Pre-Calculus Outcomes

Suggested Pre-KAMS Curriculum information for Parents and School Counselors

KAMS is a major commitment by the student, parents or guardians, sending school, Fort Hays State University,
and the state of Kansas. KAMS is selective in its admissions. Students must be academically prepared to enter
KAMS. They also must demonstrate social and behavioral maturity. Preparing to apply for KAMS begins as early as
7^th grade. All students applying to KAMS must have successfully completed, at a minimum, Geometry and Algebra
II. Starting in middle school, potential KAMS students should seize every opportunity to take the most challenging
and advanced coursework available.

Middle school students considering KAMS, should look closely at the high school graduation requirements for the
local school and the KAMS curriculum. KAMS applicants must carefully choose their 9^th and 10^th grade coursework
to assure that they complete those locally offered courses and special requirements that are not part of the KAMS
curriculum.

Table 1 provides the suggested 9^th and 10^th grade curriculum for students considering an application to the Kansas
Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS). The identified course work provides a sample of minimum
coursework in preparation for KAMS .

Table 1. Suggested 9^th and 10^th Grade Curriculum at the Local High School:

*US History may be taken in place of World History.

When reviewing the proposed course sequence, potential KAMS students should consult with their academic
counselor to assure that local graduation requirements will be met through the 9^th and 10^th grade courses when
combined with the KAMS curriculum (see Table 2). While the KAMS staff will work with each student to assure
completion of all requirements for local graduation, final responsibility lies with the students and
parents/guardians.

If a student has completed the equivalent KAMS courses in History, English, or Communications at his or her local
school, elective courses at KAMS may be selected pending approval by the KAMS academic counselor. A
mathematics placement test will be used to determine appropriate placement. A student whose scores allow
her/him to be placed in Calculus will have a 3 hour free elective during her/his first semester of the Junior year.
Appendix A of this document identifies the course outcomes of the Pre-Calculus Class. Please use this to help
identify the preparation needed at the local high school and also in considering advanced KAMS placement in
mathematics.

Table 2. Kansas Academy of Mathematics & Science Curriculum for a Typical Entering Student:

* World History if US History requirements were previously met
+ Course being developed
% Course title determined by the department selected for research

Counselor and Parent Course Alignment in Meeting State Minimum High School
Graduation Requirements

The following tables (Table 3 through Table 9) are provided as a reference in determining coursework for meeting
state and local high school graduation requirements. This is based on the following minimums: 4 Units of
English, 3 Units of History and Government, 3 Units of Science, 3 Units of Mathematics, 1 Unit of Physical
Education, 1 Unit of Fine Arts, 6 Units of Electives. Local requirements should be considered in planning.

Table 3. English (4, but can be waived to 3)

+ Course under development
% Title will vary by department

Table 4. Fine Arts and/or Practical Arts (1*)
[TO BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLETED PRIOR TO ATTENDING KAMS]

* Local variations on number of units

Table 5. History and Government (3)
[Must include: World History, US History, Government, Economic/Geography, Kansas]

*World History if the US History Requirement is previously met