Math Department

The mathematics department supports and implements the philosophy of La Reina High School. The curriculum standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) are also addressed.

The mathematics instruction is designed to develop strength in mathematics and to develop skills in both reasoning and problem solving, enabling students to approach questions in other academic areas as well as in life situations logically, rationally, and analytically. The curriculum thrust is classical and traditional and the instruction is sensitive to the unique needs of the students. Within this Catholic environment, mathematics instruction cultivates an appreciation of the order of the universe and promotes the Catholic/Christian values of respect and cooperation.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

1. Learn to value mathematics. Students should have opportunities to understand that mathematics demonstrates the divine order of the universe, which God created. They should also have numerous and varied experiences related to the cultural, historical, and scientific evolution of mathematics so that they can appreciate the role of mathematics in the development of our contemporary society and explore relationships among mathematics and the discipline it serves: the physical and life sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities.
2. Become confident in their abilities. As a result of studying mathematics, students need to view themselves as capable of using their growing mathematical power to make sense of new problem situations in the world around them. Students must understand that doing mathematics is a common human activity.
3. Become mathematical problem solvers. The development of each student's ability to solve problems is essential if she is to be a productive citizen. Although some work may be accomplished independently other work could involve small groups or an entire class working cooperatively.
4. Learn to communicate mathematically. The development of a student's power to use mathematics involves learning the vocabulary of mathematics. This is best accomplished in problem situations in which students have an opportunity to read, write and discuss ideas in which the use of the language of mathematics becomes natural. As students communicate their ideas, they learn to clarify, refine, and consolidate their thinking.

Department Members
 

Pre-Algebra	Mr. John Dilworth Mr. Don Hyatt
Pre-Algebra-H	Mr. Don Hyatt
Algebra I-C	Ms. Hannah Robinson
Algebra I-H	Ms. Kari Latta Mrs. Diana Szabo
Geometry-C	Mrs. Diana Szabo
Geometry-H	Mrs. Diana Szabo
Algebra II/Trig-C	Mrs. Jessica Nasr
Algebra II/Trig-H	Mrs. Jessica Nasr
Applied Math	Ms. Kari Latta
Pre-Calculus-C	Ms. Kari Latta
Pre-Calculus-H	Mr. Stan Hirsch
Calculus-C	Mrs. Jessica Nasr
Calculus-AP	Mr. Stan Hirsch

Department-wide standards

1. All handwritten work should be done in pencil.
2. The heading of all submitted assignments should include the student's name, the date, the course and the period.
3. All required steps must be shown and final answers boxed where applicable.
4. Final answers to the homework should be checked in the back of the book and whenever possible, solutions can be checked by going to www.hotmath.com.