Mathematics

Two girls working on math problems at their desks

The mathematics curriculum in the Colonial School District reflects the importance of mathematical literacy in an increasingly technological society. Toward this end, students are provided multiple opportunities to apply mathematics in meaningful ways as part of the learning process.

COLONIAL’S MATHEMATICS GOALS:

Help children develop the belief that they have the power to be successful in mathematics
Assist students in developing a deeper understanding about mathematics through exploration, investigation, and problem solving
Provide classroom experiences that draw from both real-world and mathematical contexts
Develop students’ reasoning, judgment and decision making skills by using a variety of strategies
Encourage students to solve problems that require them to work cooperatively and to use appropriate tools to explore and address relevant and interesting mathematical ideas
Provide students with an opportunity to verbally communicate and write about mathematics using rich mathematics vocabulary to explain and clarify their own thinking.
Provide a common foundation of challenging mathematics for all students while addressing their unique mathematical needs through appropriate differentiated support.

Elementary School

The kindergarten through fifth grade mathematics curriculum engages children in the exploration of mathematical thinking and reasoning. Lessons focus on students' mathematical development and understanding of: numbers and operations, measurement, geometry, data analysis and probability, patterns and the mathematics of change, which provides a foundation for algebra. Curriculum emphasizes the development of Mathematical understandings within the context of physical situations, real world and theoretical contexts. Students develop reasoning, judgment and decision-making skills by using a wide variety of strategies.

Middle School

The middle school mathematics curriculum supports children in being able to reason and communicate proficiently in mathematics. Teachers help students build their knowledge of vocabulary, forms of representation, materials, tools, techniques and intellectual methods of the discipline of mathematics. Lessons focus on developing the processes and skills necessary for defining and solving problems with reason, insight, inventiveness and technical proficiency. Many of the skills/concepts that are emphasized refer to far more than proficiency with computation and symbol manipulation. The curriculum encompasses the ability to use mathematical tools, resources, procedures, knowledge and ways of thinking to make sense of new situations.

High School

The high school mathematics curriculum takes an integrated approach to the following strands of mathematics: algebra, geometry and measurement, probability and statistics and discrete mathematics. These topics appear at each grade level, developing connections to one another in increasingly sophisticated forms, rather than in isolation. In the context of relevant, real-world problems, students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, principles and techniques. Lessons emphasize problem solving and reasoning at a greater level through mathematical modeling, the use of technology and the application and transfer of mathematical concepts. Instruction and assessment practices promote critical thinking through the use of challenging and engaging problem-solving situations.

For additional information regarding the integrated mathematics program at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, please contact Math Department Chair Jill Ruggiero by email or by calling extension 1426.