Proof Geometry--High School Course Placement
What high school class is the 'best-fit' after you've taken Proof Geometry?
Dear Students and Parents,
No matter what high school you plan on attending, figuring out what math class is best for you can be confusing and sometimes frustrating. Let's put some things out in the open so you can make a more informed decision.
Some things to take into consideration...
Proof Geometry is an "advanced" math class. At Boulder High School it is considered Advanced Geometry. At Fairview High School it is considered Pre-IB Geometry. As a result, the majority of you should expect a recommendation into an advanced math class. Because the recommendations are different depending on whether the high school has an IB program or not, we'll look at those two cases separately.
No matter what high school you plan on attending, figuring out what math class is best for you can be confusing and sometimes frustrating. Let's put some things out in the open so you can make a more informed decision.
Some things to take into consideration...
Proof Geometry is an "advanced" math class. At Boulder High School it is considered Advanced Geometry. At Fairview High School it is considered Pre-IB Geometry. As a result, the majority of you should expect a recommendation into an advanced math class. Because the recommendations are different depending on whether the high school has an IB program or not, we'll look at those two cases separately.
Case 1: If you plan to attend a high school that DOES NOT have an International Baccalaureate program (i.e. Boulder High School).
|
If you have an 80% or above in Proof Geometry you can expect a recommendation into Advanced Algebra 2.
If you have less than an 80%, you have two options. 1) If you would like to stay on the "advanced" track, you may retake Advanced Geometry. This is probably your best option. 2) You may also choose to transition into "regular" Algebra 2. The difficulty with this track is that you may run out of math classes to take during your senior year. |
It is my understanding that if you do not maintain an 80% or above (test scores only) in your advanced high school class you will either be asked to repeat the class or move down a pathway.
|
Case 2: If you plan to attend a high school that DOES have an International Baccalaureate program (i.e. Fairview High School).
|
If you have a 83% or above in Proof Geometry you are eligible for Pre-IB Algebra 2/3.
This option is being contested: However, this does not mean you must go into Pre-IB Algebra 2/3. This is NOT the same class as Advanced Algebra 2. It is three semesters of high-level math condensed into 1 year. If you would rather go the AP route than the IB route, you probably want to take Advanced Algebra 2. If you have an 80% or above in Proof Geometry you can expect a recommendation into Advanced Algebra 2. Regardless of what you hear on the street, we have been assured by the BVSD administration that all students who complete the pre-requisites for Advanced Algebra 2 will be allowed to take the course--regardless of grade-level. If you have less than an 80%, you have two options. 1) If you would like to stay on the "advanced" track, you may retake Pre-IB Geometry. This is probably your best option. 2) You may also choose to transition into "regular" Algebra 2. The difficulty with this track is that you may run out of math classes to take during your senior year. |
It is my understanding that if you do not maintain an 80% or above (test scores only) in your advanced high school class you will either be asked to repeat the class or move down a pathway.
|
If you are "on the line" for any of these recommendations, please know that I make every decision on an individual basis. These are standards/guidelines and not cut-and-fast rules. In each of these cases, I will also take into account your grade from Advanced Algebra last year.
IB and Math:
Let's talk about International Baccalaureate Math classes. If you have your heart set on an IB diploma but packing an extra semester of math into both your freshman and sophomore years doesn't sound like your cup of tea, it is possible to earn an IB diploma without going through the IB MATH pathway at Fairview High School. You can take Advanced Algebra 2 your freshman year (9th) and progress through AP Calculus 1 your Junior year (11th). In your Senior year you have options to either take IB Math Standard Level or AP Calc 2. IB Math Standard Level counts as one of the courses for an IB diploma. Both counselors and teachers at Fairview have brought this up in our conversations. However, it is not popularized much, so you have to talk to your high school counselor about the option.
Overrides
You and/or your parents may disagree with my recommendation and may even choose to override my decision (with a parent signature). I won't be offended--not even a little bit. Ms. Burrows has the paperwork for you to fill out. This is a choice you and your parents need to take seriously. Due to the rapid population growth the Denver area is experiencing, many of the BVSD high schools are over-capacity. This means if you find yourself in a class that is too difficult for you, you may have to tough it out for the rest of the year because there is no place for you to go. Repeating a class and torpedoing your GPA aren't things to do lightly.
I hope you find this information helpful. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:
Sincerely,
Andrew Busch
andrew.busch_at_bvsd.org
I hope you find this information helpful. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:
Sincerely,
Andrew Busch
andrew.busch_at_bvsd.org
