Math is one of the hardest classes a person can take.

And when nearly everyone in a particular class is struggling, this is where bigger problems arise.

“Usually, I love math and understand the things that are being taught,” said junior Nicole Alexander. “But since it is self-learning, it is hard for me to get the concept.”

New methods within the math department consist of supplying printed off notes, a renewed cell phone policy and self-learning, which is challenging students.

The changes are affecting the sanity of students as well.

When tests or quizzes arise, the stress level is raised due to the changing climate of instruction.

“The past two years of math I was at the top of the class, scoring the highest grades on tests and finishing each semester with my grades in the high 90’s,” said an anonymous junior. “I don’t mind a new challenge; I love it actually, but the fact is I have never been taught to learn this way.”

“This year is tossing us in a pool, and telling us to swim when we’ve never seen water before,” said this same student. “Most of us are drowning.”

The math department simply looked at past data, and past performance, and decided to alter their approach to classroom learning.

“What we are doing is preparing students for college and we noticed how students used to use steps and did this well but when they needed to apply it to a difference scenario they struggled,” said Chelle Hambleton, who teaches Algebra II and Geometry. “So our new department focus is giving education first and then asking questions and working through it.”