Mathematics

 

 

 
Mathematics



The 21st century takes us into a new era in mathematics education. Changes in technology have made mathematics an alive and dynamic science in itself, as well as an integral part of our daily lives. Now, more than ever before, educating students for life requires that we provide all students with a strong mathematical background. The mathematics program offered by the Plainview Old Bethpage School District is ranked among the best on Long Island and New York State.  High school students continue to excel on Regents exams, with over 90 percent passing the Integrated Algebra, Geometry and Algebra 2 / Trigonometry  Regents exams and approximately 50 percent achieving mastery (a grade of 85 percent or better) on both exams.

Elementary Program
The mathematical instructional approach implemented in kindergarten through grade four first is based on the recognition of mathematical concepts in the everyday experiences of children. The enVisions Mathematics Program is used in these grades. Beginning in elementary school, the mathematics program focuses on the development of critical thinking and problem solving strategies. The use of various manipulatives enables children to enjoy a hands-on approach to learning. Students participate in small group activities where they learn to listen and consider the ideas of others in solving problems. Students continually communicate mathematical ideas and solutions and explain their reasoning.

 

Middle School Program
At the middle school level, teachers use a variety of sources and in accordance with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards that recognizes problem solving as the main focus of the mathematics curriculum. Students continue to use manipulatives, calculators and computer software, as well as paper and pencil, mental math, and estimation where appropriate. Real-life applications and cooperative learning are incorporated into the program.
Communication skills of reading, writing and discussion are further developed. Grades five and six  are taught by interdisciplinary teams and students are able to connect mathematics to other disciplines. Approximately 50% of our students accelerate in grade seven our theseand take the NYS regents course, Integrated Algebra, culminating with a regents exam in June. All other eighth grade students take a pre-algebra course in preparation for Integrated Algebra in grade nine. 
High School Program
At the high school level, the mathematics department has introduced the new New York State curriculum Integrated Algebra to replace Math A. Unlike the year and a half course Math A, Integrated Algebra, is a one-year course culminating in the regents examination in June. Students starting in Integrated Algebra will continue in the new NYS sequence, Geometry in the second year and Algebra 2 / Trigonometry in the third year. 
Students completing the required sequence of courses are offered electives in mathematics or computers. this year. Mathematics courses will be open to ninth through twelfth graders and will explore both mathematics that relates to everyday life as well as new developments in the field of mathematics.
Within the department, over 200 students are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, including AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and AP Computer Science. Those who do not wish to take Advanced Placement math courses may choose from College Statistics, Calculus, Computer Programming, or any one of the three levels of Mathematics available for our grade12 students. The high percentage of students taking four or more years of mathematics is a measure of the success of our program.
Technology
The use of technology is expanding throughout the district. Since graphing calculators are allowed on Regents Examinations, students receive instruction on the use of these devices. Graphing calculators are also used to enhance teaching in calculus, pre-calculus and elective mathematics courses.

Teacher Workshops
Many mathematics teachers took 18 hours of PDP or in-service credit in courses that dealt with cooperative learning strategies. differentiated instruction and the Smartboard.  The Geometer’s Sketchpad helps student investigate properties of geometric figures and do informal proofs. It also is used in calculus classes to demonstrate related rate problems and more.
The accomplishments of the mathematics department are the result of dedicated professionals, involved parents, and motivated students striving for excellence
Math Resources Available Online

The Geometry Center
Ask Dr. Math
Math Forum
Math Resource Pages by Subject
Mathematical Sites on the Web
IE Math Resources
Regents Prep
Regents Review Live
Barrons Review
Graphing Calculator
SAT Prep & Question of the day
Advanced Placement Information
Ask Dr. Math
Suffolk County Math Tournament
Math League
Various Links for Math
Algebra Help
Guide to Graphing Calculator
Online Help Videos
Math in Daily Life--This website explains how math impacts daily decision making as it explores math's role in buying a car, following a recipe, decorating a home, and more!
Online collection of math resources

































































 













Math



The 21st century takes us into a new era in mathematics education. Changes in technology have made mathematics an alive and dynamic science in itself, as well as an integral part of our daily lives. Now, more than ever before, educating students for life requires that we provide all students with a strong mathematical background. The mathematics program offered by the Half Hollow Hills School District is ranked among the best on Long Island and New York State. In 2008, in grades three through eight, 95% of Half Hollow Hills students met the New York State standards on the NYS math assessment and a remarkable 52 % achieved at level 4, the highest level attainable. High school students continue to excel on Regents exams, with over 90 percent passing both the Integrated Algebra and Math B exams and close to 50 percent achieving mastery (a grade of 85 percent or better) on both exams.

