8th Grade Mathematics Course Syllabus
Dutchtown Middle School
Kimberly Benson
Course Description:
The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them be successful. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in high school, college and careers. Please visit https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Pages/Math-6-8.aspx for a complete list of the 8th grade math CCGPS. Below is a brief description of each 8th grade math unit.
1st Semester:
§ Unit 1 - Transformations, Congruence & Similarity: Students will understand the difference between figures that are congruent and similar and be able to apply that knowledge to transformations.
§ Unit 2 - Exponents: Students will work with radicals and integer exponents, solve linear equations, and understand the difference between rational and irrational numbers.
§ Unit 3 - Geometry: Students will understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
§ Unit 4 - Functions: Students will define, evaluate and compare functions.
2nd Semester:
§ Unit 5 - Linear Functions: Students will understand the relationship between slope and unit rate, as well as the characteristics of lines y=mx and y=mx + b.
§ Unit 6 - Linear Models: Students will investigate patterns of association between two variables.
§ Unit 7 - Systems of Equations: Students will solve pairs of linear equations.
Grading policy: The grading policy is consistent throughout the entire math department at Dutchtown Middle School and was established according to the guidelines set forth in the county handbook. Grades will be calculated using the following percentages:
Homework 10% Quizzes 20% Classwork 25% Tests 30% Semester Exam 15%
Grade reports will be sent home every 4½ weeks. Parents are expected to sign and return the grade report within 48 hours. Grade reports will be returned to the student after the parent signature is verified.
REMIND 101: To sign up for math notifications via text, text @bensons8 to (678)905-9258 or via email, send an email to (You can leave the subject blank.)
Textbooks: Henry County has adopted an electronic math textbook (flexbook) that can be accessed through Mrs. Chaffin’s webpage. From the DMS webpage, select “teachers.”
Infinite Campus/Grades Online: Henry County Schools provides parents and students access to grades via the Internet.
Parents can access their code and Infinite Campus by going to the Self-help Web Access link on the school’s website.
Students can get their access code by seeing any academic teacher and access Infinite Campus through the school’s website.
Materials: To be prepared for class, you will be expected to bring the following each day.
· 3-ring binder with dividers, graph paper, pencils, covered pencil sharpener, dry erase marker, scientific calculator, colored pencils
· School Grid
Parent/Student Acknowledgement of Mathematics Syllabus
Dutchtown Middle School
I have read the syllabus and hereby agree with the stated requirements. I will use this syllabus as a guide to aid in the academic success of my child.
Please sign and return this page of the syllabus to your math teacher.
Parent Signature______Date______
Student Signature______Date______
Parent Contact Information:
We believe that communication between school and home is crucial to your child’s success. Please provide the following information so that we can better communicate with you regarding your child’s progress throughout the school year. If your contact information changes, please contact the school with updated contact information.
Parent Email (please print): ______
Phone Numbers: ______Best time to contact at this number______
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Comments or Concerns: