The Taipei American School Upper School Mathematics Department has decided to change five math course names, which will better reflect their difficulty and in two cases, give them honors status. Geometry with Proof is now Honors Geometry, Honors Geometry with Proof is now Honors Advanced Geometry, Algebra 2 is now Honors Algebra 2, and Honors Calculus A is now Honors Precalculus & Differential Calc.
“The decision to give honors status to two courses was made when comparing the TAS math curriculum to other independent schools (comparable to TAS in mission and college preparation). Students taking these two courses would earn honors credit at comparable schools,” Upper School Mathematics Department Chair Mr. Dan Uhlman says.
TAS Upper School currently has two honors courses and one college preparatory course at the Precalculus and Calculus levels, and now will have a consistent alignment with two honors courses and one college prep course at the Algebra 2 and Geometry levels. Mr. Uhlman explains that the new names make it easier for colleges to see when students are challenging themselves with TAS’ most advanced math courses and are able to quickly reach AP Calculus BC without taking AP Calculus AB first.
The changes in these math course names are retroactive for all current TAS Upper School students. “For example, a graduating senior who has Geometry with Proof and Algebra 2 in grades 9 and 10 on their transcript will have their transcripts updated to reflect Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2, along with the corresponding GPA adjustment,” Mr. Uhlman says. The plan to update student transcripts is already being implemented and should be completed by the end of the 2017-18 school year. Mr Uhlman concludes by saying, “Many students benefit and no students are penalized.”