Mathematics
The Glenbrook South Mathematics Department has an extensive curriculum designed to meet individual student needs. With over 20 unique course offerings, including 5 AP courses, a college dual credit course, and Geometry in Construction, the curriculum and programming are designed to foster and promote inquiry, collaboration, and problem solving.
Our course progression and sequencing is designed to build a strong common foundation and offer choices later in a student’s high school pathway. This enables students to work toward their goals in the realm of college and career as they progress.
Calculator Requirement
A common calculator is required of all students at Glenbrook South. The Texas Instruments (TI) nspire CAS calculator is required for math and science classes at GBS. The newest version is the TI-nspire CAS CX but older nspire CAS versions are acceptable. All students will use the same calculator and the teacher will use it exclusively for calculator-based instruction and demonstration purposes.
The designation “CAS” in the name stands for Computer Algebra System. It empowers students to solve, factor, symbolically manipulate expressions, etc. At times this tool will be used to assist in exploring concepts, to allow students to delve deeper into a problem, or to more appropriately focus on the lesson at hand. At other times the teacher will recognize the inherent value of a skill and the calculators will be disallowed. There will be occasions where assessments will be given that do not permit the use of this calculator or where appropriate work must be shown.
The TI-nspire CAS is allowed on Advanced Placement exams, the SAT, and many other standardized tests but is not allowed on the ACT. Students may borrow a non-CAS nspire calculator through the main office for the ACT. Note that no calculator of any kind is allowed on the science portion of the ACT test.
The ability to upgrade the operating system (at no expense) extends the life of the calculator through high school, college, and beyond.
The nspire CAS calculator is not available in some stores due to many options being on the market and due to lots of online shopping. Our model calculator will be for sale in the GBS Bookstore and can be purchased online. Amazon tends to be a good source with competitive pricing. Please be sure to purchase the CAS version. There is a resale market for used devices, but make sure to get a charger if it is a rechargeable model (which most are, unless they are several years old and run on AAA batteries).
To learn more information about the calculator, check out the Texas Instruments website.
Student Support
Classroom Teacher
Of course the first and most natural person to see for help in math is the classroom teacher. Teachers share when they are free and how to best coordinate meeting. Typically, students will work with their teacher in the Mathematics Office (Room 2345) or at some of the tables just outside the office.
- Open 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ( 4 p.m. on Fridays)
- The Titan Learning Center (TLC) offers support in all subjects. For academic help, there are peer tutors and qualified adults available to assist students. Peer tutors are trained, vetted, and assigned according to the classes they are most qualified to tutor. Walk-ins are welcome.
Online Resources
There are a variety of high quality resources available online. From instructional videos to interactive homework help sites, there are many great options and many that are completely free.