Mathematics

Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics

At Highlands International School our goal is that our students become fluent in the language of Mathematics. We believe that mathematics is foundational, the underpinning of God’s creative work. Further, man was created with an intellect to discover the mathematical designs of God. Within a biblical worldview, students will see that mathematics is a key discipline for the area of problem solving as well as the gateway to advanced scientific discovery and proficiency. We believe that in the teaching of mathematics there is value in rote memory skills and speed as well as problem solving skills. Therefore, our teaching practices include daily mental exercises, a consistent problem solving strategy, and the use of manipulatives and hands-on activities when appropriate. Problem solving is a high priority at HIS and will be included in every unit in all grades. We expect every student to be able to analyze problems systematically and come to rational conclusions, not just in mathematics, but in all areas of life. The HIS mathematics standards are adopted from the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Mathematics and are summarized below:

Elementary Mathematics
The North Carolina Mathematics Standard Course of Study is organized in five strands or goals for K-8: Number and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability, and Algebra. The goal of mathematics instruction is to produce learners who comprehend concepts, operations, and relationships in mathematics as well as proficiency in computation and the application of those concepts.

The early grades focus on building a strong understanding of number and fluency with mathematics to solve problems. Fundamental to these skills is knowledge of number facts, the computational processes, and the appropriate use of each operation. Together with an emphasis on using mathematics to solve problems, elementary students will build a depth of understanding enabling them to apply the content in a variety of contexts.

Middle grades content will highlight rational numbers and algebraic thinking. Students will develop fluency in solving multi-step equations and modeling linear functions.

High School Mathematics
High school courses are designed to give students the skills and knowledge required for their future. Algebraic and geometric thinking and applied mathematics are essential for all students.

Fluency in mathematics is an expectation for all students. Fluency incorporates three ideas: efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility. Students must develop an accurate knowledge of number facts and number relationships in order to reason and solve problems well. .

Mathematics has its own language, and the acquisition of specialized vocabulary and language patterns is critical to a student’s understanding and appreciation of the subject. Students need to use correctly the concepts, skills, symbols, and vocabulary identified in the standard course of study. Students should talk about mathematics and use the language to verify solutions to mathematical problems.

Problem solving and reasoning are stressed throughout the goals at each grade and in every course. The development of problem-solving skills is a major goal of the mathematics program. Experiences in problem-solving processes should permeate instruction. Problem solving should be integrated early and continuously into each student’s mathematics education. Students need a wide range of skills and strategies to use as a tool for representing and solving a variety of problems.