

Smith Vocational
and
Agricultural High School
Math
Mathematics
The goal of the mathematics department is to provide students with the necessary skills
to graduate from high school and achieve success on a wide variety of tests, including
standard placement exams for Community Colleges, exams in trade areas, civil service
exams, military exams, etc.
The mathematics department aligns curriculum with the Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks and works on updating and expanding our curriculum regularly.
Algebra I (9th grade)
This is a traditional Algebra I course designed to give students skills that will provide
them a foundation for future Math courses. Algebra I includes topics such as integers,
order of operations, solving and writing linear equations and inequalities, percentages,
graphing and scatter plots. The course also includes study of monomial and polynomial
expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions, rational expressions, ratio, and
proportions. Algebraic skills are taught to be applied in a wide variety of problem-solving
situations.
Advanced Algebra I (9th grade)
Advanced Algebra is a course designed to prepare students for a higher level of
mathematical reasoning. It is recommended for highly motivated students who have
sharp math skills and a background in Algebra. This course will cover traditional topics
taught in a one-year Algebra I course (shown above), as well as some topics generally
taught in Algebra II, such as systems of equations and a deeper exploration of
quadratics. This advanced course works at a pace quicker than Algebra I.
Integrated Math I (9th grade)
Students review topics such as measures of central tendency, reading tables and
graphs, operations with integers, and the order of operations. Students will also explore
functions through the study of linear patterns, solving equations, writing and graphing
linear equations, and using scatter plots and trend lines to make predictions.
Math MCAS (9th & 10th grade)
9th &10th graders take this course as a second Math class during their shop week. This
MCAS preparatory course is taught during shop weeks. Topics include integers, order
of operations, solving linear equations and inequalities, proportions, percentages,
graphing, scatter plots, and polynomials as well as an introduction to quadratics from
Algebra I. Geometry topics will include angles, triangles, perimeter, area, Pythagorean
Theorem, scale factors and similarity, and properties of circles. Students practice test
taking strategies, along with composing open response questions weekly.
Geometry (10th grade)
Geometry is a spatial discipline that builds upon the ideas studied in Algebra I. This
year-long course stresses critical thinking and problem solving in the 2-Dimensional
plane. This course places an emphasis on MCAS preparation. Topics include perimeter,
area, volume, angle reasoning, parallel lines, transversals, ratios, proportions, similar
figures, the Pythagorean theorem, radicals, plane geometric figures (including polygons
both regular and irregular), special right triangles, circles, and applications. This course
is recommended for students who have completed Algebra I.
Advanced Geometry (10th grade)
Advanced Geometry is the study of mathematical topics in a spatial discipline.
Investigations involve algebraic equations, graphs, and geometric figures. This course
will cover perimeter, area, volume, angle reasoning, parallel lines, transversals, ratios,
proportions, similar figures, as well as the Pythagorean Theorem, radicals, geometric
figures, special right triangles, and circles. This course will also place a strong emphasis
on critical thinking and problem solving. This advanced course works at a pace quicker
than Geometry.
Integrated Math II (10th grade)
This course will review basic math skills of integers (positive and negative numbers) and
provide an introduction to Algebra & Geometry topics such as order of operations,
solving and writing linear equations, graphing and reading linear equations.
Transformations will be calculated on different shapes on a coordinate plane. Students
will use ratios and proportions to solve equation and percentage problems. Students will
evaluate, create charts and graphs, use statistics and percentages based on these
graphs. Area and perimeter topics will be covered on different shapes. The pace of this
class is flexible and is adjusted to meet students’ needs.
Algebra II (11th grade)
This course will build upon topics covered in Algebra I. New topics include systems of
linear equations and matrices, quadratic equations, irrational and complex numbers,
negative and fractional exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations.
Students will use technology to graph functions and examine behavior of different types
of graphs and generalize results.
Advanced Algebra II (11th grade)
This course will build upon topics covered in Algebra I. New topics include systems of
linear equations and matrices, quadratic equations, irrational and complex numbers,
negative and fractional exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations,
and touch on probability and counting principles. Students will also use technology to
graph functions, explore and compare graphs, and make predictions about their
behavior. This course will cover topics at a faster pace and dive into real world
applications when applicable.
Pre-Calculus (11th grade - must be taken with Algebra II)
Pre-Calculus is a course that allows students to study functions including domain,
range, inverse functions, and parent functions. Students will also study Polynomial
functions such as end behavior, x and y intercepts, and local extrema. A variety of
Trigonometry topics will also be covered.
Integrated Math III (11th grade)
This course is a continuation of Integrated Math II. Students will review standard and
linear equations, circle properties, perimeter and area, radicals, and roots and powers.
Students will apply these concepts to solve real world problems. The pace of this class
is flexible and is adjusted to meet students’ needs.
Trigonometry (12th grade)
Trigonometry is a course that focuses on topics such as Right Triangle Trigonometry,
Trigonometric Functions of Special Angles, Solving Trigonometric Equations, Graphing
Sine and Cosine, and solving triangles using the Laws of Sine and Cosine. Emphasis
will also be placed on Trigonometric Identities, including addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, and Pythagorean identities.
Financial Literacy for the Future (12th grade)
This is a course that empowers students with the ability to understand financial
language and manage common financial tasks they will encounter throughout their
lifetimes. Topics include: understanding various banking and financial services such as
balancing a checkbook; different types of accounts like direct deposit; banking services
such as loans and their features; secured debt such as mortgages and equity loans;
unsecured debt like credit cards; and how to make financial decisions, such as renting
or buying a home, paying state and federal taxes, charitable giving, online commerce,
and information on identity theft.
AP Stats (12th grade)
Advanced Placement Statistics is a course designed for students who are seeking to
become more well-rounded mathematical writers, world citizens, and critical thinkers.
AP Statistics students will examine phenomena in society, ask interesting questions,
look at facts and data, and analyze the world at large through a data-driven lens. Our
study of mathematics is driven by the goal to be better educated consumers of news,
media, and science as well as to become better problem solvers in our own vocations
and fields. Students taking AP Statistics will sit for a College Board Exam in May with
the potential to earn college credit.
Integrated Math IV (12th grade)
This is the final course in the Integrated Math sequence. Students will study
polynomials, roots and powers, linear equations, rational expressions, and systems of
equations. Students will apply these skills as they problem-solve real world scenarios
that they will likely encounter after high school.