Math

Math is a department with a variety of classes, most of which have a clear intended order. 30 credits are required for graduation, in addition to passing Algebra 2 or an equivalent class.

Pathways

Students who took Algebra 8 in 8th grade may choose between Geometry A and Geometry H for 9th grade. Students who took Geometry H in 8th grade after skipping in middle school generally enter Algebra 2 + Trig H, although some people drop to Algebra 2 + Trig A or even repeat Geometry H if they did not do well in the course.

In previous years, students who took Math 8 in 8th grade took Algebra 1A in 9th grade, then having a choice between Geometry and Geometry A the next year, however, they could also take Geometry A during Summer School to directly go to Algebra 2 + Trig A the next year.

From here, students generally stay in the same lane, although there are instances of lane changes, such as changing from Analysis to IAC.

Students who take IAC then do AP Calculus AB the next year if they wish to get a fourth year of math. Precalculus students may also do this, although it is less common, as taking Precalc before senior year requires a lane change. Analysis students have the choice between AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC. Students who skipped in middle school and thus take Calculus BC in their junior year can choose to do a math elective such as AP Statistics or take an MVC, Lin Alg, or Diff Eq Class at Foothill College. These courses do not currently accept dual credit though, but their credit will be accepted by colleges.

Skipping classes

The district has made it very difficult to skip courses. Students typically take a placement course before entering middle school that puts them in either in the normal (Algebra in 8th grade) or accelerated (Geometry H in 8th grade) track.

However, under district policy, students are entitled to "challenge" courses by examination in order to fulfill prerequisites.

Idiosyncrasies

The math department has several differences compared to other departments:

• There is a lot of collaboration between teachers of the same course:
  • The curriculum is significantly standardized, though each teacher has their own slides
  • The tests are the same
  • Tests are "curved" across the whole course when applicable
• New tests are written each year and students are allowed to take tests home.
• There is sparse use of Schoology; many teachers instead use a shard Google folder.
• Homework is checked for completion
• No notebook policy exists. Students take notes however the want, if at all.
• Lecture slides are typically posted