Christine Curtis
Instructional Support Services, Mathematics
(310) 354-3500
The mathematics curriculum for District K is based on the Mathematics Content Standards for California Public Schools and The Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools. This curriculum calls for a balanced approach to mastering basic mathematics skills, problem solving, and a strong conceptual understanding.
The mathematics content standards for kindergarten through grade seven are presented in five strands: Number Sense: Algebra and Functions: Measurement and Geometry: Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability: and Mathematical Reasoning. The standards for grades eight through twelve are organized under the discipline headings of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Mathematical Analysis, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus. The Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools requires students to begin the study of Algebra I in grade eight.
An essential factor in ensuring that students meet or exceed the mathematics standards is a strong, articulated, ongoing professional development commitment for District K. An equally essential element for all students to meet mathematics standards is an effective and reliable assessment program that monitors student progress and informs instruction.
Standards-based education and accountability are the new challenges for California schools. One form of that accountability is the standards-based High School Exit Examination, which includes a heavy emphasis on algebra, but also includes strands of number sense, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability.
Identification and implementation of appropriate pacing plans, instructional strategies, will be embedded in all aspects of the standards-based mathematics plan to fulfill the belief that all students can achieve the grade level content standards and perform well on assessments based on these standards.
