At Renton High School we teach all levels of math using Complex Instruction. This allows students to come together and share their math strengths
and understanding as the make their way through new math concepts. Having students rely on one another, first, for their math knowledge deepens
their understanding of the learning targets because as they work to find the ways to explain to one another what they know, t hey solidify their
learning at the same time.
Instruction comes through dialogue, exploration, and problem-solving. When looking at the IB Learner Profile, it becomes quickly apparent that there
are many connections between our CI math instruction and how IB values student learning.
CI relies heavily on risk-taking when students work through the various tasks. They know that the material may be unfamiliar to them and are ready to
forge through it together. They have to be open to new ideas, try new strategies and not be afraid to share what they think they know.
CI also asks students to be inquirers, demonstrate that they are knowledgeable and are thinkers. The tasks they are asked to undertake encourage
them to ask questions and actively seek answers. They are to be engaged and excited in their learning, showing ownership over their thoughts and
beliefs. They are expected to explore concepts that are new to them and use what they know to expand their understanding. They are also
expected to make informed decisions and share them with their classmates.
As students work to communicate their learning during CI tasks, they are also challenged to work with integrity. They are to share ideas, but not steal
them. They must acknowledge where their ideas come from, when they are not their own. At the same time students may be asked to share ideas in
many forms, through presentation, posters, small group and whole group discussion, and even personally reflect on concepts and their individual
understanding.
The IB Learner Profile is clearly intertwined with the philosophies of Complex Instruction and math learning here at RHS.
Algebra 3-4 CURRICULUM MAP 2013-2014
CONTENT
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Quadratics
Linearity
Quadratics
SKILLS
Constructing diamond, using lab
gear to construct rectangles,
factoring and solving quadratic
equation, using a GDC to graph,
multiply binomials using generic
rectangle or FOIL
Solving inequalities with pencil
and with GDC; solving absolute
equations; using fraction busters
to simplify equations and solve
Using multiple representations to
find key features of equations
and/or graphs in standard,
ASSESSMENT
Individual quizzes
Poster
Unit Test
Individual quizzes
Unit Test
Participation Quiz
intercept, and vertex form
Complete the square
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Quadratics
Transformations of nonlinear functions
Exponentials
Inverses
Using the quadratic formula to
find roots (zeros) of a function
Complex numbers
Simplify radicals
Rationalize the denominator
Participation Quiz
Using transformations to find the
key features of cubic, absolute
value, and square root functions,
identify the general shape of the
graph, find the domain and range,
and then graph (by hand and with
GDC)
Individual quizzes
Knowing and using the rules of
exponents
Add, subtract, multiply, divide
polynomials
Factoring and solving polynomial
equations
Individual quizzes
Finding key features for cubics,
exponential, and rational
functions including intercepts,
domain, range, asymptotes, and
then graphing
Nth roots and properties of
rational exponents
Solving radical equations
Power equations and expressions
Exponential growth & decay
Individual quizzes
Individual quizzes
Group Test
Unit Test
Participation Quiz
Exit Slips
Unit Test
Participation Quiz
Exit Slips
Unit Test
MARCH
Logarithms
Using the definition and
Individual quizzes
properties of logarithms, number
Exit Slips
e, solving and graphing logarithmic Unit Test
functions
APRIL
Rational Equations
Simplify rational expressions &
complex fractions; solve equations
with rational expressions
Individual quizzes
Systems of Equations
Solve systems of linear equations
In 2 variables algebraically &
graphically
Individual quizzes
Piecewise Functions
Graph combination of equations
on single graph with restricted
domains
Individual quiz
MAY
Probability & Statistics
JUNE
Calculate and use probabilities;
use binomial and normal
distributions; finding series and
sequences and writing rules;
knowing the difference between
geometric and arithmetic series;
Use summation notation
Unit Test
Unit Test
Individual quizzes
Unit Test