Mathematics Instructor: Dominic Nocera

Background

Mr. Nocera has been a teacher at the DCYF Alternative Education Program for 24 years. He received a MA in Economics, and a MS in Statistics from the University of Connecticut. He is currently on the roster at Rhode Island College to teach courses in Mathematical Models in Economics, and Business Statistics.

Curriculum of Instruction

The curriculum of instruction must vary with student needs and abilities. Thus, the instructor may be relied upon to teach several courses of varying ability, at the same time. The courses described below covers the breadth of coursework that is available to any student.

Financial mathematics and literacy

This course covers basic finance and investments, including cash flow, passive income, stock market, real estate and business investing, as well as, return on investments and balance sheets. It will also cover personal financial decisions, such as mortgages and budgeting.

TI-83 Calculator:

In a world dominated by technology, having a knowledge of how to use the programmable graphics calculator introduces the student to using technology to solve math problems, and provides an introduction to basic coding. This one calculator can be used by a student right through to their bachelor’s degree, signifying its importance in the high school curriculum.

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 is a survey of the linear and quadratic equations, together with all the tools that would be needed to manipulate, access, and solve these linear and quadratic equations. The subjects learned are variables, polynomials, linear equations, proportions, and quadratic equations.

Geometry

Geometry is the study of flat and 3 dimensional shapes. The course covers referencing parts of shapes and graphs, segments, angles, triangles. All of the basic geometry theorems are covered, culminating in the Pythagorean theorem. Some basic trigonometry is also covered.

Algebra 2

As Algebra 2 is an extension of Algebra 1, the course covers the linear and quadratic equations in more depth, adding to them the concepts of variation and conic sections. In addition, exponential functions, matrices, and probability are covered.

Pre-Calculus

There are several topics after Algebra 2 that must be covered prior to a student taking a beginning course in calculus. These topics are covered in precalculus. These topics include series and sequences, polynomial equations, exponential functions, and essential trigonometry.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is a complete course of the circular functions that covers, not only essential trigonometry for precalculus, but includes complex numbers, Euler’s theorem and argand graphs.

Calculus

Calculus is the bedrock of any college curriculum and the student can start off on the right footing when they are ready for this challenging course. Topics include: Limits, the derivative and its applications, and the integral and its applications.

AP courses:

In addition to the basic high school curriculum the DCYF Alternative Education Program is adequately equipped to teach several advanced placement courses listed below.

• Statistics
• Calculus A/B
• Calculus B/C
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics

Extra-curricular:

In addition to all the academic work that is available at the DCYF Alternative Education Program, there is also the opportunity to receive advanced coaching in chess, a game that can improve a student’s skills in logic, and concentration. A student can learn the fundamentals of chess, such as opening, and endgame theory, as well as middle game strategy.