New Math Offerings at CVU

We are excited to announce a change to the Math curriculum at CVU for the 2019-2020 school year. In the past, most incoming ninth graders have been placed into Algebra or Geometry. While this structure provided an appropriate base for future math courses, it also created a gap in practicing algebraic thinking for the courses students typically take in their 10th and 11th grade years: Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, and Trig/Pre-calculus. Next year, we will be offering two new integrated courses for incoming ninth graders called Math 1 and Math 2. This curriculum redesign will allow us to explore natural connections between Algebra and Geometry content, and add important concepts that are not currently in our curriculum. We are confident that this improved and updated approach will enhance students’ mathematical skills and understanding.

To allay concerns about our transcript and college application process, please know that this is a change that many high schools have made. For example, Mount Mansfield, South Burlington, Harwood, Mount Abraham, and Vermont Commons teach integrated math courses.

Most students will experience a pathway similar to one of these:

Grade 9		Grade 10		Grade 11		Grade 12
Math 1	➡	Math 2	➡	Algebra 2	➡	Advanced Algebra or Trig/Pre-calculus or AP Statistics
Math 2	➡	Algebra 2	➡	Tri/Pre-calculus	➡	Calculus or AP Calculus or AP Statistics
Math 1 resulting in credit for Math 1 Part 1	➡	Math 1 Part 2	➡	Math 2	➡	Algebra 2

CVSD middle school teachers will use district common target data to recommend placement in Math 1 and Math 2 at CVU. There will opportunities to discuss this change and ask questions during the teacher panels on January 24th at CVU’s 8th Grade Parent/Student Night.