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Math
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There are 13 math course offerings from pre-algebra to trigonometry all with an eye to building upon prior knowledge and expanding into more abstract concepts. Preparation for the ACT is integrated throughout the curriculum. Courses include:
For students who struggle with concepts in algebra or geometry, academic support is available for one-on-one tutoring and test preparation. Pius XI requires 3 math credits to graduate |
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New Math Pilot Project Begins In 2021
December 2021 - The Pius XI Catholic High School Faculty and Leadership are excited to launch a three-year, multi-phased Math Pilot. This initiative, grounded in the school’s Mission Statement, Strategic Plan, and instructional best practices, aims to increase student achievement in mid-to higher level math courses. Successful strategies emerging from this pilot program will be quickly shared with faculty across all areas of instruction.
Our mission statement reads, in part: Pius XI Catholic High School exists to prepare a diverse community of students to achieve their unique and highest potential. Assuring each student becomes more of who they are uniquely called to be begins with our outstanding faculty. Teachers are
committed to meeting students where they are, identifying individual strengths and needs, and employing innovative and flexible instructional strategies designed to address those needs.
The school’s long-term strategic plan includes an intense focus on every student’s success. The plan envisions an environment where every student meets or exceeds their reading and math proficiency targets. The vision also includes an expansion of the STEM curriculum. An alumni couple, who wish to remain anonymous, was energized by this approach to individualized learning, especially for students interested in STEM. Working closely with school leadership, the couple committed to supporting the achievement of the strategic plan’s goals by starting with the most challenging, nationwide achievement gap: Math.
“The donors understand that success looks different for every student. They believe, however, that success begins with measurable goals, confidence, and engagement,” said Pius XI President Jack Herbert. “If we can improve the teaching-learning environment in math, and get those improvements down to a science, what we learn will have a transformative impact on the future of the entire school.”
The new Math Pilot aims to increase student achievement in mid-to higher level math courses. This multi-phase pilot includes three key initiatives. First, math faculty are provided with the support needed to implement and evaluate innovative and effective instructional practices. Transforming traditional classrooms into state-of-the-art, flexible learning environments that promote active, engaged learning is another important component. The initiative’s third key attribute is the introduction of new technology, including instructional software, that encourages self- directed learning and fosters collaboration among students. Although the Math Pilot involves new teaching strategies, new classroom furniture, and new technology, the nurturing culture Pius XI has long been known for informs all pilot-related decisions.
Allison Warhus, the new Math Intervention and Support Specialist, assists the four pilot program teachers by conducting daily classroom observations and leading weekly coaching sessions driven by student outcome data. Adjustments in classroom instructional techniques, based on these collaborative activities, are already seen as holding significant promise for impacting student achievement.
“Even experienced teachers have been able to significantly improve student engagement in a short amount of time,” said Allison. “Identifying daily objectives and planning lessons and activities around them have markedly improved class participation.”
In addition to classroom observations and group discussions, the Math Pilot faculty also evaluates the initiative using student-level data from the STAR 360 program. STAR 360 is a computer-based reading and math skills assessment that measures student growth against individual targets as well as local and national standards. The STAR 360 assessments help teachers understand each individual student’s strengths and areas for growth. These data also drive daily lesson planning as well as modification of instructional techniques based on student mastery of key concepts. Individual STAR reports are shared with students so that they can see their growth and build confidence as they plan their path forward.
One of the most exciting changes within the Math Pilot program is in the design of a math classroom which include moveable furniture and Promethean Panel technology to facilitate greater collaboration. Collaboration in the classroom is one of the most effective ways of fortifying student confidence, and grows students’ social, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Our first upgraded classroom provides mobile desks for all types of groupings based on the activity during the class. The room was prepared with a writable wall so that the teacher can see students solving problems in real time and provide immediate support. The writable wall also allows groups to collaborate. The movement of getting up to “work on the wall” supports variety in the lessons and active, engaged student participation.
The initial upgraded classroom was also outfitted with a moveable Promethean ActivPanel which comes with a variety of preloaded teaching tools that appear with a touch of a button.
“The Promethean Panel has been such an amazing tool to help reach my students where they are in the lesson. I am able to make the examples clear and easy to work with. It also provides a great space for students to display their work and share with the class.” – Pilot Program teacher.
