 Mastery of mathematics is essential for all students in the 21st century, not just for those who choose careers that require advanced math. Proficiency in math gives every student the opportunity to choose among a full range of careers. Math tests are used to determine placement in the curriculum beginning in 7th grade.
The Columbia Public School System administers the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) to select seventh grade students in mid to late March, or parents can request their child be tested. The IAAT is used to determine math track placement through high school. Based on the outcome of the IAAT students are placed in the "traditional' curriculum, or integrated math.
During the junior or senior year of high school students take college admission tests such as the ACT and SAT, which measure a students proficiency, and in addition most colleges require algebra and statistics for graduation.
Mathematics teaches problem solving and develops analytical thinking skills. Math makes sense to a student who understands the underlying concepts, knows how to apply skills, and comprehends when and why to apply them.
How to make sure your child is on the right track.
The Columbia Public Schools changed its math curriculum in 2009. Parents still have questions about what math curriculum their child should take. What do the experts have to say?
- At www.act.org, the publishers of the ACT college entrance exam suggest that students take three or more years of math, including Algebra 1 and higher level courses.
- At www.collegeboard.com, the makers of the SAT are even more specific, suggesting students take Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and/or Calculus
A Wall Street Journal article dated September 12, 2006, reported that the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics reversed course and again promoted teaching the basics to students from pre-school to eighth grade: memorizing basic addition and multiplication facts, working with fractions and decimals, and computing long division. In junior high, students should be able to use algebra to solve problems.
Timely intervention when students encounter difficulty prevents lost ime and possible failure. Summer months are an especially good time for catching up, staying on top, or moving ahead in math. Researchers at the Johns Hopking Universty Center for Summer Learning report that on average students lost approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in math computation skills during the summer.
At Focus on Learning, qualified and experienced teachers work one-on-one with students to diagnose areas where basic skills, conceptual understanding, and problem solving need improvement.
We teach students from elementary levels to advanced, college-level calculus.
- Arithmetic
- Algebra 1, 2
- Geometry
- Integrated Math
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- Trigonometry
- Calculu
- Statistics
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In the Summer of 2012, be looking for our enrichment programs!
Currently available: Math and the Cosmos: a one-week, inter-active journey into the exploration of astronomy! The class will introduce math and science concepts related to this field. The class is currently scheduled for the following dates and times:
Session I: 6/25 – 28, 10 am – 12 pm;
Session II: 7/ 23 – 26, 10 am – 12 pm
If you are interested in registering for this course please contact us soon! |
