Mathematics and Computer Science
Overview of Mathematics and Computer Science
Using the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics as a foundation, the Williamsville Central School District has developed a highly coherent math curriculum using research-based strategies that emphasizes depth over breadth with a focus on building students' number sense, math fact fluency, and problem solving skills. Our curriculum is more than a collection of activities; it is highly coherent, focused, and well-articulated across the grades with the goal of preparing students to think critically, problem solve, innovate, communicate, and collaborate. We believe that students must learn mathematics with understanding by actively building new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge.
Contact:
Dr. Christopher McGinley, Director of Mathematics and Computer Science
716-626-8030
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Gr. K-4 |
Gr. 5-8 |
Gr. 9-12 |
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Our elementary approach to mathematics is to develop children’s mathematical thinking and reasoning abilities through age-appropriate problems and investigations in the areas of number, operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, data, and geometry. Some of these problems and investigations grow out of ventures into everyday life—reading stories, playing games, drawing pictures, building structures, making collections, and conducting simple hands-on science experiments—while others delve more deeply into the world of mathematics itself. Students are encouraged to explore, develop, test, discuss, and apply ideas to see mathematics as something that is fluid, vibrant, creative, and relevant. Click HERE to launch our "Supporting Math at HOME" website. This site contains information about each grade level, as well as some fun and engaging math games you can play at home with your children! |
Students are required to take a full year of Mathematics in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8. Middle school students have the opportunity to accelerate in mathematics beginning in seventh grade and work toward taking the Algebra 1 Regents Exam at the end of eighth grade. Our curriculum is designed around the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics and focuses on developing a deep understanding of math concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve new and complex problems. The idea behind our instructional approach is not to just to do math, but also to understand how and why we do math. Students need to be engaged in dialogue and learning experiences that allow complex topics and ideas to be explored from many angles and perspectives. They also need to learn how to think and solve problems for which there is no one solution—and learn mathematical skills along the way. This content-rich approach serves as a means to advance children’s 21st-century mathematical skills —their abstract reasoning, their collaboration skills, their ability to learn from peers and through technology, and their flexibility as a learner in a dynamic learning environment. |
Students are required to pass a minimum of three mathematics courses and at least one Regents Exam (or Regents Exam Equivalent) in mathematics to meet State graduation requirements. Many of the courses offer levels (e.g., honors). Assignment to levels is made on the basis of performance in previous courses, student ability, teacher recommendations, and testing. District-wide final examinations are administered in all mathematics courses that do not culminate in a New York State Regents Examination. |