When it comes to math instruction, some things seem to never change: Two plus two equals four; A² + B² = C²; first comes algebra, then geometry.
Well, except that last one.
Parents of ninth-graders will notice a dramatic change as their children return to school this year: geometry and algebra will no longer be taught separately in most Utah schools. The majority of Utah ninth-graders will no longer take Algebra I, instead taking a new class called Secondary Mathematics 1, which combines elements of algebra and geometry. The switch this fall is the first part of a gradual phase-in of Common Core State Standards, new academic standards that will change what students in each grade are expected to learn in math and language arts in hopes of better preparing them for college and careers.
The idea behind the new math courses is to integrate mathematical concepts to better reflect how math is used in everyday life. Teachers will also change the way they instruct students, asking them to think more about problem solving and real world applications rather than just mimicking a process to reach an answer.
“It’s a big change,” said Brenda Hales, state associate superintendent. “It goes into fewer concepts, in-depth, and it takes concepts, like for example, algebra and geometry, and teaches some of the concepts together because they apply together and are actually used together.”
Utah is one of 46 states and territories that have adopted the Common Core standards, which were developed as part of a states-led initiative. All the math and language arts changes will be fully in place in Utah by 2015, kicked off by the changes this year.
The other changes will be phased in over time. For example, this year’s ninth-graders will take Secondary Mathematics 2 as 10th- graders next year and then Secondary Mathematics 3 as 11th-graders. By the time they’re seniors, students will be ready to take precalculus, Advanced Placement statistics or concurrent enrollment classes. Honors versions of the secondary mathematics classes will also be offered, and students who take those honors courses will be ready for Advanced Placement calculus as seniors.
To graduate from high school, Utah students will continue to be required to take at least three years of math. Sixth-grade math will also change this year, becoming more rigorous and leading to later changes in seventh- and eighth-grade math. The Alpine District is the only district in the state that will hold off on the ninth- and sixth-grade changes for a year to give their teachers more training, Hales said.
via New math classes coming to ninth grade | The Salt Lake Tribune.
Email this postRelated posts:
