Mathematics

The math curriculum is guided by the Saxon Math Program, using books 54 through Algebra I. Students are grouped in math classes after taking a placement test for the Saxon Program. The nature of our students' needs requires a degree of flexibility. The Saxon Math Program is based upon incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessments at regular intervals. This falls directly in line with the Orton-Gillingham methodology which serves as the basis of our curriculum. The purpose therefore of the Linden Hill School math program is to provide an equal opportunity for all students to experience successfully the components of math. Students are directly taught the math concepts using a multisensory approach. The Saxon program stresses incremental development of concepts and continual practice.

The following provides a brief description of each of the math courses offered at Linden Hill School. Note that due to the Saxon Program's format, each level also draws upon skills and concepts taught in previous levels. The material spirals through each lesson giving students continual exposure and practice to previously taught lessons. The math program is augmented with additional resources, manipulatives, calculators and group projects.

In addition to the courses listed below gifted Linden Hill math students have been provided with coursework in Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus and Calculus with a combination of individually guided classwork and distance learning.

MATH 54
Math 54 covers the basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Place value, money, time, measurement and rounding are included in the study. Students develop word problem strategies, interpret charts and graphs and explore fractions and decimals. Simple geometry is introduced.

MATH 65
Math 65 continues to develop the above mentioned skills as well as introduce and practice multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. Addition and subtraction of mixed numbers and least common multiple is also covered. Roman numerals, prime numbers, and ratios are also introduced. Strategies are continually developed for working with word problems.

MATH 76
Math 76 continues to develop the above mentioned skills as well as negative numbers, factors, greatest common factor, and prime factorization. Multiplication and division of mixed numbers are introduced. Students are presented with word problems covering percents, proportions and composite numbers.

MATH 87
Math 87 continues to develop the above mentioned skills as well as the introduction of equations, order of operation, integers and variables. Students begin working with addition of signed numbers. The Pythagorean Theorem is investigated.

Solving algebraic equations is an essential part of this pre-algebra course. Algebra 1/2 continues to develop all of the above mentioned skills plus examines the order of operations in whole numbers, decimals, fractions and mixed numbers. The study of signed numbers, ratio and proportions, and integers continues. The use of calculators are instructed and developed.

ALGEBRA 1
Algebra 1 continues to develop the above mentioned skills as well as to work with the order of operations with signed numbers, decimals, and fractions. Understanding and solving algebraic expressions are core to the course. Among the other topics covered are bases, powers, exponents, polynomials, and inverse operations. Word problem strategies continue to be developed with each concept. Students explore linear and nonlinear graphing.

Mathematic Goals

Students learn:

Number Sense and Operations

To use principles of numeration, understanding relationships among numbers and number systems
To understand meanings of operations and how they are related to one another
To compute fluently and make reasonable estimates

Patterns Relations, and Algebra

To understand patterns, relations, and functions
To use principles of algebra

Geometry

To analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes
To specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems
To use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems

Measurement

To understand the measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement
To apply appropriate techniques, tools and formulas to determine measurements

Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability

To gather, organize, and analyze data, form reasonable hypotheses and display reasonable conclusions
To develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data
To understand and apply basic concepts of probability

Assessment
Student progress will be assessed using the following criteria: Saxon Placement Test, student portfolio of work during class and from homework assignments, Standardized test (Woodcock Johnson III Math Fluency and Math Calculation subtests) and teacher observations.

Our first priority as a Math Department is to determine where to begin the students Linden Hill mathematics education. While continuing the students growth we also focus on reviewing all the fundamental operations working from whole numbers through fractions and decimals to ensure there are no gaps in the students foundation. As a department we are constantly attempting to bring new research techniques and strategies into the classroom.

- Garth LaPointe, Math