Accelerated Math 7/8 Expectations

Accelerated Math 7/8 Expectations

Math 8

Course Expectations 2016-17

Course Description:

Source: California Department of Education Mathematics Framework

Grade Eight: Instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, as well as solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping 2 the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Students also work toward fluency in solving sets of two simple equations with two unknowns by inspection.

Important considerations

1. The type of reasoning required to be successful in Math 8 is somewhat different from a course in Math

6. It would be unwise to assume that success in your last math class guarantees success here. A different approach may be required.

2. The depth of learning is proportional to the time you put in.

3. Active learning will be encouraged, and I will try to make you think about the material.

4. The object of each lecture is not so much to inform you of important facts, but rather to stimulate you to try and learn

about some concept.
5. Depth of learning is greatly enhanced when students work together. Therefore, some group work will be required and

student collaboration encouraged.
Homework (Practice)

Practice will be assigned daily. Practice should be completed on GRAPH PAPER. The date, assignment number and assignment must be written at the beginning of each assignment. Homework will be checked daily – it is expected that students will attempt all assigned problems everyday. All appropriate work should be shown in order to receive credit. Practice packets will be collected before each exam. No work will be accepted that is turned in late due to an unexcused absence. No late work will be accepted after an exam.

Due to time constraints it will not always be possible to review all homework problems in class. Therefore, the following strategy for students is strongly recommended.

1. Actively engage yourself in each lecture by paying attention, participating in class discussions/activities, and following

along in your textbook when appropriate. Make sure that you’ve done everything possible during class time in order

to be successful with the homework.

2. Do all homework problems in a meaningful way (I talk more about this in class). For problems that you can’t do, I

encourage posting questions on the class forums, asking questions in class the next day, and coming in for help after

school if necessary.

3. Based on your questions and feedback, I will choose problems to review from the homework that are most helpful for

understanding the concepts at hand. During this review you are strongly encouraged to engage yourself in how the

concepts we used to solve this problem might be used to solve others in the assignment.

Warm-ups

These are practice problems completed in class. Warm-ups are collected on the day of each exam. It is the student’s responsibility to get any warm-up problems they may have missed due to an absence, either from the instructor or a classmate.

Exams
Any exam missed due to an excused absence must be made up outside regular class time. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor to take the test within a number of days that is less then or equal to the number of days of their absence. Make-up exams are not curved, but are graded on a straight percentage. Any missed exams due to an unexcused absence will count as zero.

Quizzes

All exam policies mentioned above also apply to announced quizzes. Some quizzes may be done in groups; however, students always have the option of taking a group quiz individually provided that they make such a request prior to the start of the quiz. Some quizzes may be unannounced. Students who have an excused absence on the day of an unannounced quiz will be excused from taking it. Students with an unexcused absence will receive a zero.

Required Materials

The following should be brought to class everyday:

1. A three-ring binder containing some graph paper and all completed homework assignments for the quarter.

2. The three-ring binder must also contain 3 dividing tabs: 1st for notes, 2nd for homework and 3rd for quizzes

3. Two or more pencils (NO PENS)

4. Math 8 Big Ideas Textbook (This will be in class for students) Math 8 Big Ideas workbooks

5. A scientific calculator

*An acceptable scientific calculator will have, sin, cos, and tan keys. They cost anywhere from $10 to $15 and can be

purchased at a local drugstore. Please talk to me before buying an expensive calculator!

Classroom Behavior

Any behavior that in any way diminishes the learning environment in the classroom is not acceptable.
This includes, but is not limited to any off task behavior, lack of respect for other people, and not being prepared for class. Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings. I find students generally know what is and is not acceptable classroom behavior. I follow the discipline procedures as outlined by the school when necessary. School rules for attendance will be enforced.

Grading

I use a weighted grading system rather then total points.

Homework/In-class Work /Participation 30%

Extra Credit

There is a small amount of extra credit available. This is offered to help students make-up missed points caused by the inevitable infringement of real life upon their education. These precious few assignments are scattered throughout the semester and not saved until the very end. Students are encouraged to take advantage of them as they come.

Chapter Outline by Month (approximate timelines)

Math 3 Chapter 1 August

Math 3 Chapter 2 September

Math 3 Chapter 3 and BenchmarkOctober

Math 3 Chapter 4 November

Math 3 Chapter 5December

Benchmark and FinalDecember

Math 3 Chapter 6January

Math 3 Chapter 7 and Benchmark February

Math 3 Chapter 8March

Math 3 Chapter 9April

Math 3 Chapter 10 May

FinalsJune

Please return the completed portion below

STUDENT: I have read and understand all the information on this sheet.

My signature below indicates my willingness to cooperate with my teacher and follow these class

procedures.

Print Student Name ______Period ______

Student Signature ______Date ______

PARENT:I have read this information sheet and understand what is expected.

Print Parent Name ______

Parent Signature ______Date ______

Parent phone: ______

Parent email: ______

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