Departmental Philosophy
The goal of the Butler Junior High Mathematics department is to create life-long mathematical learners and problem solvers who can connect math with other disciplines. We believe a firm grounding in essential concepts and skills will allow students to communicate their understanding of mathematics effectively. In addition, we feel that the use of appropriate technological skills will further enhance these capabilities. By using this approach, we endeavor to foster a positive attitude about mathematics in our students.
Overview of Curriculum
The Butler 53 Mathematics Program is written in accordance with The Illinois Standards for School Mathematics. The goals are aligned into five content standards, which include: Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability. These standards are not a sequential guide for instruction but an organization of objectives under a common topic. Butler Junior High students build upon knowledge mastered in the early grades. They will use their skills to compute with all real numbers, and gradually apply their knowledge to more advanced situations. The content will also highlight rational numbers and algebraic thinking. Students will develop fluency in solving multi-step equations and modeling linear functions. Problem solving is stressed at each grade level in every course. Because a student's mathematical reasoning matures over time, we utilize ability grouping. Teachers also continually assess students to ensure a successful math experience.
About the Faculty
Mrs. Harte began her teaching career at Butler in 1992. Her past teaching experience includes the Milwaukee Public School System and Roosevelt Junior High in Dolton, Illinois. Mrs. Harte's undergraduate education was completed at Marquette University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has a graduate degree from National Louis University in Math Education. Mrs. Harte coaches the Butler Junior High Math Team.
Ms. Lareau has been teaching at Butler Junior High since 2005. Her previous teaching experience includes jobs at Westmont Junior High and Waukegan High School. Her undergraduate degree in Math Education was achieved at Elmhurst College. In addition she has a degree in School Counseling from Lewis University. Ms. Lareau is the coach of the Butler Girls Basketball team. She also coaches the Math Team and is the faculty co-advisor for the Butler Junior High student council.
Course Descriptions
Students in math are placed in a level according to their ability. The chart below gives a general overview of the layout of the Butler math department curriculum. For a more detailed explanation of the curriculum, consult the parent friendly brochures or your child's math teacher.
| Grade Level |
Course offering |
| Sixth Grade |
Pre-algebra |
| Seventh Grade |
Algebra, Pre-Algebra |
| Eighth Grade |
Geometry, Algebra, Pre-Algebra |
| Course Offering |
Major Topics of Study |
| Pre-Algebra |
Decimals, Fractions, Percentages, Geometry, Integers,Algebraic Equations, Probability, Statistics
|
| Algebra |
Integers, Expressions, Linear Equations, Inequalities, Systems of Equations, Exponents, Quadratic Equations, Rational Expressions and Equations, Radicals and Probability |
| Geometry |
Properties of: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals and circles, Congruence, Perpendicularity, Parrallelism, Area, Similarity, Coordinate Geometry, Three Dimensional Geometry, Geometric Probability, Mathematical system, Logic and Proof |
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