Math

All students are required to pass four years of math and the senior portfolio to graduate from Fenway.

Curriculum

The Math Team at Fenway uses the Interactive Math Program (IMP) for its curriculum. IMP is a full curriculum for college preparatory mathematics, created with backing from the National Science Foundation in response to a growing awareness of the need for mathematics instruction reform.

The IMP curriculum covers a wide array of topics: pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, logic, reasoning, probability, statistics, pre-calculus, calculus and discrete math. Students are expected to work individually as well as in groups.  At Fenway, writing is an integral part of the math curriculum.

Parents who want to find out more about the IMP curriculum and instruction at Fenway can come to the annual math night.

Assessment

The math team employs an array of assessment tools such as tests, quizzes, Problem of the Week (POW), exhibitions, portfolios, and reports.

Exhibitions: In each year at Fenway, students are required to present at  two major exhibitions .  One is class-based in the late Fall and the other is school-wide in the Spring.  At both events, external judges are invited to come to observe student work and provide feedback. Parents also are invited to attend.

Portfolios: The math team requires all students to produce a portfolio at the end of each math unit (4-5 times a year).  In addition, students produce a final portfolio at the end of each grade level (9-11).  Seniors must complete a graduation portfolio to demonstrate mastery of math in the following areas: geometry, graphing functions, higher level/advanced algebra.

MCAS

The MCAS is a graduation requirement for all public schools in Massachusetts.  The math team reviews MCAS performance on a regular basis and adjusts the curriculum sequence to ensure that students are well prepared to complete this graduation requirement.