At WCA’s last Executive Board meeting, a new Pearson Realize (now Savvas Realize) math curriculum was adopted for the 2021-2022 school year. This curriculum supports a shift in our math sequencing philosophy from an Algebra 1 → Geometry → Algebra 2 sequence to a more integrated approach.
HOW WILL THIS CHANGE IMPACT MY STUDENT?
In January, students will begin registering for math courses for the 2021-2022 school year. Please use the table below to reference which math course your student should register for. Students will have the option to enroll in “Everyday Math” or “Honors” sections of most of these courses. Students should speak with their current math teacher during registration to decide on the best option for them!
Parents and students may have questions about this integrated math sequence and the philosophy behind this integrated approach. In the section below, WCA’s middle and high school administrators have answered the most common questions around this new sequence.
INTEGRATED MATH SEQUENCE VS. TRADITIONAL ALGEBRA-GEOMETRY-ALGEBRA 2 SEQUENCE
What is the traditional AGA sequence?
Currently, three different math topics are taught separately over three years. At WCA, this is the typical course plan:
Algebra 1 → Geometry → Algebra 2 → College Algebra → College Trigonometry → Calculus
What is the integrated math sequence?
Integrated mathematics is a curriculum that combines several mathematical topics, such as algebra, geometry and statistics, into single courses. The integrated sequence is meant to take math learning out of silos and teach students how to bridge connections among topics.
Integrated Math 1 → Integrated Math 2 → Integrated Math 3 → College Algebra → College Trigonometry → Calculus
What are the benefits of a traditional AGA sequence?
Many schools continue to offer the traditional sequence because they feel that the sequence works for students and state tests have been subject-specific. For instance, the previous PARCC/CMAS math tests covered algebra and geometry. Also, in larger schools and districts, it is difficult to make this change because it requires purchasing all new curriculum which creates financial restraints. Finally, since most surrounding schools use this sequence it is easy for students transferring in or out of WCA to be placed in the correct course.
What are the benefits of the integrated sequence?
An integrated approach encourages students to recognize the connections and interrelationships between multiple math domains. The content spirals over time which allows students to systematically build proficiency in their math classes. The traditional sequence requires students to reach mastery of those domains within a single year. In learning the connections between the math concepts over time, students develop deeper thinking and understanding about the topics rather than learning about them in isolation. The president of the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics stated that the traditional sequence is “an outmoded approach in a 21st century educational system” and many researchers point to this integrated approach as to the reason that many countries outperform the United States in math.
For more information on this, please review this study on Best Practices in Math Course Sequencing and Integrated Math.
Another research study found, “Our hierarchical linear models with three levels showed that students in the integrated curriculum scored significantly higher than those in the subject-specific curriculum on the common objectives test.”
Additionally, under the integrated approach, when students take the SAT they will have had recently reviewed algebra and geometry concepts, rather than having an entire year removed from those concepts. This better prepares students in the time leading up to college entrance exams.
If you have any questions about what to expect for next year, please reach out to your student’s math teacher!