Diploma Program Course Content: Math
What can you say about math? Very few students have neutral feelings about this subject. They either love it or hate it. Those who dislike it raise the question, “When will I ever use this?” The answer is from Algebra 1 on, maybe never, at least directly.
My wife and I stayed at a bed and breakfast inn a few years ago. I had a conversation with one of the other guests and found out he was currently the principal of the public high school I attended when I lived in California. The subject of math came up. He was opposed to the Common Core standard that every student must complete Algebra 1. He was thinking of a student who wanted to be a bookkeeper. Taking algebra in his mind would be a waste of time for her. She needed a different math trajectory. But, standards in big organizations often morph into the “one size fits all” mentality. It’s just easier to make everyone do the same thing. Easier, not smarter.
Three years of high school study in math is common. Completing at least Algebra 1 is standard. If a student will never use Algebra directly in their career or every day life, what is the value? Some would say the value is learning how to think in a logical, linear, and sequential manner. I think there’s merit in that viewpoint.
So, how much math does a student need? One answer to this question is to work backwards from the career your student is considering. Let’s say a student is considering a job that requires a degree in computer science or engineering. Courses the student will be taking at the college level will inform what the student should be taking at the high school level to be prepared for the academic rigor he or she will face
As far as choosing a math textbook for your student, there’s a lot out there. Not all texts that carry the same name, i.e. Algebra 1, Geometry, etc., include the same content. A textbook that calls itself Algebra ½ may be more like a different publisher’s 7th grade text. For this reason, it’s best to stay with the same publisher rather than skip around and have to deal with instructional gaps or unnecessary review.
Some textbooks come with audio visual features delivered on-line or by disc. If you or your student need more support and thorough explanations, be sure to look for this as you compare textbooks.
In my next article we’ll take a look at science requirements.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Not doing achievement testing year but still want to formally gauge how your student is doing. The ELO Quick Assessment is an excellent way to do this at home. Available for grades 1-8 through mail or instant download.
