Mathematics :::

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Mrs. Lilane Koehn Mace, Division Chair
TEL: SC: (708) 579-6580, NC: (708) 579-6409
FAX: (708) 579-6038
EMAIL: lkoehn@lths.net
Mr. Charles Adamovic, Assistant Division Chair
TEL: SC: (708) 579-6581, NC: (708) 579-6411
FAX: (708) 579-6038
 EMAIL: cadamovic@lths.net

Mathematics Department Philosophy

The mathematics curriculum has been developed to help students value mathematics, become confident in their abilities to do mathematics, become mathematical problem solvers, and to communicate and reason mathematically.  Students, as a result of the high school mathematics experiences, should be able to model problems with the appropriate operations and equations, apply a variety of approaches and techniques to solve problems, understand the underlying mathematical features of problems, see the applicability of mathematical ideas to common and complex problems, use logical reasoning to present a cogent argument, and employ technology to explore mathematical ideas and solve problems.

The LTHS Mathematics Department has developed principles and standards for student learning which guide its academic programs and courses and challenge students.  There are four principles and five general standards.  In addition, each general standard contains specific mathematical standards that are available upon request.  Finally, specific academic course standards have also been developed, and these are distributed to students at the beginning of each semester or annual course.

LTHS Mathematics Principles

Mathematics students at LTHS will…

  1. Use his/her body of mathematical knowledge to solve problems.
  2. Communicate ideas and solutions orally and in writing.
  3. Use technology, when appropriate, to solve problems.
  4. Make connections among mathematical topics and between mathematics and other disciplines.

LTHS General Mathematics Standards

Mathematics students at LTHS will…

  1. Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers including numerations and applications (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), patterns, ratios, and proportions.
  2. Estimate; make and use measurements of objects, quantities and relationships; and determine acceptable levels of accuracy in real life contexts.
  3. Use algebraic and analytical methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, in solving problems, and in predicting results.
  4. Use geometric methods to analyze, categorize, and draw conclusions about points, lines, planes, and space.
  5. Collect, organize, and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability.
  6. Meet the standards for AP courses as determined by the College Board when they are enrolled in AP courses.

College Requirements
While a minimum of two years (three years for the Class of 2009 and beyond) of high school mathematics is required for graduation, many students take four years of mathematics.  It is suggested that students desiring to attend a certain college study the specific requirements of that school.  Most state universities in Illinois require three years of mathematics through advanced algebra for unconditional admission.  Trigonometry may also be required.

Placement
The Division Chair evaluates the performance of each individual student.  Placement is based upon an integrated analysis of the following performance indicators:

  • information from the eighth grade teachers;
  • standardized test scores on the EXPLORE


After the initial recommended placement of incoming freshmen, associate school staff review the results and recommend further changes.  If the LTHS Mathematics Department agrees with the review, the placement is changed.  Parents are then notified of the recommended placement.  Parents may then request changes and/or consultation about placement decisions.

Students who have completed an Algebra I (Accel) or Algebra II (Accel) course in the eighth grade are given a two-part, two-day test.  This test is given by the eighth grade teacher as the final exam for the course.  The Division Chair then consults with each eighth grade teacher before making a final placement recommendation.  Until the final test in June, placement for these students will be “math to be assigned.”  Parents will be notified in June by letter regarding final placement.

Students who are placed beyond Algebra I (Accel) receive credit for Algebra I.  This credit does not appear on the student’s transcript until he/she has successfully completed Algebra II (Accel) or Algebra II (Hon).  Please note that credit will not appear on the student’s report card until the end of the first semester of the sophomore year. This credit will not apply to the three years of math credit required by the state of Illinois for high school graduation for the Class of 2009 and beyond.

Due to the sequential nature of Mathematics courses, students who receive Fs for first semester grades will be dropped from these courses for the second semester.  This will necessitate successfully repeating the courses in order to continue in the sequence.  Schedule changes are permitted under these circumstances


Calculator Requirements

  • All freshman enrolled in Algebra IA (Trans),  
     Algebra I (Prep), Algebra I (Accel),  Algebra II   (Accel), or Algebra II (Hon) are required to have   a Texas Instruments TI-84+ graphing calculator.
  • Sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in  Algebra II (Prep), Algebra II (Accel), Precalculus (Hon), Trig/ Precalculus (Accel), Trigonometry, or Finite Math are required to have either a TI-83+  or TI-84 graphing calculator.  If a new calculator is being purchased, a TI-84+ is recommended.  Teacher demonstrations occur on the TI-84 overhead devices.
  • Statistics AP requires a TI-83+, TI-84+ or an equivalent statistical calculator.
  • Calculus AB and Calculus BC require a graphing   calculator.  Calculators should be chosen from the AP approved calculator list.  Teacher demonstrations will occur on the TI-84+ overhead devices.
  • Algebra IB (Trans) requires a TI-83+ or TI 84+  graphing calculator.  This is a continuation of the Algebra IA (Trans) requirement.  If a new calculator is being purchased, a TI-84+ is recommended.
  • Calculators are used in Geometry classes.
  • A letter to students and parents will be sent home in May to indicate calculator availability in area stores, through LTHS at freshman processing, and the LTHS Bookstore. 
  • Calculators will be provided to students with extreme financial need situations. Students and parents should contact the Division Chair in this instance.

Mathematics and Advanced Placement (AP)
A student may enroll in the following mathematics AP courses.

1. Mathematics: Calculus (AB) AP  
Students  who have successfully completed Trig/Pre-Calculus  (Accel) may enroll in Calculus (AB) AP.  This two- semester course is especially designed for strong students with interest in mathematics and/or science. It qualifies them to take the Calculus AB AP Examination.

2. Mathematics: Calculus (BC) AP  
Students who have very successfully completed Pre-calculus (Hon) may enroll in Calculus (BC) AP .  This two-semester course is especially designed for excellent students with high interest in mathematics and/or science.  It qualifies them to take the Calculus BC AP examination.

3. Computer Science AP  
College bound students who have completed Algebra II (Prep) or the equivalent may enroll in Computer Science AP.  This two semester course will cover topics that normally comprise six or more  semester hours of college level work. The course requires familiarity with mathematical notation, problem solving skills, and competence in written communication. The programming language, JAVA, will be taught  in the course but will comprise only about half the course content.  Other subjects to be covered include data structures, algorithms, and computer applications.  Completion of this course  will prepare a student for the Computer Science AP examination.

4. Statistics AP 
Students who have successfully completed Algebra II (Prep) or above may enroll in Statistics AP.  This is an introductory, non-calculus based course in statistics.  This course does not satisfy a college trigonometry requirement.  This course qualifies students to take the Statistics AP examination.

Math Course Sequence and Career Information