Advanced Mathematics at DGS
The Advanced (Honors) Math Course Sequence at DGS offers an opportunity for students to experience increased depth and rigor in mathematical topics. Advanced math students tend to be interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) content, enjoy a challenge, and quickly see connections between disciplines. Advanced math classes develop concepts from a more theoretical perspective, use less directive teaching strategies, and require a greater level of student independence. Teachers make recommendations for Advanced classes based on observations and assessment data.
Profile of Advanced Math Courses
Math 2H, Math 3H, Precalculus 400(H), Calculus AB & BC
- Advanced math at DGS is not synonymous with simply being quick and skilled at computations.
- The teacher often serves as a facilitator of more student-owned, collaborative knowledge-building.
- Concepts are developed & extended through a more theoretical perspective, emphasizing application of skills.
- Students are expected to synthesize concepts on assessments and be able to tackle problem contexts they have not directly seen the teacher model
- Greater out-of-class workload exits compared to non-Advanced math courses
Common Characteristics of Successful Advanced Math Students
- Displays the desire to seek true mathematical understanding,
- Understands the power of productive struggle and enjoys learning challenges
- Independently able to make connections, and does so relatively quickly
- Willing to take risks in collaborating with peers to create knowledge and critique arguments
- Clearly articulates formal mathematical methods using detailed explanations
- Able to manage heavier workload in overall class schedule without undue stress or frustration
- Displays disciplined study habits; seeks out and utilizes outside-of-class resources independently when needed
Key Questions to Reflect Upon When Considering Advanced
Do a majority of the student characteristics listed above apply to me/my child?
Will a non-class period be in my/my child’s schedule for the purposes of seeking support during the school day and/or working on assignments?
How many total Advanced/AP classes will be in the overall schedule? A large quantity of Advanced/AP classes can lead to high stress levels and inhibit learning.
What are my/my child’s anticipated after-school & evening commitments over the course of the year? Being in multiple sports, time-intensive activities, and/or working a job will also likely reduce opportunities to get work done at a reasonable hour while still having 'down time’ outside of school.
Do I/my student enjoy solving puzzles and problems?