Connections to the California Mathematics Academic Content Standards are included in all courses.
Intermediate algebra is a prerequisite for all college level courses.
Emphasis is placed on increasing mathematical content knowledge in areas that may be unfamiliar or commonly misunderstood by the teaching professional. They learn how to start on any mathematical question, how to attack it effectively, and how to learn from the experience. By studying and practicing processes of inquiry, participants improve their mathematical thinking habits of mind. Contexts that develop or apply mathematical concepts described in the California Mathematics Academic Content Standards, especially algebra, are included. This course is the first in a series of two courses where teachers study, from a more advanced standpoint, topics in mathematics which they are expected to teach.