You might have noticed the math sequences offered to today's high school students bear little resemblance to routes offered just ten years ago. Instead of taking separate courses for geometry, algebra, and pre-calculus, for example, students are now more likely to face the "Integrated Math" sequence.
Now, what exactly does "Integrated Math" mean?
Simply put, integrated math combines, or "integrates" Algebra, Geometry and Statistics concepts into a three-year sequence. The courses are called Integrated Math I, II and III, with many districts also offering an advanced option.
Some research has indicated this pathway helps students develop their reasoning skills, as well as a deeper understanding of how these different topics are interlinked.
Both traditional math sequences and Integrated Math give students the basis for higher level mathematics, such as Pre-Calculus, Advanced Statistics and AP Calculus AB. For instance, in the San Diego Unified School District, students who are on the Advanced Integrated Math sequence for their first three years of high school will be ready to take AP Calculus by their senior year.
Such pathways can change depending on the each student's background, particularly how they performed in their middle school mathematics courses. Students in the Sweetwater Union High School District, for example, can start off on an accelerated math approach in 7th grade, which will allow them to finish Integrated Math by their sophomore year and tackle higher math courses in their final two years of high school.
That's why it's crucial to think ahead about your students' pathway in math. Whether your student will be on the Integrated Math sequence, or taking the traditional route, such classes will serve as a culmination of every math curriculum that came before.
So it's never to early to prepare your student for what lies ahead!
Via our online or in-person tutoring programs, students of all ages can either work to catch up, or get ahead in either their Integrated or traditional math pathways. We are here to support you and your student!
Feel free to call, email or drop in for a free consultation!
Mathnasium of Chula Vista
4368 Bonita Rd. Suite 101
Bonita, CA 91902
(619) 946-5686
[email protected]
