"A place to build your child's faith"

One of the founding principles of Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School is a strong focus on the highest quality academic standards with a focus on reading, writing, science, religion and mathematics. Mathematics is an area that is extremely important in the overall education of our children—having strong connections and applications in the areas of science and technology.  Currently there are two very divergent philosophies in mathematics education. Traditionally, mathematics was taught as a “basic.” That is, children learned their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts through drill and practice -- completing page after page of problems with an occasional “story problem” thrown in as a challenge. Students knew their basic facts well under this approach, but applying this knowledge was often more difficult. The current trend in mathematics education is to have children apply mathematical concepts in everyday, real-life situations. That is, students should not know mathematics in order to solve pages of math problems, but they should instead apply mathematical concepts to solve problems in the context in which they would encounter these problems in life. Strict proponents of this philosophy would dismiss learning addition, subtraction, and multiplication and division facts as wasted time when calculators and computers can accomplish these tasks far more efficiently.

Both philosophies hold some merit and need not be mutually exclusive. At Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School we will blend these two philosophies -- using the best of both concepts -- to create what we believe will be an extremely strong mathematics program. The current trend of applying mathematics in everyday life has disregarded a very important element in education. That is, students cannot apply what they do not know! Therefore, students at Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School will learn their basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It is not only OK, but it is essential for students to memorize these facts as the tools they will use in all of their mathematical endeavors. When they have the correct tools -- in the form of knowing their basic facts -- children should be able to apply these facts to solve problems. 

Mathematics curriculum philosophy statement
The Saint Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School math curriculum strives to instill confidence in students by providing a solid foundation in fundamental mathematical skills preparing students to use the analytical concepts and mathematical reasoning necessary to perform real world problem solving. We are committed to challenging students and maintaining high academic standards.

Texts and materials
During the 2004/2005 school year Saint Ambrose of Woodbury underwent a review of its mathematics curriculum. The review committee recommended keeping the current materials that are in use in grades K-5. That is, the 1999 Kindergarten Math program published by Scott Foresman, which works in conjunction with the Kindergarten Math Their Way program. Math Their Way is the most widely used concept at the kindergarten level in the Twin Cities. It teaches patterning, sequencing, observation and basic mathematical skills through an age-appropriate hands on approach. 

Grades 1-5 use the Math Central program, which is published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. This program does an excellent job of meeting our mathematics philosophy. That is it allows for a solid foundation in skills and creative real world problem solving in a manner that is well suited and complementary of each other.In junior high students are ability grouped for mathematics. In sixth grade students will complete either the regular sixth grade math course “Middle School Math Course 1” or a a seventh grade math course “Middle School Math Course 2” both published by Scott Foresman. In 7th grade students will complete the regular seventh grade math course “Middle School Math Course 2” or an eighth grade “Pre-algebra” course published by McDougal Littel. In 8th grade students will complete either the regular eighth grade course “Pre-algebra” or the advanced high school level “Algebra” course published by McDougal Littel. 

Accelerated Math
In fall of 2005 Saint Ambrose of Woodbury purchased the Accelerated Math program for implementation in grades 3-7. Accelerated math allows the teacher to put the power of technology to work to meet the diverse needs of all of the children in their classroom. While all students continue to be responsible for completion of the core mathematics curriculum, Accelerated Math allows students to progress through mathematical concepts at their own pace. This program monitors student progress in math and is continually assessing their mastery of key objectives. As objectives are mastered, students are assigned more complicated objectives on which they can work. Assigned objectives can assist students who need additional practice in mathematics or can challenge students for whom mathematics comes easily. The classroom teacher facilitates the learning by acting as a resource in the classroom.