Mathematics is the key to success in many occupations and careers. Our goal is to empower all students by building a strong math foundation. Teachers use a variety of strategies such as using manipulatives experiments and technology in small and large group activities to encourage success in mathematics for all students. Teachers have various opportunities to refine and learn additional strategies to help students succeed in mathematics, as well as to share their own successful classroom activities with other teachers.

The district's core curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as well as the district's needs. Each campus also makes local decisions based on the needs of the students at each individual school. The secondary mathematics program offers a wide range of options for our students including on level academic courses, honors courses, and advanced placement courses (high school level only). Gifted and talented math courses will be added beginning fall 1998.

In middle school, the curriculum builds on the basic understanding developed in elementary school focusing on concepts and skills in numeration including whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals; geometry; measurement; algebraic thinking; and probability and statistics. Classroom activities include using manipulatives and pictures to develop numeration concepts with fractions, decimals, and integers; collecting, graphing, and analyzing data; and building tables from geometric and algebraic patterns to make generalizations as well as predictions.

High schools offer a variety of mathematics courses. The recommended high school program is for students to take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Students are encouraged to take math all four years which allows the average academic student to complete precalculus as well as Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Honors and gifted/talented students take Algebra I and occasionally Geometry in middle school. This allows these students to also take an advanced placement course in Calculus. An advanced placement course in Statistics and independent study courses in mathematics are also available for the advanced student. Throughout high school, graphing calculators and computer software such as the Geometer's Sketchpad are tools that are used to enhance learning. These tools allow students to discover and apply a wide variety of mathematical concepts.

Throughout our mathematics program, students are encouraged to develop skills in problem solving, critical and logical thinking, and communicating mathematical ideas; to build confidence in their mathematical abilities; and to value mathematics. Our goal in mathematics, as in all subjects, is to encourage students to become active, life-long learners.