Huntington Clarifies Prerequisite for New Math Course
The new Harvard Pre-Calculus course that will debut at Huntington High School next fall requires students to have attained a minimum 85 average on tests taken for the class in which they are currently enrolled.
“For example, a student currently enrolled in our Math B2 class will be eligible for recommendation to Harvard Pre-Calculus if they maintain a minimum 85 average on tests taken during that school year,” said Wayne Edwards, director of math.
Huntington is using the test average instead of waiting for a final course grade due to the need to determine as soon as possible, the number of students who are both interested and qualified to enroll in the new course.
Mr. Edwards said that “in order to make adequate plans with regards staffing, number of course sections, and the like, we use the test averages to determine eligibility for recommendations. The test average is a pretty good predictor of student report card grades.”
The course, which was approved by School Board members in January, is the result of a partnership between Huntington and Nassau Community College, which will grant students four college credits (if they choose that option) upon completion of the class. Students will also earn one high school credit toward graduation. (The college credits can be transferred to about 99 percent of colleges across the country.)
“We are very excited about the partnership and look forward to the opportunities students will have,” Mr. Edwards said. “Prospective students will come from our Math B-Accelerated (10th grade honors) class and juniors currently enrolled in Math B2. Letters of invitation have been sent to the families of these students to attend a meeting to find out more about the program.”
The meeting is scheduled for Thurs. Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in room 140 at Huntington High School. Two professors, including the NCC program director, Ellen Schmierer, will be on hand to explain the program in greater detail and answer questions.
The Huntington Math department’s decision to require an 85 average in prior study sets the bar higher than that imposed by NCC, which asks that students have at least a 75 average in math classes taken over the previous three years. Mr. Edwards said the prerequisite of a higher average was a department decision made “in order to ensure a smooth transition for students to a course of this rigor.”
Huntington students will be eligible to receive college credit for finite mathematics, pre-calculus or calculus without ever leaving the high school building or disrupting their normal schedules, as a result of the partnership.
The new course replaces Huntington’s current pre-calculus course. (A separate AP Pre-Calculus BC course will continue to be offered.) Students will not be required to take the new course for college credit. Teachers of the course must complete special training at NCC.
For more information contact Mr. Edwards at 673-2077 or wedwards@hufsd.edu.
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