AMAPS MEETING

February 17, 2005

Minutes from Harbor Inn Restaurant

Attendees: 87 participants

Danny Jaye (with a hoarse voice) and Harry Rattien opened the meeting with the introduction of the sales representatives from AMSCO Company. The company president announced each borough representative.

Danny Jaye described the math standards that will roll out for K - 12. Each of the four groups was asked to address the standards as they relate to their courses: Integrated Algebra, Integrated Geometry, Integrated Algebra and Trigonometry and Alternative courses.

The following topics were discussed:

Graduation Requirements:

Students must pass the Integrated Algebra or Integrated Geometry Exam for a local diploma. Students must obtain a passing grade of 65. A question was raised regarding credit accumulation for students in Integrated Algebra. As of now, students can take Integrated Algebra in up to four semesters.

Danny discussed the Petrie Program that trains inexperienced Math APs for those who would like further assistance in their craft. See Randy Asher and/or Jack Cohen for further details.

The following are the recommendations that are a result of the group conference:

1. Grade 9 - Integrated Algebra:

1.1 Concern that students from level 1 and 2 are still deficient in basic algebraic skills coming into high school.

1.2 Standards look towards the children that are proficient with 8^th grade assessments.

1.3 The concern centered on the delay of the GROW Report information that does not arrive at the high school(s) until October-November.

1.4 What happens to those students who pass the exam in March? What is the curriculum post 8^th grade assessment?

1.5 March testing in addition to June testing.

2. Grade 10 - Integrated Geometry

2.1 Postulate systems.

2.2 Solid Geometry.

2.3 Optional topics Constructions, Planes, and Representation of social/real world phenomenon.

2.4 Graphing calculator accessibility-dynamic software.

2.5 Randy voiced the concern of the content of math material vs. the methodology in which the topics are taught.

3. Grade 11 – Integrated Algebra II and Trigonometry

3.1 Too many topics.

3.2 Strand contains all Course III except circle geometry and adds way too much Pre-Calculus, particular “e” and inverse trig functions.

3.3 Review the topics of radicals, co functions, exponentials, and other applied advanced algebra topics.

4. Alternative Courses:

Population: Weakest students who successful passed Integrated Algebra in their 2ne or 3^rd year taking mathematics.

Requirement of advanced Regents Diploma: Integrated Algebra or Integrated Geometry AND Integrated Algebra II, both with a grade of 65+.

Brainstorm topics:

Similar Triangles, Right Triangle Proportions Factoring, Quadratic Formula, Parabola

Conic Sections, Factoring, Coordinate Geometry

1) Algebra Based Geometry

Factoring

Parabola

Quadratic Formula

Right Triangles Trigonometry

Coordinate geometry and coordinate geometry proofs

Conic Sections with center at origin

Leading to a system of linear quadratic equations

Proportions-Right triangles and other systems of linear inequalities (graphically and those that involve real world problems).

2) Project based statistics

3) Probability

4) Special Equations and their graphs

5) Absolute value

6) Radical exponential

7) Trigonometry for angles greater than 90 degrees.

III. Major Concerns:

1. Advanced Regents Diploma recommendation in mathematics requires Integrated I and Integrated III.

2. Lorraine Carlozzi raised the question that the maturity factor of many students prohibits them from taking geometry at this early an age.

3. Mandated school must check with central to determine the number of credits that a student can use for the exit examination in mathematics.

4. We hoped for flexibility in standards to help administrators dictate the sequence of curriculum.

5. Open the discussion for the ordering of courses.

The meeting was closed with an announcement of the next AMAPS meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 31, 2005.

Robin Pitts