Math
Our Beliefs
All students will graduate from Highline as successful mathematicians who understand high-level mathematics in ways that are RELEVANT, INTERACTIVE, and JOYFUL.
Student-centered classrooms that are inclusive, equity-focused, and standards-based will enable students to find meaningful mathematical applications in their everyday lives.
Learning Standards
Highline students will develop deep mathematical understanding of the content standards through the eight mathematical practices, as articulated in our Washington State K-12 Standards. Student achievement will be supported through the Effective Practices for Equitable Mathematics Teaching from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students will experience a classroom environment that encourages risk-taking, learning from mistakes, and the promotion of a growth mindset.
Equitable Practices for Equitable Mathematics Teaching
- Establish mathematics goals to focus learning
- Implement tasks that promote reasoning and problem solving
- Use and connect mathematical representations
- Facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse
- Pose purposeful questions
- Build procedural fluency from conceptual understanding
- Support productive struggle in learning mathematics
- Elicit and use evidence of student thinking
Mathematical Attitudes
- Math is challenging and involves wonder, curiosity, and productive struggle.
- Students will engage in mathematics that include number sense, fluency and problem solving.
- Learning is a social endeavor.
- Different viewpoints and pathways are essential for building deep understanding.
- Structures are established to promote equitable student voice.
- Students are encouraged to use and share different ideas, methods, and perspectives.
- Culturally responsive teaching practices are embedded throughout the lessons.
- Lessons build on students’ prior knowledge.
- Ideas are communicated through words and representations.
- Tasks are posed with a visual component.
- Technology and tools are intentionally integrated.
Math Instructional Materials
The math curriculum aligns closely with Highline’s Math Learning Vision and strategic plan.
Math Pathway
Based on student achievement data tracked over many years, we can see that our current sequence of math courses (or math pathway) is not setting most students up for success in higher-level math in high school and college. We aim to create a standard mathematics course pathway through middle school that ensures all students have a strong foundation and the conceptual understanding necessary for success in high school and post-secondary mathematics.
Contact
Phone: 206-631-3041
Dr. Laura Schneider
Director Of Secondary Initiatives
Dr. Tanisha Brandon-Felder
Director of Pre-3 and Elementary Success
Shana Hoefer
Administrative Support
Stacie Kang Ricard
PreK-Elementary Instructional Specialist, Math
Ammi Spencer
PreK-Elementary Instructional Specialist, Math
Deborah Sekreta
Secondary Math Specialist
Stacey Snyder
Secondary Math Specialist