Our Common Core 7 class is designed to build a solid foundation for Algebra classes. We focus on the basic concepts students will need in the next few years, and provide students with the training required for upper-level math courses. We dedicate a special portion of class time to training students in how to handle word problems, and show them how to transform the necessary written information into algebraic equations. Together with Algebra 1, students are trained to master the fundamental algebra skills necessary for future success in their math coursework
Common Core 8 class continues and reinforce the mathematical concepts in Common Core 7. At this stage, we still dedicate a significant portion of class time to training students in how to handle word problems, and show them how to transform the necessary written information into algebraic equations. Besides that, students are trained to “know why” instead of “know how” and “know what” in the class to spark their thinking. Together with Common Core 1 and Algebra 1, students are trained to master the fundamental algebra skills necessary for future success in their math coursework.
Common Core 7/8 is far more rigorous than Common Core 7, focuses on building fundamental skills needed in Algebra 1 and Geometry classes. In our Common Core 7/8 class, we still dedicate a good portion of class time to word problems which emphasize real world applications. All the basic types of word problems are trained in Common Core 7 and Common Core 7/8 classes. Together with Algebra 1, students are trained to master the fundamental algebra skills necessary for future success in their math coursework.
Algebra 1 class is the gate to the advanced math such as Geometry and Algebra 2. All the fundamental skills used in Algebra and Geometry are trained in Algebra 1 class. Algebra 1 is crucial to the success of students’ mathematics life. It is important for students to master the Algebra 1 topics before they go to high school for advanced classes. Our Algebra 1 class puts a lot of effort on application in Geometry and Algebra 2 in order to help students transition to the next levels.
Geometry class has two areas of emphasis. One is the logic training provided by proving theorems, and the other is the problem solving training developed through applying Geometry and Algebra skills, a training somewhat similar to the defining variables and setting up word problems. Both types of training are crucial to students’ future development, as even Geometry is generally used in certain fields. By combining these two types of training, we connect the use of Algebra skills to the Geometry concepts.
Algebra 2 class focuses on the advanced topics of the Algebra field. However, we teach our students how to set up problems and equations so that, despite the introduction of new concepts, the calculation remains simple. Our Algebra 2 class greatly emphasizes the understanding of new concepts, especially functions, logarithm, series, probability and trigonometry, and other topics with which most students experience difficulty.
Note: “(word problems)” specifies the chapters with a significant number of word problems.
Pre-Calculus (Math Analysis) continues the concept development offered in Algebra 2, but delves deeper into the concepts and the calculation becomes much more rigorous. Trigonometry concepts and their numerous applications are very much emphasized to make sure students are ready for the challenge of Calculus.
Note: “(word problems)” specifies the chapters with a significant number of word problems.
AP Calculus begins with understanding the concept of limits and follows with the concepts of differentiation and integration. We have two focuses in our Calculus class. One is the development of the students’ understanding of the ambiguous concepts of limits, differentials, derivatives and finally integration. The other one is the development of their analytical and problem solving skills. Even though Calculus is time consuming, we do not encourage students to purely memorize the formulas to save time. Instead, we emphasize the thorough understanding and utilization of basic concepts, the basis for the formulas and the ability to derive them when necessary.
MT Learning Center’s English Program is designed to reinforce and build upon fundamental skills in writing and reading comprehension necessary to academic achievement. We would like all our students to be lifelong readers and writers, as the ability to critically analyze works and to write well will serve them well in every aspect of their academic and future professional lives.
All classes will have the following assignments: grammar exercises, vocabulary development, reading, essay composition, reading comprehension questions, preparing for class discussion, outside research to related topics, and in-class quizzes and essays. Periodically, we will send home a sample of students’ work so that parents can see some of the assignments we have been doing in class, the progress the students are making, and the areas of weakness that we continually try to strengthen. Parents may also ask their students to see the reading assignments given.
All the books assigned are in the form of photocopied handouts, so that parents are not inconvenienced and asked to buy books, and so students can take notes on the book as they read. Note-taking on the reading is highly encouraged to improve student comprehension and to help with the in-class reading quizzes and essays.
The books we read in class are a mixture of classic and contemporary novels. All are above grade level. Classes assign books that are not only written by literary prize winning authors, but also expose students to different writing styles, which better prepares them for the diverse types of reading they will eventually have to do for the SAT and in college courses.
Reading assignments range from 50-100+ pages of reading a week, in addition to any other grammar, vocabulary or writing assignments. Even though we do not meet as often as regular school English classes, students will read more books in our classes than they are assigned in their school English classes. For those students in schools that participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program, our English classes help them exceed their outside reading expectations.
Note: Parents, if your student’s school English teachers have mentioned any areas of weakness in your student, please let the instructor know and he/she can add certain things to the curriculum to give your student extra help. Also, students are encouraged to bring in their school writing assignments, or English projects, for review and editing. The instructor will be happy to help guide the students and answer any questions.
AP Chemistry also known as Advanced Placement Chemistry. An exam is offered by the College Board to allow students to show their knowledge of the subject and earn college-level credit. This course was designed for students with interest in chemistry, physical sciences, or biological sciences.
AP Biology is also known as Advanced Placement Biology. An exam is offered by the College Board to allow students to show their knowledge of the subject and earn college-level credit. This course was designed for students with interest in biology and physical sciences.
AP Physics also known as Advanced Placement Physics. An exam is offered by the College Board to allow students to show their knowledge of the subject and earn college-level credit. This course was designed for students with interest in physical sciences.