Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) scores are not the only indication of success at Lakeside High School. A significant number of students are now taking higher math classes. Four years ago, there were about 20 students taking Pre-Calculus or Integrated Pre-calculus/Statistics. This year there are three classes offered with 58 students enrolled. This heightened interest in math can be attributed to Lakeside Math Department’s commitment to seeking the best practices available for all students.

Recently, Lakeside’s efforts were acknowledge when Mr. Ron Donovan and Mr. Boo Drury from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) called Lakeside’s Principal, Mr. Mark St.Clair, to inquire about the school’s approach to teaching math. OSPI had made a list of schools across the state that had WASL math scores of 60% or higher and that had shown steady growth over the years. Lakeside was one of the schools. Then, Mr. Drury asked Mrs. Barb Anderson, one of Lakeside’s math teachers, to present the information at the Annual Northwest Math Council’s Pre-conference. This “pre-conference” had more of a workshop feel than just listening to presenters. About 20 teams from schools across the state came to brainstorm ways to improve teaching math to their students. Part of this was to hear from teachers in the schools that had been identified as “successful” by Mr. Donovan and Mr. Drury. Mrs. Anderson shared key elements of Lakeside’s math program that contribute to Lakeside students’ success.

Lakeside High School runs on a four period day, giving students eight classes per year. With the extended class time of ninety minutes, teachers provide deeper instruction and more individual learning opportunities. Students have the time to ask more questions. “I like being able to talk (about math) to other people and the longer time,” expressed one Lakeside freshman. “It’s easier to think without such short periods.” The four period day also provides students with the option to progress through the math sequence in an expedited fashion. This enables more students to take advanced math classes. One senior is an example of a student taking two math courses in one year. As a sophomore, he took Integrated Algebra/Geometry 2 and Integrated Algebra/Trigonometry 3, Integrated Pre-Calculus/Statistics as a junior, and AP Calculus his senior year.

Another factor that assists Lakeside’s students is the school’s approach to scheduling math. As freshmen, students take math both semesters: Integrated Algebra/Geometry 1A and 1B, or for the more advanced students, Integrated Algebra/Geometry 1B and Integrated Algebra/Geometry 2. By adjusting the math curriculum so freshmen take math all year, students are receiving a strong focus of both Algebraic skills and concepts. Many math courses are offered. “It’s always great to offer kids choices; they can ask themselves ‘How do I learn best?’ ” stated math teacher Miss Kristen Shields. Math courses are deeply aligned to the Grade Level Expectations (GLE), Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR), and are designed to prepare students for college entrance exams such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and for success in college courses.

Additionally, last year Lakeside initiated two support math classes, one pre-WASL and one post-WASL. Freshmen identified in need of math assistance are enrolled in Math Lab in addition to their regular math class. In Math Lab, students receive individualized instruction that supports what is taught in their math class. This, too, is a year long class. For juniors, Eagle Watch is another math class offered to address skills necessary to assist students in meeting the math standards. By meeting these standards, students complete one of the state’s graduation requirements.
Lakeside’s teachers continually work together to meet students’ needs and increase achievement. This is measured by the fact that the number of students taking AP exams and earning college credit has dramatically increased over the last three years: SAT scores are consistent with national averages, and a higher percentage of our students take the SAT than both the national and state average. Our teachers are affiliated with professional development organizations, most notably Mrs. Anderson’s role as President-elect for the Northwest Math Council. With such dedicated teachers, it is no surprise that Lakeside has shown such steady growth in WASL scores and student interest in math.

Lakeside High School’s Math Courses

Integrated Algebra/Geometry 1A
Advances students’ mathematical understanding along interwoven strands of algebra, geometry, interpreting and creating graphs, patterns of change, linear models, and circuits. The program emphasizes mathematical modeling and modeling concepts including data collection, representation, interpretation, prediction, and simulation.
Integrated Algebra/Geometry 1B
Advances students’ mathematical understanding along interwoven strands of algebra and functions, exponential models, probability, matrices, transformations, and statistical correlations. Integrated Algebra/Geometry 2
Advances students’ mathematical understanding along interwoven strands of power models (inverse variation, quadratic, radical), right triangular trigonometry, probability, network optimization, and solving algebraic equations by factoring or applying the quadratic equation.
Integrated Algebra/Trigonometry 3
Develops student ability to represent and draw inferences about algebraic relations and functions using symbolic expressions and manipulations. The course covers the following topics: formalization of function concept, notation, domain, and range; use of polynomial, exponential, and rational expressions; properties and application of real numbers; solving equations and inequalities by factoring and using the quadratic formula; and algebraic proof.
Integrated Pre-Calculus/Statistics
Advances students’ mathematical understanding along interwoven strands of motion, logarithmic functions, binomial distributions and statistical inference, polynomial and rational functions, and space geometry.
Algebra II
This course reviews and extends algebraic concepts and skills and introduces the trigonometry of right triangles, circular functions, logarithms, vectors, and angular velocity. Students are expected to achieve a high level of proficiency in algebraic manipulation and to develop competence in solving applied problems.
Pre-Calculus
This course covers number sequences, series, matrices, and limits. Trigonometric functions and identities, log functions, vectors and analytic geometry are taught. Students are introduced to derivatives and integrals.
AP Calculus
This course is designed as a college-level class. Emphasis is placed on differentiation and integration in both application and theory. The course is designed to raise the mathematical maturity of students and prepare them for advanced placement at the college level. The class is also a preparation course for the AP exam.