Fundamentals of Math

FOM is a transitional course in our math curriculum designed to automate the upper level skills of arithmetic while introducing abstract arithmetic concepts.

Math Models

This course is designed for cadets who need a review or introduction to basic arithmetic operations before continuing to a higher level. Cadets in this course will build their skills in fractions, decimals, percentages, signed numbers, powers and roots. After mastering the basics, they will continue on to learn algebraic expressions and formulas, solving equations and inequalities, polynomials and factoring in preparation for higher-level classes like algebra II and pre-calculus. Additionally, cadets will build their geometry skills through angles, triangles, planes and solid figures. Before concluding the class, cadets will learn how to use graphs, maps and charts.

Algebra I

This course focuses on mathematical problem solving or the application of mathematical concepts in new situations. Cadets learn by working carefully designed problems that lead to the use of productive thought patterns utilizing concepts.

Algebra II

This course is designed to prepare cadets for pre-calculus. Cadets will continue to study area and volume and be introduced to more abstract geometric concepts, review prior algebra concepts and proceed through trigonometric ratios, rectangular and polar coordinates and on to changing from one coordinate system to the other.

Geometry

One of the main objectives of this course is to enhance cadets’ logical thinking skills. The course begins with an introduction to the basic concepts of geometry, such as lines, planes and points, then progresses to the study of various geometric shapes and their properties, and concludes with proofs.

Pre-Calculus

This course provides in-depth coverage of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry and upper level algebraic concepts. Cadets expand their understanding of mathematical concepts through the use of symbolic reasoning and analytical methods to represent mathematical situations, to express generalizations and study the relationships between them.

Advanced Mathematics

With a teacher's recommendation, cadets accelerating in math may take the first year (pre-calculus) and then proceed to calculus. All other cadets will continue with advanced math. Pre-calculus and advanced math provide in-depth coverage of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry and upper level algebraic concepts.

Calculus

An advanced placement (AP) course in calculus consists of a full high school academic year, which is comparable to college calculus coursework. It is expected that cadets who take AP calculus will seek college credit, college placement, or both, from institutions of higher learning.

Statistics

This course introduces cadets to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Cadets will be exposed to four major concepts: exploring data, planning a study, probability as it relates to distribution of data and inferential reasoning and modeling.

Honors and Advanced Placement

Math honors classes deal with more complex problems, greater depth and an accelerated pace.

The advanced placement program prepares cadets to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam for each of the courses offered. Currently, the MMA Mathematics Department offers statistics and calculus AP opportunities.

John Blackwell

Department Chair
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 746
Email: blackwell@MMA-TX.org
        
John Blackwell has lived in the Rio Grande Valley his entire life. He entered the U.S. Air Force directly after graduation from high school in 1966 and served for four years. He then attended Pan American University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math with a minor in physics and subsequently taught both courses in the public school system for 29 years.

Rick Scott
Teacher, Mathematics
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 708
Email: scott@MMA-TX.org
        
Rick Scott grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in mathematics. He taught high school math for five years before entering the insurance profession in 1974. After retiring from insurance in 2002, he moved to Harlingen where he taught at Rio Hondo High School from 2005 to 2007.

Lori Lazaro
Teacher, Mathematics
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 0
Email: lazaro@MMA-TX.org

Lori Lazaro grew up in Troy, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Math Education in 1994 from Brigham Young University and in 2010, received her Master of Science in Mathematics with a teaching emphasis from The University of Texas at Brownsville. Mrs. Lazaro has taught math at the secondary level for 17 years at various high schools and middle schools and dual enrollment college courses throughout the Rio Grande Valley.   

Rudy Parast
Teacher, Mathematics
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 0
Email: parast@MMA-TX.org

Rudy Parast has over 25 years of experience teaching and has taught at both the high school and college level. Mr. Parast attended the University of Washington in Seattle where he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1982 with a minor in chemistry and mathematics. The following year, he and his wife moved to the Rio Grande Valley, where she accepted a position with the Marine Military Academy. In 2001, he returned to school and earned his master's degree in mathematics from the University of Texas in Edinburg.