Why Study Math?

Mathematics is a collection of tools for rigorously quantifying, analyzing, reasoning and communicating
the patterns that form our universe.

I believe that all students can learn mathematics at a high level. I believe that mathematics is an essential tool for learning skills of argumentation, evidence gathering and presentation. I believe that the great ideas of mathematics and science have intrinsic beauty. Much as educated adults learn to appreciate the great works of art and literature, I believe that all educated adults should be able to appreciate the elegance, context and import of the great mathematical and scientific results.

Census and Labor Bureau data show that more than 98% of occupations with median yearly earnings above $50,000 require significant mathematical training. Jobs that demand neither college experience nor mathematical training for the most part pay poorly, are unsatisfying, and show decreasing domestic demand. On the other hand, the jobs that are being created the fastest all require significant mathematical proficiency.

I would like my students to graduate as ready reckoners of the world around them; able to fluently manipulate and characterize large data sets, contruct and connect illuminating models for complex problems, and to communicate their conclusions clearly, powerfully and honestly.

What is the role of technology in your classroom?

In Math class, technology is not an end in itself.  Mathematica, Excel, graphing calculators, slide rules, abaci and pencil&paper are all means by which a skilled practioner might answer questions of mathematical or practical interest.  My job is to introduce students to the power and limitations of the tools at their disposal, give them the means to master those tools, and an understanding of when each is appropriate.

Students will be required to use an appropriate mixture of internet and traditional library resources as part of their work on questions of interest, and to publish their findings on the internet.

FAQ: Students' Concerns

1. This class is awesome: why aren't all my classes like this?
   1. All your classes can be like this if you let them.
2. Will this class be too hard?
3. I hate not knowing what to do. Why can't you just give me instructions and then I'll follow them?
   Life isn't like that, and it would suck if it were.
   You're in high school now, and you need to learn in such a way that
5. a
6. a
7. I'm just not good at math
   
   All students can learn mathematics at a high level. Mathematics is an essential tool for learning skills of argumentation, evidence gathering and presentation, and the great ideas of mathematics and science have intrinsic beauty. Much as educated adults learn to appreciate the great works of art and literature, well-educated adults should be able to appreciate the elegance, context and import of the great mathematical and scientific triumphs.

FAQ: Parents' Concerns

1. My son is particularly adv anced in ------.  Is this an accelerated class?  Are you able to individualize the instruction?  How are you going to keep him challenged?

2. My son has trouble in ----.  Is he in a class that can proceed at a deliberate pace?  Will he be able to get extra help?  How can you make sure he will experience success?

3. How much homework?  Should he do it by himself?  What websites or other materials do you recommend for enrichment?  Do you post assignments on the website ,  have a syllabus for parents,  give advance notice of tests, quizzes, changes?

4. My son is shy and won't come to you with Qs.  Can you check in with him every couple of days to see if he has any?  Could you have Jon get our signature on tests that you have graded?

5. Jon does not do wel with Alex or Jim.  Please keep them separate.  and he needs to sit in the first row.  Could you email us if he misses an assignment or if you have him do one over?

FAQ: Administrators' Concerns

1. All this constructivist junk is well and good, but you need to cover the content if your students are going to pass the state exam.
   As an educator, my goals include but go well beyond having my class meet state standards.
   I include each of the TEKS into my course goals, and ensure that students meet them multiple times:
   1. Students are introduced to important mathematical ideas in "shorter works" lessons.
   2. Students encounter them naturally in the course of their extended investigations
   3. Many