Ninth Grade can be one of the most daunting years in math because of the amount content covered. Students who have worked diligently in previous years normally find the challenge quite manageable and even fun and interesting. This year in math class, students will solve problems, learn to reason, look for patterns, make conjectures, explore strategies, and make connections. This course will require students to gain a deeper understanding of some the preliminary algebra concepts they’ve experienced in their schooling to date. Students will be taught fundamental concepts with regard to the study of higher mathematics and the goal will be for each student to make significant gains (in terms of grade level proficiency) in relationship to the Common Core State Mathematics Standards (CCSS) and Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP). Students will be asked to communicate their ideas to others, as well as, to apply knowledge in a variety of individual tasks. Students will be encouraged to present their solutions using verbal articulation, written explanations and visual displays.