Mathematics

Mathematics is important in many fields that have been considered “non-mathematical” up to now. Colleges have increased their entrance requirements in mathematics for programs that lead into such diverse fields as agriculture, business, economics, physical education, medicine, computer science and psychology. In order to keep one's options open after graduation, a student should, therefore, take mathematics during each year of high school. This will lead to better preparation for any career whether one goes to college or not. Students are also reminded that a substantial portion of both the Scholastic Assessment Test (College Boards) and ACT's is in mathematics and that students who are taking mathematics generally score higher than those who are not taking mathematics.

The Valley Stream High School District’s mathematics program provides opportunities for all students in each grade level to take a mathematics course. Remedial instruction is available in the courses Math/Skills 7 and Math/Skills 8 for those students in seventh and eighth grades who have had difficulty in mathematics. In addition, there is a SIS program which runs in conjunction with Mathematics Course 1 and Course 2 for those students who have indicated by past performances that they may encounter some difficulty with the course content. The District's AIS program (Academic Intervention Services) provides additional services for those students who score below Level 3 on the Terra Nova exam or Math 8 assessment.

Students entering 9th grade in 2001 and beyond need three units of mathematics among the 22 units needed for graduation. These students also must receive a grade of 65 or better on a Math Regents exam in order to graduate.

(ACC) courses in mathematics are for mathematics students who wish to accelerate. Math 7(ACC), 1(ACC), 2(ACC), 3(ACC), and 4(ACC) is the sequence of courses designed to lead to a course in Advanced Placement Calculus in the senior year. Placement and continuation in this program depend on aptitude, achievement, and the recommendation of mathematics teachers. Math 7 (ACC) covers the content of Math 7 and Math 8 with additional emphasis on problem-solving. Math 1(ACC), 2(ACC), and 3(ACC) are similar in content to Math 1, 2, and 3. Additional topics are studied with emphasis on future applications often extending beyond the scope of the Math 1,2 and 3 curriculum. Math 4(ACC) contains topics from Precalculus with additional emphasis on topics from the first quarter of AP Calculus and the placement exam.