Porter Middle School
Syllabus Fall 2017
Common Core Math 8
Instructor Contact Information
Stephen Worland - Room 1 – 818-920-2271 - If you need to get in touch with me, you can write me a note in the agenda and I will either call you or give you a written answer. One of the ways that worked well for some parents was to e-mail me. I am very good about answering e-mail and parents find that this very convenient. My e-mail address is . You can also leave me a voice mail message, but I only check those weekly, so notes or email work better.
Course Description
In grade 8, 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, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Required Texts
We will be using Glencoe California Math Course 3as your textbook. You will need to bring your textbooks to school every day unless I tell you not to bring them. I can give you the book on CD if you would like. You can also find the textbook as a resource on line.I will give the web site and the access code so you can use the online text book for homework.
Other Supplies
Expected Materials to have every day:
Three ring binder with paper (Spiral Binders are not recommended)
Agenda for keeping track of homework
Pencils with erasers
Pens
Calculator(expected but not required)
Assignments
Letter Grade
Assessments
There will be a quiz at the end of every cycle of instruction (3 to 7 days). These Assessments will be worth 50% of your grade. If you are absent you are expected to make up quizzes.
Homework
There will be homework at least four times a week. These will be worth 10% of your grade. Failure to turn in homework will result in a "U" in Work Habits and can lower your letter grade. Homework is to be turned in daily. If you are absent you are responsible for making up all homework missed. Homework is listed on the sideboard and should be made up by the following Friday. Homework is to be done in the text books. Failure to bring textbook can result in a lowering of work habits grade.
Performance task
There will be performance tasks at the end of every chapter. These will be worth 10% of your grade. Tasks will be made up.
Quick Checks
There will be a quick check of mastery of concepts every day. These will be worth 5% of your overall grade
Projects
There will be projects throughout the year. These will be worth 25% of your grade.
Grading Policies
Grading Policy:
My grading is set on the following scale:
A 100 – 89%
B 88.9 – 79%
C78.9 – 65%
D 65.0 – 50%
Fail 50 – 0%
Work Habits:
Your Work Habits grade is based upon your Homework percentage:
80% and greater is an E
65% to 79.9% is an S
64.9% and less is Unsatisfactory.
Cooperation:
Your cooperation grade will be based upon classroom behavior and your ability to follow directions.
Marking Policy
Every 10 weeks I will throw out one missed homework grade or one Quiz grade. If you missed a quiz, or did not turn in a homework assignment, it will not be counted. This will help you if you just cannot do homework for whatever reason.
Class Policies
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones are not allowed in class. If I see one out I will take it away until the ned of the period. If it becomes a habitual problem, I will contact your parents and it will affect your cooperation and work habits grade
Attendance
Regular attendance is important since new material will be taught every day. If you are absent you are responsible for making up all homework missed. Homework is listed on the sideboard and should be made up by the following Friday. Failure to make up homework will affect both letter and work habits grade. Being late to class will affect both Cooperation and Work Habit grades.
Expectations for Classroom Behavior Rules
Follow Directions
No conversations during lectures.
No yelling or swearing
Rewards
Praise Class rewards (no homework and others)
Positive comments in the agendas and phone calls to parents
Consequences:
- First offense: Warning
- Second offense: Stay 1 minute after bell
- Third offense: Stay 1 minute after the bell and Parent is contacted after school
- Fourth offense: Send to Dean
Web Site-
I also have a web site at which I have a place for students to get the upcoming homework if they are absent. The site is You can also e-mail me from that site. This site will have a calendar of what is happening in class, copies of important documents, links for the textbook, and other useful information. I will have example of projects that we are doing. You can also get copies of class rules and the class project there.
Student’s Name______
Please sign and return this letter so I may keep it on file.
I have read and understand the above and agree to follow the instructions.
Student's Signature______Date ______
Parent's Signature ______Date______