Tools for High School Teachers: April’s Egg-cellent Add-ons!
April is here, bringing fresh spring energy and the fun of Easter! We’ve got some exciting tools to help make
Recently, I received an email from a math teacher who had been surfing the listservs. He found a list reportedly from NYSED about topics that will no longer be tested on the new Common Core Algebra II Regents exam (as opposed to the current Algebra 2 with Trigonometry exam). He pointed out that some of the topic on the list were in the Table of Contents for our new Common Core Algebra II text. When I looked at the list, I did find some items that I’ve included that won’t be tested. Here’s the full list. I’ve highlighted the topics from the list that are in my curriculum. Remember, these are the topics from the current Algebra 2 and Trigonometry that will NOT be tested on the new Common Core Algebra II Regents exam next June. The bold face ones are those that are still in my text.
1. Rationalizing binomial denominators
2. Dividing complex numbers (incl. rationalizing binomial denominators, ex: 10/(3 – i)
3. Solving absolute value equations algebraically
4. Solving absolute value inequalities
5. Given a real-life scenario, write an absolute value inequality that models it
6. Solve problems involving direct and inverse variation
7. Simplifying complex fractions
8. Using L. of Sines and L. of Cosines to solve triangles
9. Finding area of a triangle using (1/2)abSinC
10. Ambiguous case (SSA, using L. of Sines)
11. Binomial Probabilities/Bernoulli experiments
* ex) Given that the chance of snow on any day in February is 40%, find the probability that is snows at least 10 days during the month of February.
12. Finding probabilities based on comparing areas
13. Finding probabilities using permutations and combinations
14. Composition of functions
* writing an algebraic rule for f(g(x)) given f(x) and g(x)
* Finding the domain of f(g(x)) given f(x) and g(x)
15. Co-functions (applying the idea that cos(A) = sin(90 – A) in various ways)
16. Angle Sum, Angle Difference and Double Angle identities
17. Solving Trig equations (linear, quadratic, equations requiring use of the identities above)
So, the vast majority of these I’ve left out. I had originally put binomial probability into the course because, truly, it is the basis for all of the mathematics behind the sampling of populations to test sample proportions, but I’ve decided against it due to not having developed the concept of a combination (or any counting theory of any type).
I have included both complex fractions and composition of functions. Let me explain why. I think that this course will be the last math class many, many students take before going to college. Sure, many will take high school precalculus, but many will not. I do not believe, by far and large, that colleges are adjusting to the changes in the Common Core curriculum. And I think that students should be exposed to function composition and all of the topics in a robust rational algebra unit, including the simplifying of complex fractions before taking precalculus.
By the way, did you notice that they didn’t list other rational algebra topics, even though they are not formally in the PARCC End of Year Standards for Common Core? I’ve included reducing rational expressions, multiplying, dividing, and summing, but they aren’t really supposed to be tested. I find it fascinating that this list does not include them. Makes me happy I did.
When I wrote this book I included material from Algebra 2 with Trigonometry along with material as specified by the Common Core Standards via the PARCC End of Year topic delineation. But, really, I wrote a curriculum that covered all of the topics I felt would be assessed, while including topics that I thought were valuable in telling the story of Algebra 2 (or Algebra II or whatever we want to call it). I think it is a compelling story and I hope that our text tells it in a way that forces students to think critically and solve problems with the advanced tools of higher-order algebra.
Here’s a link to the actual discussion forum post with the list in it:
April is here, bringing fresh spring energy and the fun of Easter! We’ve got some exciting tools to help make
April brings much-needed spring energy to the classroom amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for the end of the
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