Islamic geometric motifs on the dome above the Mausoleum of Hafez in Shiraz, Iran, erected in memory of the famous Persian poet Hafez.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

WELCOME

The math teachers offer courses in Algebra, Geometry, Pre Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry and Computer Programming. There is even a course called Integrated Mathematics.

LHS math teachers use graphing calculators and computers in some courses to help students learn concepts and to make connections. The teachers also prepare students for success on standardized tests (SATs, ACTs, AP exams, MCAS) and assist students in their mastery of the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks.

Although only two years of math are required for graduation, most students take four years of math at LHS. Got a question, like "When are we ever going to need this in real life?"... Ask a math teacher!

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING

Across all courses students should be able to:

- Analyze and solve problems
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively
- Recognize and make use of structure and patterns
- Construct mathematical arguments and critique the reasoning of others
- Model with mathematics
- Apply appropriate tools strategically
- Attend to precision

Occasionally students request to self-study or enroll in a summer mathematics course to replace a high school course and move more quickly through the mathematics course sequence. The mathematics department does not recommend this approach for many reasons.

The depth and breadth of a year-long mathematics course are difficult to replace with a 12-week summer or independent experience.
Self-studying does not replace the student/teacher engagement of a year-long LHS course.
There has been no visible college acceptance benefit for students progressing through mathematics courses independently and quickly.

For students who are still interested in pursuing a self-study option, the following process has been defined:

The student and parents/guardians will communicate in writing to the mathematics department chair, the student’s school counselor, and the principal during the course request period stating they are interested in attempting a self-study option.
The student will sign-up for both the course they will self-study and the subsequent course during the course enrollment period.
The student will find a legitimate, graded course to enroll in and complete. Any cost is incurred by the student’s family.
The student will provide evidence that the course was completed and the student’s achievement was excellent.
In August, the student will take an LHS course challenge exam, created and graded by the mathematics department chair. To be able to skip the course, the student must earn an “A” on the challenge exam.