Evolution of math
programs in French high schools
Yves Coudert
Math Teacher – France
12th April 2013
Pan European EDU Conference
Evolution of math programs : Main steps
1st year
Ien
Sept 2009
2nd year
3rd year
Sept 2011
“Transitory program”
< ------------
Sept 2012
High School --------------->
Sept 2013
Main changes
 One of the objective of the program is to train pupils to scientific
reasoning.
 Pupils should be able to use tools (calculators or computers) to solve
problems.
 Pupils should use these tools to visualize, simulate and calculate in
order to develop investigation skills.
 Pupils should also develop algorithmic and programming skills by
using their graphic calculator or a computer.
 When solving problems, the use of formal calculation should limit the
work dedicated to “technical calculations” in order to be focus on
reasoning.
Skills to be reached by pupils
• Be able to test out and to propose a conjecture using a graphic calculator (or a computer)
• Be able to use the statistics, table, recursion, spreadsheet, graph and program applications
of a graphic calculator (or a computer) to solve different problems
• Be able to understand and use formal calculation (calculator or computer software)
Calculating and programming skills with a graphic calculator can be evaluated
Main fields :
- Functions : Calculation for different values with table, programming,
drawing and graph solver, integration and derivation tools
- Series : recursion, table, graph, program and spreadsheet
- Statistics : mean, median, interquartile range calculation, programming
graphs (Scat, Pie, MedBox, Bar, Hist)
- Fluctuation of sampling frequency : random, sequence functions and programming
- Equations: simultaneous, polynomial (simple or quadratic) and solver
- Others : complex number, matrix calculation
Use of graphic calculators in High School
Important facts :
•All the pupils must have a graphic calculator to be used during the class for
different activities and at home to solve problems.
• Calculators are authorized for math final exams.
• The graphic calculator is often chosen the first year of High School (« seconde »
level).
• Teachers usually recommend to choose one or two specific model(s) depending
on their ability to use different calculators.
• But, few teachers recommend to choose formal calculators.
• Graph 35 + USB is very popular.
• Most of the pupils keep their calculator until the end of high school.
DI3 common graphic calculators
at high school level
2 formal calculators : less common …
Examples of activities in class
Programming
Syracuse series
with Graph35+ USB
Interest : Conjecture
Function analysis
Drawing a curve and
the tangent line in a value
Formal calculation
Using ClassPad manager
in class to explain a result
and train pupil to formal screen
Example of subjects for final exam
(Terminale S June 2012 )
Algorithmic
Pupils should be able to understand the different
steps of the algorithm to calculate a serie and give
the output of the program.
Calculation
Pupils should use a calculator to find the smallest
integer in order that from that rank the serie is
higher that a given value.
Example of subjects for final exam
(Terminale ES June 2011 )
Formal calculation
Pupils should be able to understand
and explain the different commands
and answers given by the calculator.
Example of subjects for final exam
(Terminale ES June 2012 )
Screen of a calculator
Pupil should explain how to modify the
view window to visualize the maximum
and read with the graphic when the
function is positive.
Finally, to solve an equation with his
graphic calculator
CONCLUSION
 The new math programs require to train more the pupils with
calculator to solve problems and develop their skills in programming.
 Formal calculators are not required for exams but pupils should be
trained to formal calculation. Some high school buy formal calculators
to train them.
 In high school, teachers often ask to be trained by CASIO, mainly for
programming with Graph 35 + USB or Fx-CG 20.

Teachers must test pupils calculation skills using calculator during all
the studies and prepare them to the new targets of final exams.