Cherokee Math Department

Math Department Teachers

Math Courses
at Cherokee High School

PRE-ALGEBRA (Level 3)
Pre-Algebra is designed to prepare students to enter Algebra I. The concepts taught include numerical computations, evaluating and writing algebraic expressions, solving equations, inequalities, factoring, graphs, patterns and basic statistics and probability. The development and use of problem solving strategies and logical thinking is a long-term goal.

ALGEBRA I (Levels 1 & 2)
Algebra I, Level 2 lays the groundwork for all mathematics study by establishing the concepts of set theory, axioms, and properties of the real number system. Equations and inequalities are studied with emphasis on transforming verbal statements into mathematical symbols. Polynomials, rational algebraic expressions, graphing, linear equations and radicals are also examined. Level 1 is offered by invitation only to those students with special ability in mathematics.

ALGEBRA I (Level 3)
Algebra I, Level 3 will reflect many of the same concepts as Algebra I, Level 2, such as, equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational algebraic expressions, graphing linear equations, and radicals. As a modified academic course, it will include fewer complex problems and be taught at a slower pace. This course is recommended for students who have completed Pre-Algebra at the high school level.

ALGEBRA II (Levels 1 & 2)
Algebra II continues to build on the algebraic foundation of Algebra I. The course involves the study of number systems, linear, quadratic and simultaneous equations and their graphs, conic sections, polynomials, functions, and logarithms. Level 1 is offered by invitation only to those students with special ability in mathematics.

ALGEBRA II (Level 3)
Algebra II, Level 3 has the same content as described in Levels 1 and 2, but is less rigorous, and places greater emphasis on practical applications. This course is only offered to seniors.

GEOMETRY (Levels 1 & 2)
Geometry is based on Euclid’s elements of deductive reasoning which emphasized the geometry of the plane surface. Area, volume, congruent triangles, polygons, and constructions are studied. Two-column proofs of theorems are developed. Algebraic applications of geometric concepts are frequent. Level 1 is offered by invitation only to those students with a special ability in mathematics. Successful completion of Algebra I is required.

GEOMETRY (Level 3)
Geometry Level 3 has the same content as described in Levels 1 and 2, but is less rigorous, and places greater emphasis on practical application.

INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA II (Level 3)
This course provides an integrated review of Algebra and Geometry for those students who have had difficulty with those subjects and are not yet ready for Algebra II. This course then builds on these foundations to study systems of linear equations, functions, polynomials, quadratic equations, complex numbers, and discrete mathematics. Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry is required.

INTRODUCTION TO PRE-CALCULUS (Level 3)
This course is designed for students who have completed Algebra II and are not yet ready for Pre-Calculus, Level 2. The course will review concepts from Algebra II, introduce new topics in advanced Algebra and study trigonometric functions and their applications. Successful completion of Algebra II is required.

PRE-CALCULUS (Levels 1 & 2)
This is a course based on the study of functions. It begins with a review of Algebra II, continues with trigonometric functions and their applications, then concludes with several topics in advanced algebra. Level 1 is offered by invitation only to those students with a special ability in mathematics. Successful completion of Algebra II is required. CALCULUS This course was designed for students with mathematical aptitude who have an understanding of Pre-Calculus and the desire to study Calculus in college. The year begins with a review of elementary functions followed by a study of limits, differential calculus and beginning integral calculus. Successful completion of Pre-Calculus is required.

*CALCULUS AB (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement)
This course is offered to those students who display special ability in mathematics. This course will be equivalent to a first semester college calculus course. Students taking this course will be able to take the College Board Placement Test in AB Calculus and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending upon their score and the policy of the college. Level 1 is offered by invitation only. Successful completion of Pre-Calculus is required. This course is offered to those students who display special ability in mathematics. The course is faster paced and broader in-depth than Calculus AB and covers two full semesters of college calculus. Students taking this course will be able to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test in BC Calculus and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending on their score and the policy of the college. Level 1 is offered by invitation only. Successful completion of Pre-Calculus is required. *Also offered as BCC CAP Course. (See page 30.) NOTE: A student may select either Calculus AB or BC, but not both.

*CALCULUS II (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement)
This course will expand the depth of study of some Calculus AB topics, prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Test in Calculus BC, and include additional topics beyond the BC Calculus curriculum. Students could receive college credit or advanced standing depending on their score and the policy of the college. This course is designed for advanced mathematics students who have completed Calculus. *Also offered as BCC CAP Course. (See page 30.)

