8 Purple, gave an overview of the science department. It will be incorporated as time and money allows. Curriculum is aligned with the district and state standards. 7th grade math is taught at two levels, either Pre-Algebra or Review of elementary work and skills. Students are assigned based on 6th grade teacher recommendation and parent request.
All classes work towards consistency and computation efficiency.
8th grade math focuses on more problem solving, data analysis, and probability. Students are grouped by Pre-Algebra or Algebra based on their previous year's assignment. Both Math and Science departments said they now focus on less topics overall during the year than they used to but go more in-depth on the ones they do cover. It was stressed that the purpose of this discussion should be to try to refine Deer Creek's philosophy and guidelines for homework, not institute a formal policy that takes control away from teams and individual teachers. The guidelines developed by this committee last year were reviewed and an article handed out to the committee at a prior meeting was discussed.