In accordance with the school philosophy, the Bishop Kelly High School Mathematics Department will provide students with the opportunity to develop a full range of cognitive abilities. Mathematics instruction will focus on empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to succeed at the postsecondary level of education or in the workplace.
At Bishop Kelly High School, students will recognize and communicate mathematics in a variety of concrete, visual, verbal and pictorial formats and be led to understand, integrate, and utilize technological facilities and resources in appropriate, creative and thoughtful ways. All students will be exposed to mathematics as a powerful and useful tool in their lives, in the pursuit of knowledge in other subject areas and their careers.
To meet these objectives, the mathematics curriculum at Bishop Kelly High School will offer challenging courses, which will seek to synthesize computation, conjecture, intuition, deductive/inductive reasoning, data gathering and variable relationships. Bishop Kelly High School will assist students toward mathematical literacy by developing the concepts and dispositions necessary for a meaningful and productive life.
PRE-ALGEBRA -Two Semesters
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Eighth Grade Teacher Recommendation and Counselor Approval Pre-Algebra is provided for those incoming students who have a need to build their confidence in their mathematical abilities. They will be provided an active learning environment within which to develop these skills. Basic concepts of integers, expressions, equation solving and coordinate graphing will be introduced and reinforced as will study skills which are critical to success in this and later mathematics courses. A scientific calculator is required for this course.
ALGEBRA -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or Eighth Grade Teacher Recommendation
Algebra I will utilize the fundamental language of algebra to describe patterns, work with formulas, discuss unknowns and graph functions. Applications will serve to motivate the study of all topics. Statistics and probability, and geometry will be included to motivate work with algebraic expressions, equations, functions and fractions. A scientific calculator is required for this course.
GEOMETRY -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Freshman Placement Exam *
Geometry will present the student with a study of transformations, measurement formulas, three-dimensional figures, and shapes and patterns. Additionally, concentrated work will be undertaken in proof writing – following a carefully sequenced development of logic. Emphasis will be placed on drawings, measurements and visualizations, along with properties and deduction, and the algebraic and numeric representations needed to describe the visual world.
ALGEBRA II -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry or Instructor Approval, Freshman Placement Exam *
Algebra II will emphasize facility with algebraic expressions and forms – especially linear, quadratic and polynomial forms, powers, and roots along with functions based on these concepts. Students will study logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial and special functions both for their abstract properties and as tools for modeling real world situations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and facility with problem solving techniques. Graphing calculators and their appropriate practical uses are incorporated into the course. TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are required for this course.
THINKING MATHEMATICALLY -One or Two Semesters
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry and Teacher Recommendation
Thinking Mathematically will provide a general survey of mathematical topics that are useful in our world. It is not intended to take the place of Algebra 2 as a four year college entrance requirement. Each semester can be taken separately, or it may be taken as a year long course. TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are required for this course.
ADVANCED MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisite: A, B or C in Algebra II and Instructor Approval
Advanced Mathematical Concepts will integrate trigonometric, statistical and algebraic courses and preview calculus through work with functions and intuitive notions of limits. Graphing calculators are required for students use in plotting functions, analyzing data, and simulating experiments. TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are required for this course.
PRECALCULUS -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisite: A or B in Algebra II or Advanced Mathematical Concepts and Instructor Approval Precalculus will integrate the background students must have to be successful in calculus with elements of discrete mathematics which will be helpful for computer study. Mathematical thinking, including specific attention to formal logic and proof, will be a theme throughout the course. TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are required for this course.
AP STATISTICS -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 12
Prerequisite: A or B in Advanced Mathematical Concepts or Precalculus, A or B in English III and Instructor Approval
AP Statistics is a study of data analysis, experimental design, probability as it relates to statistical inference, and the practice of data gathering and evaluation of statistical inference in an elementary statistics setting. It is activity based and incorporates use of graphing calculators and computers. TI-83 or TI-84 calculators are required for this course. Students have the option to take the Advanced Placement Exam and/or enroll in the Concurrent Enrollment Program through Boise State University.
AP CALCULUS AB -Two Semesters
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: A or B in Precalculus and Instructor Approval AP Calculus AB will provide qualified senior students with a college level mathematics experience containing topics included in a rigorous first semester college calculus course. TI-83 or TI-84 and TI-89 calculators are required for this course. Students have the option to take the Advanced Placement Exam and/or enroll in the Concurrent Enrollment Program through Boise State University.