The early Math Pilot results have been so encouraging that the donors are investing in the transformation of six additional math classrooms. New mobile desks, writable walls, and Promethean ActivPanels have been ordered for the 2022-2023 school year.
Whether in math, athletics, art or any other pursuit, a disciplined approach to incremental progress leads to long-term and lasting results. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have the support of those who believe that our students’ futures are worthy of their attention and significant investment.
Our mission statement reads, in part: Pius XI Catholic High School exists to prepare a diverse community of students to achieve their unique and highest potential. Assuring each student becomes more of who they are uniquely called to be begins with our outstanding faculty. Teachers are
committed to meeting students where they are, identifying individual strengths and needs, and employing innovative and flexible instructional strategies designed to address those needs.
The school’s long-term strategic plan includes an intense focus on every student’s success. The plan envisions an environment where every student meets or exceeds their reading and math proficiency targets. The vision also includes an expansion of the STEM curriculum. An alumni couple, who wish to remain anonymous, was energized by this approach to individualized learning, especially for students interested in STEM. Working closely with school leadership, the couple committed to supporting the achievement of the strategic plan’s goals by starting with the most challenging, nationwide achievement gap: Math.
“The donors understand that success looks different for every student. They believe, however, that success begins with measurable goals, confidence, and engagement,” said Pius XI President Jack Herbert. “If we can improve the teaching-learning environment in math, and get those improvements down to a science, what we learn will have a transformative impact on the future of the entire school.”
The new Math Pilot aims to increase student achievement in mid-to higher level math courses. This multi-phase pilot includes three key initiatives. First, math faculty are provided with the support needed to implement and evaluate innovative and effective instructional practices. Transforming traditional classrooms into state-of-the-art, flexible learning environments that promote active, engaged learning is another important component. The initiative’s third key attribute is the introduction of new technology, including instructional software, that encourages self- directed learning and fosters collaboration among students. Although the Math Pilot involves new teaching strategies, new classroom furniture, and new technology, the nurturing culture Pius XI has long been known for informs all pilot-related decisions.
Allison Warhus, the new Math Intervention and Support Specialist, assists the four pilot program teachers by conducting daily classroom observations and leading weekly coaching sessions driven by student outcome data. Adjustments in classroom instructional techniques, based on these collaborative activities, are already seen as holding significant promise for impacting student achievement.
“Even experienced teachers have been able to significantly improve student engagement in a short amount of time,” said Allison. “Identifying daily objectives and planning lessons and activities around them have markedly improved class participation.”
In addition to classroom observations and group discussions, the Math Pilot faculty also evaluates the initiative using student-level data from the STAR 360 program. STAR 360 is a computer-based reading and math skills assessment that measures student growth against individual targets as well as local and national standards. The STAR 360 assessments help teachers understand each individual student’s strengths and areas for growth. These data also drive daily lesson planning as well as modification of instructional techniques based on student mastery of key concepts. Individual STAR reports are shared with students so that they can see their growth and build confidence as they plan their path forward.
One of the most exciting changes within the Math Pilot program is in the design of a math classroom which include moveable furniture and Promethean Panel technology to facilitate greater collaboration. Collaboration in the classroom is one of the most effective ways of fortifying student confidence, and grows students’ social, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Our first upgraded classroom provides mobile desks for all types of groupings based on the activity during the class. The room was prepared with a writable wall so that the teacher can see students solving problems in real time and provide immediate support. The writable wall also allows groups to collaborate. The movement of getting up to “work on the wall” supports variety in the lessons and active, engaged student participation.
The initial upgraded classroom was also outfitted with a moveable Promethean ActivPanel which comes with a variety of preloaded teaching tools that appear with a touch of a button.
“The Promethean Panel has been such an amazing tool to help reach my students where they are in the lesson. I am able to make the examples clear and easy to work with. It also provides a great space for students to display their work and share with the class.” – Pilot Program teacher.
The early Math Pilot results have been so encouraging that the donors are investing in the transformation of six additional math classrooms. New mobile desks, writable walls, and Promethean ActivPanels have been ordered for the 2022-2023 school year.
Whether in math, athletics, art or any other pursuit, a disciplined approach to incremental progress leads to long-term and lasting results. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have the support of those who believe that our students’ futures are worthy of their attention and significant investment.