Elementary Program
The mathematical instructional approach implemented in kindergarten and first grade classrooms and is based on the recognition of mathematical concepts in the everyday experiences of children. Beginning in elementary school, the mathematics program focuses on the development of critical thinking and problem solving strategies. The use of various manipulatives enables children to enjoy a hands-on approach to learning. Computer software is used to facilitate the acquisition of math skills. Students participate in small group activities where they learn to listen and consider the ideas of others in solving problems. Students continually communicate mathematical ideas and solutions and explain their reasoning. Many students participate in the “Problem of the Month” sent to each elementary school to provide a challenge and some fun to the students each month.

Middle School Program
At the middle school level, teachers use Glencoe’s Applications and Connections, a program in accordance with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards that recognizes problem solving as the main focus of the mathematics curriculum. Students continue to use manipulatives, calculators and computer software, as well as paper and pencil, mental math, and estimation where appropriate. Real-life applications and cooperative learning are incorporated into the program.
Communication skills of reading, writing and discussion are further developed. Grades six, seven and eight are taught by interdisciplinary teams and students are able to connect mathematics to other disciplines. Honor students accelerate in grade eight and take the new NYS regents course, Integrated Algebra, culminating with a regents exam in June. All other eighth grade students take a pre-algebra course in preparation for Integrated Algebra in grade nine. Since 2005-06, a new mathematics elective, Math Seminar, has been offered to seventh graders. This popular course introduced students to explorations of mathematics that extend and enrich the current curriculum with topics such as origami, fractals and Sierpinski’s Triangle, and magic squares.
High School Program
At the high school level, the mathematics department will be introducing the new New York State curriculum Integrated Algebra to replace Math A. Unlike the year and a half course Math A, Integrated Algebra, is a one-year course culminating in the regents examination in June. Students starting in Integrated Algebra will continue in the new NYS sequence, Geometry in the second year and Trigonometry and Advanced Algebra in the third year. Students who have completed Math A will continue on with Math B.
Students completing the required sequence of courses are offered electives in mathematics or computers. New electives are being offered this year. Two new half year courses called Math Connections and Practical Applications of Mathematics will be open to tenth through twelfth graders and will explore both mathematics that relates to everyday life as well as new developments in the field of mathematics such as fractal geometry.
Within the department, over 200 students are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, including AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and AP Computer Science. Those who do not wish to take Advanced Placement math courses may choose from College Calculus, Advanced Computer Programming, or any one of the three levels of Math 12. The high percentage of students taking four or more years of mathematics is a measure of the success of our program.
Technology
The use of technology is expanding throughout the district. Since graphing calculators are allowed on state assessments, students receive instruction on the use of these devices. Graphing calculators are also used to enhance teaching in calculus, pre-calculus and elective mathematics courses.

Teacher Workshops
Many mathematics teachers took 15 hours of PDP or in-service credit in courses that dealt with cooperative learning strategies and the software the Geometer’s Sketchpad. The Geometer’s Sketchpad helps student investigate properties of geometric figures and do informal proofs. It also is used in calculus classes to demonstrate related rate problems and more.
The accomplishments of the mathematics department are the result of dedicated professionals, involved parents, and motivated students striving for excellence
Math Resources Available Online

The Geometry Center
Ask Dr. Math
Math Forum
Math Resource Pages by Subject
Mathematical Sites on the Web
IE Math Resources
Regents Prep
Regents Review Live
Barrons Review
Graphing Calculator
SAT Prep & Question of the day
Advanced Placement Information
Ask Dr. Math
Suffolk County Math Tournament
Math League
Various Links for Math
Algebra Help
Guide to Graphing Calculator
Online Help Videos
Math in Daily Life--This website explains how math impacts daily decision making as it explores math's role in buying a car, following a recipe, decorating a home, and more!
Online collection of math resources

























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February NCTM Edition