Mathematics Program

Consistent with the school’s mission and 21st-Century Learning Skills, the Mathematics Department at Burlington High School offers a challenging, relevant, and dynamic curriculum that is fully aligned with the March 2017 Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, incorporating the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The Mathematics Program is based on sequencing rather than grade level. All prerequisite courses have been designed to ensure readiness in subsequent courses, as well as to ensure an appropriately challenging course sequence for each Burlington High School student.

21st-Century Learning Expectations
Students enrolled in courses in the Mathematics Department will be cognizant of Burlington High School’s 21st-century learning expectations as outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate. Specifically, students enrolled in all mathematics courses will think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems resourcefully, and collaborate successfully. The skills developed in mathematics courses will allow students to generate their own questions. Students will foster this curiosity to investigate areas of interest independently. Students will work both independently and collaboratively to solve problems. Lastly, students will participate in a classroom environment where they are expected to act with integrity in all academic endeavors and to exhibit respect for themselves and empathy for others, preparing them for post-secondary success.

Satisfying Prerequisites/Opt-Out Process
If students do not fulfill a prerequisite by successfully completing the course on ground at BHS, they may opt out of the prerequisite course. Exams are cumulative exams covering honors-level coursework for the prerequisite course. The following exam grading criteria will be used when determining if a student is qualified to miss a prerequisite:

79% or below = does not meet prerequisite requirements
80-89% range = satisfies prerequisite requirement with a teacher/administrator/department head approval
90% or above = satisfies prerequisite

Students wishing to sit for an opt-out exam must submit a written request to the Mathematics Department Chair, using this form or see the department head to get a copy, no later than April 1; opt-out examinations will be administered at a date to be determined by the administration between April and August. Students must have a 90% or higher in their current math class to be eligible to sit for the exam.

Please note that successful qualification of the opt-out using the above criteria exam will allow a student to skip the course in their mathematical sequence, but will not earn credits toward graduation, and the course will not appear on the student’s official transcript or in the student’s GPA. The completion of 20 credits in mathematics is required for graduation. Students may not take the same opt-out Exam twice; if the requirements are not met, the student must take the course on ground at BHS to earn the prerequisite credit.

Teacher Recommendations and Leveling
When considering an effective sequence of courses in mathematics, proper placement is paramount. The Mathematics Department offers courses at each of Burlington High School’s three levels: honors, college preparatory, and foundational. In February, classroom teachers will make course and level recommendations for each of their students aimed at giving each student a challenging classroom experience, as well as the best possible chance to succeed.