Mathematics

The mission of the Paint Branch High School Mathematics Department is to help students master the essential math skills, knowledge, and work ethic that serve as a foundation for more advanced study of mathematics and help students prepare for successful roles in an ever changing society.

Our goal is to create a mathematically proficient student. We have ambitious expectations for all, with accommodation for those who need it. Teachers construct engaging mathematical lessons, challenging and supporting students to learn concepts well. Effective use of technology, including graphic calculators and computers, enriches the range and quality of investigations. The strategies we use are varied to build new knowledge and reinforce prior knowledge.


Staff

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Math Staff Contact List 

 


Standards for Mathematical Practice

The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe varieties of expertise that mathematics educators at all levels should seek to develop in their students. These practices rest on important “processes and proficiencies” with longstanding importance in mathematics education. The first of these are the NCTM process standards of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, representation, and connections.

The second are the strands of mathematical proficiency specified in the National Research Council’s report Adding It Up: adaptive reasoning, strategic competence, conceptual understanding (comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations and relations), procedural fluency (skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently and appropriately), and productive disposition (habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief in diligence and one’s own efficacy).

Standards for Mathematical Practice Mathematically proficient students will. . .

  1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 
  2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. 
  3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
  4. Model with mathematics.
  5. Use appropriate tools strategically. 
  6. Attend to precision. 
  7. Look for and make use of structure. 
  8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. 

 


Math Team

The Paint Branch Math Team seeks to foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment into the field of competitive and recreational mathematics through the school and the community.

Coach - Maxine Tang (Room 2310)

Team Meetings: Weekly in Room 2310 || See Ms. Maxine Tang for Meeting Day

Competitions/Math Meets: Monthly after school (2:45-4:15pm) at various locations.

Math Meet Schedule will be shared later in the fall.

 Math Meet Schedule 


Calculator Information

Calculator

All Mathematics Courses require some use of a scientific or graphing calculator.  However, these courses require graphing calculator use: Any level of Algebra 2,  all levels of Pre-Calculus, AP AB & BC Calculus, AP Statistics, & Honors Statistics.  Students at Paint Branch enrolled in these courses will be given priority for borrowing a calculator loaner for the school year. Students who desire to borrow a graphing calculator must complete a Calculator Agreement form, which requires a parent signature, and must return it to their math teacher in the fall.  Mr. Salahud-din, Math Resource Teacher, will distribute calculators on a first-come, first-served basis as we only have a limited number of calculators for distribution.

NEED A MATH TUTOR?

There are several former and current MCPS math teachers offering private tutoring.  Fees are determined by the individual tutor.  Contact Mr. Leonard Salahud-din for a working list of math tutors for the current school year.


Math Honor Society

The Paint Branch Mathematics Honor Society recognizes Paint Branch Juniors and Seniors for consistent excellence in mathematics.  Each of these students has earned a GPA of 3.6 or higher for their high school math courses.

Applications are issued by link through your current math teacher during the fall of the first semester.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the Paint Branch Math Honor Society, please retrieve the link to apply from your math teacher or Ms. Deb Mamana, Paint Branch Math Honor Society Sponsor.

Follow us on Twitter @PBMath