Welcome to the Math Department!
Mr. Barton - Algebra 1
Mr. Cao - Algebra and Pre-Calculus
Mr. Conlay- Geometry, Algebra 2/Trig
Ms. Fang - Algebra 2 and Algebra 2/Trig
Mr. Garcia - Geometry, Algebra 2
Ms. Freeman- Algebra 2
Mr. Hall - Algebra 1, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC
Mr. Kawahara - Algebra 1 and Geometry
Ms. Ngo- Pre-Calculus, Trig/Stat's and AVID 9
Mr. L. Nguyen-- Trig/Stats, AP Statistics
Mr. Poredi - Algebra 2, Business Algebra 2, AVID 10
Ms. Shum – Geometry and Algebra 1
Mr. Snider - Trig/Stats and AP Statistics
Mr. Tucciarone – Advanced Algebra and Trig, Algebra 2
Philosophy:
The philosophy of the math department is in aligned with the philosophy of the Garden Grove Unified School Districts—to place students in the highest math class that they can handle based on past performance, state scores, and teacher recommendation. Math teachers teach the California State Standards based on the GGUSD Curriculum-Pacing Guides.
Sequencing:
La Quinta offers classes starting with Algebra 1 up through three levels of Advanced Placement math: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Statistics. Students must complete three years of math to graduate from the Garden Grove Unified School District, but most students choose to take math all four years of high school. Some students choose to take five math classes in a four-year period by enrolling in two math classes in their junior and/or senior year.
These are classes offered by the Math Department:
• Algebra 1: La Quinta’s basic math level provides students with the essentials to be successful in all other math classes.
• Geometry: Geometry is the most common class in the curriculum since many students take Algebra 1 in intermediate school. Geometry is a graduation requirement since students need three years of math to graduate.
• Business Algebra 2: Students who complete Algebra 1 and Geometry and are challenged by the content of upper level math classes may choose to take this course to strengthen Algebra skills in the context of business applications. Some students also take this course as part of the Business Careers Pathways.
• Algebra 2: Students who received average grades in Algebra 1 and Geometry will take Algebra 2.
• Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry: Students who complete Algebra 2 or Business Algebra 2 and are challenged by the content of upper level math classes may choose to take this course to strengthen Advanced Algebra skills.
• Trigonometry/Statistics: This class features one semester of trigonometry and one semester of statistics. It is a “bridge” class for Algebra 2 students who would like to advance to Pre-Calculus or AP Statistics but need a slower pace to get there.
• Algebra 2/Trigonometry: Students who received excellent grades in Algebra 1 and Geometry will take Algebra 2/ Trigonometry. This is a challenging class because a year and a half of math is compacted into one year. This class prepares students to enter the higher level and Advanced Placement math classes.
• Pre-Calculus: Students receive an in-depth analysis of trigonometry with an emphasis on Calculus readiness. All students need to take Pre-calculus prior to enrolling in AP Calculus. Some students choose to take Pre-calculus in the summer at a community college to be eligible to enroll in the college math classes offered at La Quinta
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• AP Calculus AB: Students must pass Pre-Calculus in order to enroll in AP Calculus AB. This class applies content from all math students have taken since Algebra 1. This course is often considered the gateway into higher level coursework in many disciplines. This class is weighted so students who earn a C or higher receive an extra grade point. Students can earn college credit by passing the AP Calculus AB test in May.
• AP Calculus BC: This is the highest level of math offered at La Quinta. Students who reach this point should be very proud of their achievement. The number of students who take this class grows each year. This class is a continuation of Calculus AB so students must pass Calculus AB to take BC. Calculus BC is also weighted so students who earn a C or higher receive an extra grade point. Students can earn college credit by passing the AP Calculus BC test in May.
• AP Statistics: Students must pass Algebra 2 to take AP Statistics. In AP Statistics students collect and analyze data and apply what they learn to real-life statistical problems. Almost all college majors require a stats course these days. Students can earn college credit for this course by passing the Advanced Placement test in May.
For more information on individual classes and teachers, please visit our websites!
