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Math is so much more than most high school students initially think.
For many, it’s simply about getting through the basic math courses and requirements to graduate. But if you give math a chance to make its case, you will discover many possibilities that will benefit you both in the short and long term.
It is true, math comprehension is about the skills students acquire to navigate from one math course to another on a graduation path. But it is also about gaining lifelong skills to accomplish daily tasks and to set and reach goals beyond high school, according to Tricia Kehn, a former high school math teacher who currently serves as the Math/Science Specialist at UNHS.
While in high school, math skills are applied throughout all of your courses— from reading a graph in American history, to completing a chemistry experiment, to understanding the rhythm in music and dance.
Statistics show that students in general are not taking enough math-based courses in high school to prepare them for their post-secondary journey.
“Many students see math as hard, boring or both,” Kehn states. “But by not taking math courses in high school they struggle with concepts and skills that are needed for admission to higher education or that will help them in their careers.”
According to CollegeBoard, the level of math a student reaches in high school has a direct correlation to their ACT and SAT score, which impacts entrance requirements to colleges, universities, and technical schools.
For life beyond your education, your math skills can help you:
- Save for college, an automobile, or a house
- Build your credit score
- Understand your health as applied to blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and calories
- Develop critical thinking, problem solving and deductive logic and reasoning skills
Your math skills can also have a significant impact on your career choice. Many employers are looking to fill entry-level positions with employees who have at least completed Second Year Algebra in high school. For a listing of math concepts required for various tech fields, check out the British Columbia Institute of Technology Math Department’s “Table of Examples of Math in Technical Fields.”
As you consider enrolling in a math course from the University of Nebraska High School, you may find the math placement tests helpful. The UNHS math program is based on high school graduation requirements and the rigors of math standards. The non-credit placement exams in algebra and geometry help students determine the appropriate level of math course to begin in; however, placement tests are not required to enroll.
"My hope is that no matter what math course a student enrolls in, the student understands that their effort is very much worth it. Taking math courses beyond what is required will be challenging, but it will pay off far beyond high school!"Tricia Kehn, Math/Science Specialist
Start off your math journey on the right path – take an algebra or geometry placement test today. In recognition of Math Awareness Month, UNHS is offering math placement tests free during the month of April!