometric functions, and proving and applying trigonometric identities. Calculators are used to aid in the solution of problems and in making estimates for realistic solutions. Successful completion of Algebra 2/Trigonometry prepares students for Pre-Calculus or Applications of Advanced Mathematics. Mastery of Algebra 2/Trigonometry prepares students for Pre-Calculus Honors.
Pre-Calculus
Grade level: 9-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approve math course, subject area C
Recommended Coursework: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Alg 2/Trig
Pre-Calculus focuses on the study of families of functions, their application in mathematical modeling, and the use of equivalence to rewrite expressions to reveal important features. Students analyze features of a variety of functions and their graphs, connect different representations, and identify and apply transformations of equations and graphs. To solve problems using function models, students choose among function families, fit linear and nonlinear functions to data, and interpret, apply, and evaluate the resulting models. The study of functions in this course includes strengthening of concepts and skills from prior courses, fuller development of equivalent forms of functions, and an in-depth study of trigonometry and its applications. Completion of this course with a grade of “C” or higher will clear a CSU Early Assessment Program result of “Conditionally Ready” on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced assessment. Full mastery of concepts and skills from this course prepares students to take Calculus AB the following year.
Pre-Calculus Honors
Grade level: 10-12 (9th grade by teacher recommendation/approval)
College eligibility: UC and CSU approve math course, subject area C
Recommended Coursework: Mastery of Geometry and Alg 2/Trig
Pre-Calculus Honors is for students who plan to maximize the amount of mathematics studied in high school. This fast-paced course assumes that students have already mastered all skills and concepts from prior courses. The focus is on expanding the study of functions to a broad variety of function types, with increased emphasis on abstract thinking and formal proofs. Students analyze features of a variety of functions and their graphs, connect different representations, and identify and apply transformations of equations and graphs. Students also solve challenging problems using function models, where they choose among function families, fit linear and nonlinear functions to data, and interpret, apply, and evaluate the resulting models. This course continues the rigorous study of trigonometry begun in Algebra 2/Trigonometry, moving on to advanced equations, graphs, and proofs, including the study of vectors and polar coordinates. Students also continue their study of topics such as the algebra of polynomials and rationals, advanced inequalities, conic sections, and sequences and series. Completion of this course with a grade of “C” or higher will clear a CSU Early Assessment Program result of “Conditionally Ready” on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced assessment. Successful completion of this course prepares students to take Calculus AB, or with full mastery of concepts and skills, Calculus BC, the following year.
AP Calculus A/B
Grade level: 10-12 (9th grade by teacher recommendation/approval)
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved math course; subject area C
Recommended: B or better in Math Analysis or C or better in Pre-Calculus Honors with teacher recommendation
This course covers the content of two quarters (more than one semester) of a college Calculus curriculum, focusing on the application of limits, differentiation and integration. Some techniques of integration and indeterminate forms for limits are also covered. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on symbolic, graphical, and numeric representations, as well as on clear communication of mathematical thinking. Students successfully completing this course are prepared to take the Calculus AB AP Exam, which requires use of a graphing calculator. Completion of this course with a grade of “C” or higher will clear a CSU Early Assessment Program result of “Conditionally Ready” on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced assessment.
AP Calculus B/C
Grade level: 10-12 (9th grade by teacher recommendation/approval)
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved math course; subject area C
Recommended: B or better in Pre-Calculus Honors with teacher recommendation
This course covers the content of three quarters (two semesters) of a college Calculus curriculum, focusing on applications of limits, differentiation and integration. Numerical approaches (such as Newton’s method, Simpson’s Rule, and Euler’s Method); various techniques of integration; indeterminate forms for limits; and Taylor series are also covered, as well as application of Calculus techniques to parametric and polar representations. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on symbolic, graphical and numeric representations, as well as on clear communication of mathematical thinking. Students successfully completing this course are prepared to take the Calculus BC AP Exam, which requires use of a graphing calculator. Completion of this course with a grade of “C” or higher will clear a CSU Early Assessment Program result of “Conditionally Ready” on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced assessment.
AP Statistics
Grade level: 10-12 (9th grade by teacher recommendation/approval)
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved math course; subject area C
Recommended: C or better in Algebra 2 with teacher recommendation
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board offers a course and examination in statistics to high school students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one semester, introductory, noncalculus-based college course in statistics. Like the college course, the purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course is built around four main topics: exploring data, planning a study, probability as it relates to distribution of data, and inferential reasoning. With the possible exception of probability, most of the material in this course has not been a part of the traditional secondary mathematics curriculum. This course is an excellent option for interested students who have successfully completed a second year course in algebra.
Computer Programming JAVA
Grade level: 9-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory elective; subject area G
Recommended: Algebra 1 and previous computer use
The course is designed to introduce the student to the study and writing of computer programs, with an emphasis on understanding and solving problems. Analytical thinking skills and logic are emphasized. The JAVA language is used with an emphasis on programming for the Internet, so structured as well as object-oriented methods of programming are studied. Elementary study of digital computer hardware is included. This course is recommended for the college-bound student planning on a business, math, or science major or for the student preparing for an AP Computer Science course.
AP Computer Science A
Grade level: 10-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory elective; subject area C
Recommended: A C or better in Algebra 2 and an introductory programming class or prior programming experience is highly recommended.
Students will learn the language JAVA and use this language to create structured programs. Programming methodology, algorithms and data structures will be taught.
AP Computer Science Principles
Grade level: 10-12
College eligibility: UC and CSU approved college preparatory elective; subject area D
Recommended: Algebra 1 and previous computer use
The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed as the equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course is unique in its focus on fostering student creativity. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world. Students complete part of the AP Computer Science Principles Exam through course assignments and activities, and take the other part of the exam in May.
Math Placement
The California Mathematics Placement Act was passed in 2015 and is intended to ensure use of a fair, objective, and transparent mathematics placement protocol that limits the use of subjective criteria in placement decisions. The FUHSD Board of Trustees affirms that such a protocol will help students and families make informed decisions that will result in an appropriate 9th grade mathematics placement.
1. Placement in mathematics courses is determined by a student’s course request and verified by the parent/guardian through the course verification process. FUHSD staff provide guidance to students and parents about the District’s math course offerings during the course selection process, including course information sessions, online, and printed materials.
2. The following measures are used to guide placement in 9th grade math courses:
- District-approved diagnostic assessments;
- Standardized assessment scores from 7th and 8th grade, when available; and
- Course performance, including grades, from 8th grade.
3. For students receiving special education services, final course placement will be determined by the IEP team.
4. Within the first month of the school year, school staff will conduct a review of 9th grade math course enrollment based on 8th grade course enrollment and final grades, diagnostic assessment results, and standardized test results. If a student previously received passing scores in the course and earned proficient ratings on the related assessments, school staff will consult with the student, parent/guardian, and current math teacher to discuss advancing the student to the next course in the sequence.
Parent/Guardian and Pupil Recourse for Challenging Mathematics Placement
The District acknowledges the need to offer clear and timely recourse for each student and their parent/guardian who has questions about their student’s mathematics course placement. The District enumerates the following steps:
- A parent/guardian may request a meeting with school staff to review and discuss the measures used to inform their student’s mathematics course selection.
- A parent/guardian may request that the pupil be placed in a course against the professional recommendation of site staff. This request may occur as part of the course selection process, or may require additional documentation.
Public Reporting of Mathematics Placement Policy and Results
Pursuant to Section 51224.7 of the Education Code, district staff will report annually to the Board on the aggregate pupil placement data, demonstrating that all students are appropriately and fairly placed in mathematics courses as described above.