A Comprehensive K-12 Mathematics Program

  • The Mathematics program in the Upper Darby School District mirrors the goal of the Pennsylvania Department of Education which states that proper "mathematics instruction stresses both procedural skills and conceptual understanding to ensure students are learning and applying the critical information they need to succeed at higher levels."

     

    At the end of their high school education, students will be able to use their mathematical knowledge independently to:  

    1. Make sense of and persevere in solving complex and novel mathematical problems;
    2. Use effective mathematical reasoning to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others;
    3. Communicate precisely when making mathematical statements and express answers with a degree of precision appropriate for the context of the problem/situation;
    4. Apply mathematical knowledge to analyze and model situations/relationships using multiple representations and appropriate tools in order to make decisions, solve problems, and draw conclusions; and
    5. Make use of structure and repeated reasoning to gain a mathematical perspective and formulate generalized problem solving strategies.

    The major emphasis at the Elementary level is for students to master the concepts of Numbers and Operations to provide a strong foundation for future study in math. The Elementary level also provides an introduction in the areas of Measurement, Geometry, Algebraic Concepts, and Data Analysis and Probability.

     

    The Middle School level begins to shift the major emphasis from Numbers and Operations to Algebraic Concepts such as ratios, rates, and proportionality. A number of students will be ready to complete a formal course in Algebra 1, while most others will be prepared when they enter the 9th grade.

     

    The High School level provides a strong core content for all students to successfully complete two formal courses in Algebra (Algebra 1 and 2), along with a formal course in Geometry. Upon completion of this core, a variety of math electives are available for study in the areas of Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability and Statistics, and Computer Programming.