Ellington High School

E.H.S. MATH DEPARTMENT Philosophy

Mathematics instructions provide experiences for students that are consistent with demands needed in order to be contributing members of the 21^st century. The learning environment incorporates high expectations for all students, regardless of gender, race, handicapping conditions or socioeconomic status. The learning environment allows students to develop basic mathematical knowledge and life skills.

Students are encouraged and guided to develop their individual mathematical talents in an environment where respectfulness, responsibility, tolerance, and cooperative interaction are stressed. Students explore mathematics using measuring devices, model, calculators, and computers. They are given opportunities to talk to each other and to write about mathematics. Mathematics instruction includes training in logical thinking and high-thinking process, which are transferable to a variety of problem solving activities.

Therefore, instruction emphasizes problem solving ("problem solving" includes all manner of skill application in areas of logic, real-life problems, graphing, measurement, geometry, probability, and data analysis), application and high-order thinking skills. Students work together to pose questions, analyze solutions, try alternative strategies, and check for reasonableness of results. The mathematics curriculum focuses on developing mathematical power and building self-confidence in one's ability to learn mathematics to their maximum capability so that they are well prepared for life beyond Ellington High.

Goals (Adopted from NCTM Standards)

1.Learning the value of mathematics: The purpose of this goal is to focus attention on the need for students to understand the interaction between mathematics and other areas of life and the impact that interaction has had on their lives.

2. Learning to reason mathematically: The process of making assumptions, gathering data and formulating an argument to support a theory is a basic skill in mathematics. Sound reasoning will be valued as much as a student's ability to find correct answers.

3. Learning to communicate mathematically: This goal will be accomplished in the context of problem solving that involves students in reading, writing, and talking the language of mathematics.

4. Becoming mathematical problem solvers:
The ability for students to problem solve through the process of discovering and applying the power and utility of mathematics will be developed. (Students will apply scientific and mathematical concepts to solve problems and analyze the possibilities and limits of technology.)

5. Becoming confident in their own mathematical abilities:
Students will be assisted to realize that mathematics is a common, relevant, familiar, and inescapable human activity and to empower them to trust their thinking skills by applying their mathematical abilities.