Math Department

ATTENTION MATH IA PARENTS

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING REGARDING GRADING STATUS:

Dear Parent or Family Member,

The purpose of this letter is to notify you of a scheduling adjustment in your student’s current Math I, and if applicable, Math I Support classes. The schedule adjustment will provide the maximum opportunity for your student to earn full credit for the course.

In past years, students who completed the first semester with a final grade less than 70% would not continue second semester. The Math I curriculum requires students to master a set of standards over the length of the full course.  Disallowing students who are not passing halfway through the course is neither reasonable nor fair. The school district has heard the concerns of parents and school staff and offers the following in response.

No matter his/her first semester grade, your student will be able to continue in the year long course in pursuit of a full (1.0) credit. Students who are failing at mid-semester, but by year’s end are able to successfully complete Math I and/or Math I Support class, will receive a full unit (1.0) of credit for each. Additionally, students who fail to master the standards by year-end may still be eligible for partial credit (.5) if the first semester was completed successfully. Individual review for those cases will take place in May.

As always, we appreciate your input and the opportunity to be responsive to your concerns.  If you have any questions about this change, please feel free to contact Mrs. Erin Barnett or Mr. Ed Wagner at (770)578-3200.

Math I Support Re-take Policy

Please see the attached letter regarding the new Math I Support re-test and re-quiz policy.   

Download math_i_support_retest_letter.doc

New Math Curriculum

GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICS

The standards for mathematics has changed statewide.  The up and coming ninth grade Class of 2012 will earn credit for mathematics according to the new standards set by the state. 

These standards are very different from the current QCC objectives listed for the current high school students.  However, they have many similarities.  The course names will change, but the basic mathematics concepts will not differ.  All of the normal Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus topics will continue to be taught with additional Statistics topics woven throughout the curriculum.  Students will still be able to take Calculus during there Junior and/or Senior years with the appropriate introductory courses.

The new course names are as follows: Math I, Math II, Math III, Math IV.  The curriculum for Math I, II,and III contains Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics topics in a spiraling, integrated approach.  Math IV will essentially remain as the Pre-Calculus topics.  Two WEB sites that list the objectives for each of the courses are www.cobbk12.org (PICASSO tab-CCSD Curriculum Standards) and www.goergiastandards.org/math.aspx (Grades 9-12)

The teaching approach in the classroom will adapt form the more traditional teacher-centered classroom to a student-centered classroom.  There will be more learning through group activity and individual performance in assignments that use the mathematics in applications.

STUDENTS WHO ARE PRESENTLY ENROLLED AT SPRAYBERRY HIGH SCHOOL OR ANY OTHER HIGH SCHOOL WILL NOT TAKE PART IN THE NEW STANDARDS.  THEY WILL CONTINUE WITH THE CURRENT CURRICULUM FOR THE DURATION OF HIS/HER HIGH SCHOOL CAREER.