"Maine West can truly be proud of its mathematics department, for we feel that it is one of the nation's best," commented Mr. Norman Ladd, chairman of the department. "Our 13 math teachers are outstanding," he added. "Our instructors would be a welcome addition to many colleges and universities in the country. All would be gladly accepted by any high school in the nation. Year‑long or summer‑length institutes have been attended by 11 of these teachers. Since all of them have their M.A. degrees, this work would be classified as training beyond their master's.''

Several teachers have participated in year‑long institutes. Among these are Mr. Leonard Callen, Mr. Larew Collister, and Mr. Ladd, Chicago university; Mr. Dean Gould, Iowa; and Mr. Edwin Smith, Virginia.

Highly Recognized

The math department is highly developed at West. The student taking a course in college algebra, analytical geometry, trigonometry, or calculus is given full college credit for that course because the standard at which it is taught is considered, by any college in the United States, as equal to college standard teaching.

From general math to college calculus, West is prepared to fill the needs of any student. The 13 courses offered are more than sufficient.

Last year for the first time West students took part in the annual High School Mathematics contest. They placed 29 out of 253 participating schools. The average freshman entering college has a College Board score of 565 points in math. The West average senior has an average of 580. The student from Maine West entering a college math class will find that his preparation is in most cases superior to other students in that class.

In the future, Mr. Ladd forecasts an amazing change in the methods of introducing a student to higher math. "Algebra I will be taught in the seventh and eighth grades, and Algebra II in the ninth grade. Plane and Solid geometry will be subjects for the sophomore, while the average junior will be studying college algebra and trigonometry.