FAQ Document Math I, II, and III

FAQ Document – Math I, II, and III

This document responds to the questions that were asked during the Math I, II, and III High School Task Force webinar as well as additional communication items that have since occurred.

1. Are the current Math I, II, and III standards still in draft form or have they been finalized? What course codes should be used for Math I, Math II, and Math III?

The Math I, II and III standards are final. The Local Option sequence defined the standards to be implemented for Math I, II, and III. Course codes for these courses are as follows: Math I (2103), Math II (2201), and Math III (2301).

1. Will foundation courses be available for use in conjunction with Math I, II, and III in 2013-2014?

Yes, the courses and codes for Foundations of Math I (2050), Foundations of Math II, (2051), and Foundations of Math III (2052) will be available in 2013-2014. The purpose of these courses is to bridge gaps and address misconceptions in a student’s prior learning before advancing to the next level. These courses are semester courses, not year-long courses. Also, course codes for courses that are no longer offered will be eliminated.

1. Will pacing guides and course descriptions be provided for Math I, II, and III?

The Department of Public Instruction does not mandate which resources an LEA must use, therefore pacing guides differ from system to system. However, descriptions of the expectations for Math I, II, and III are provided.

Math I provides students the opportunity to study concepts of algebra, geometry, functions, number and operations, statistics and modeling (implemented throughout). These concepts include expressions in the real number system, creating and reasoning with equations and inequalities, interpreting and building simple functions, expressing geometric properties and interpreting categorical and quantitative data.

Math II continues a progression of thestandards established in Math I. In addition to these standards, Math II includes: polynomials, congruence and similarity of figures, trigonometry with triangles, modeling with geometry, probability, making inferences and justifying conclusions.

Math III progresses from thestandards learned in Math II and Math I. In addition to these standards, Math III extends to include algebraic concepts such as: the complex number system, inverse functions, trigonometric functions and the unit circle. Conics and circles are the geometric concepts in Math III.

1. What resources can we expect NCDPI to develop for Math I, II, and III?

The Department of Public Instruction will continue to provide and update resources on the mathematics wikispace such as: unpacking, professional development materials, transition documents, sample lessons, and parent communication documents.

Additional digital resources can be found on Home Base.

1. Will state funds be available for textbook adoption in 2013-2014?

Other than legislative bills proposing the use of future funds for digital materials, we are not aware of any movement to significantly increase textbook funds,

1. How will the course names of Math I, II, and III, affect college admissions in and outside the UNC system?

Dialog between the UNC General Administration and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has occurred and the finalization of the Math I, II, and III sequence should be accepted as an appropriate pathway for university and college acceptance. Also note that Math III will replace Algebra II and Integrated Math III as the gatekeeper of college admissions.

1. Will Future Ready Core (FRC) graduation requirements change with the transition to Math I, II and III?

Four math credits are still the expectation for graduation requirements with the exception of “substitution students and students with identified disabilities in mathematics”. In addition students enrolled in North Carolina High Schools will have the opportunity to earn Endorsements to their High School Diploma beginning with the graduating class of 2014-2015, as defined in the new “Mathematics Graduation Requirements Document”.

1. Will students be able to graduate with a combination of math courses from the traditional and the Math I, II and III sequence?

This is possible based on the course namesthat were available in the 12’-13’ school year. Students who passed Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics Iin 12’-13’will have transcripts showing their first course from a different pathway. The transition to Math I, Math II and Math III ensures their remaining courses will be identified as Math II, and Math III. Students who completed geometry or Algebra II as a second math course will finish high school using the traditional pathway.

1. Can Math I be taught in parts for students who need a year to complete the course?

Math I can be taught over two semesters by using parts, Math IA(2104) and Math IB (2105), each receiving 0.5 math credits.

1. If Schools enroll students in Algebra I rather than Math I, how will the EOC assessment be addressed?

In the 2012-2013 school year, the standards for the first high school math course were the same, regardless of the course name: Algebra I, Integrated Math I, or Local Option Math I. All of these students took the same EOC independent of course name. The first level high school math course for all students will be Math I beginning fall of 2013. The Algebra I course name and course code will no longer be available. The EOC, as in the previous year, will align to the Math I standards.

1. Have any modifications to the course options for students who opt out of the FRC, occurred as a result of the transition to Math I, Math II and Math III?

As a result of the transition to Math I, Math II and Math III, Math I and II constitute the two minimum math requirements plus two additional substitution courses as identified in the new “Mathematics Graduation Requirements Document”.

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August 12, 2013