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS (Level 2)
This course is divided into three categories: descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential statistics. The course includes application for college bound students for all academic areas. Successful completion of Algebra II is required

*STATISTICS (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement)
This course will be equivalent to a college statistics course. Students taking this course will be able to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test in Statistics and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending upon their score and the policy of the college. This course is offered by invitation only. Successful completion of Algebra II is required. *Also offered as BCC CAP Course. (See page 30.)

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I (Level 2)
This course is designed to be an introductory programming course. The concepts taught will include, input/output operations, arithmetic operations, accumulating and displaying totals, comparing, array processing, searching and sorting, string processing, file processing, and report generation. Emphasis will be on problem-solving techniques and logic. Successful completion of Geometry Level 2 is required. Credits for this course do not satisfy Math requirements for graduation.

*COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II (JAVA) (Level 1)
This course is designed as a second year programming course to teach problem-solving heuristics, algorithm development using top-down design, and good programming style and techniques through an object-oriented approach to be extended to future programming languages that may be studied. Students will enhance their knowledge of input/output operations, arithmetic operations, accumulating and displaying totals, comparing, array processing, searching and sorting, string processing, file processing, and report generation. Emphasis will be on problem-solving techniques and logic. Successful completion of Computer Programming I is required. Credits for this course do not satisfy Math requirements for graduation. *Also offered as BCC CAP Course. 

CONSUMER MATH (Level 3)
This course is designed for seniors who have passed the HSPA in their Junior year. The goal of Consumer Math is to prepare students to deal with situations in their daily lives that require knowledge of the following topics: comparing and reconciling savings accounts and checking accounts, renting apartments, purchasing housing, determining real estate taxes, buying cars, investigating insurance options, etc.

MATH HSPA PREP I, II, III (Level 3 & 4)
(Not Electives)
These courses are for students who have been officially identified as needing remediation in the mathematics skills required by the State for high school graduation. They reinforce the math clusters outlined in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The students will receive intensive preparation for the HSPA which is administered in the Spring of their junior year. Placement in Level 3 or Level 4 depends on standardized test scores.

MATH HSPA PREP IV (Level 4)
(Not Elective)
Students who do not achieve a proficient score on the HSPA are required to take this class. This course will prepare students for the October administration of the HSPA, administer the Special Review Assessment (SRA), and provide remediation.

MATH I (Level 5)
Available for students in need of individualized or small group instruction, with Child Study Team approval. Emphasis is on mastery of basic math operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Additional topics include measurement, percentage, number theory, graphs, charts and problem solving.

MATH II  (Level 5)
Available for students in need of individualized or small group instruction, with Child Study Team approval. This course is designed for students who need reinforcement with basic math skills. Additional topics covered are pre-algebra and geometry.

MATH III (Level 5)
Available for students in need of individualized or small group instruction, with Child Study team approval. This course is designed for students in need of reinforcement with basic math operations within the context of practical situations familiar to most adults.

MATH (Level IV 5)
Available for students in need of individualized or small group instruction, with Child Study Team approval. The course provides students with the necessary information and skill development to make wise and informed consumer decisions.
 

SEMESTERIZED MATH COURSES
 

ENRICHED TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS( Level 2)
This course is a one-semester elective designed to make connections between the various branches of mathematics that students learn in high school. It will contain topics outside the standard Algebra I and Geometry curricula. This course will enable students to examine unique historical and modern topics, such as different bases, non-traditional ways of performing the four basic operations, and palindromes. These topics will assist students in becoming better problemsolvers, developing a greater level of logical reasoning skills and obtaining a higher affective appreciation for mathematics. Successful completion of Geometry, Level 1 or Level 2 is required.

SAT PREPARATION (Level 2)
The SAT Preparation Course is a one-semester elective which prepares students for the verbal and math sections of the SAT. Nine weeks will be spent on verbal and nine weeks on math. Critical reading, writing, vocabulary and logical reasoning skills needed on the SAT will be addressed. Specific test-taking strategies for the SAT will also be presented. Completing this course is in no way a guarantee of desired results on the SAT. Successful completion of Geometry, Level 1 or Level 2 is required. This class is open to second semester sophomores, all juniors, and first semester seniors. Credits for this , course do not satisfy Math or English graduation requirements.