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Welcome to the CPS Math Department
The CPS math curriculum focuses on building a strong conceptual base that helps students to become flexible thinkers, able to apply the mathematics they have learned to a rapidly changing world. CPS math teachers have designed materials for incremental learning that address a variety of learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Students learn concepts and skills by solving carefully-sequenced problems; in class, students usually work in cooperative groups. Teachers coordinate courses and review frequently so students retain important ideas from year to year. Instead of separate courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, all three areas are addressed in each course of an integrated curriculum. Course materials introduce applications to science and other related fields and provide historical context.
Calculators and computers are important tools of modern mathematics. Teachers instruct students in their appropriate use, but also require a firm grasp of basic skills. Students are required to solve many problems without using calculators.
The Math Department uses placement examinations and interviews to ensure that each student enrolls in the most suitable course sequence. Almost all students take four years of mathematics, although only three are required.
A Math Club and course-specific enrichment sessions meet regularly to share ideas and investigate problems beyond the scope of the normal curriculum. All interested students are welcome to participate in both. The club also provides opportunities for students to take part in local and national mathematics competitions.
