7TH / 8th GRADE PRE-ALGEBRA

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students enrolled in Pre-Algebra will follow a curriculum closely aligned with the Alabama Course of Study for eighth grade Pre-Algebra. Due to the nature of the course, students will be expected to work at a challenging pace and be exposed to more advanced topics. In addition, each student will be expected to complete one mathematics related project each semester. This project will include internet research, oral and written presentations incorporating the use of technology, and/or visual aids (such as posters, models, etc.). As an AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative) school activities requiring higher order thinking skills will be incorporated into the course at appropriate intervals.

GRADING SCALE

The following grading scale will be used in grading all work and computing averages in the course:

A: 90-100B: 80-89C: 70-79D: 60-69F: Below 59

At James A. Davis Middle School, students are graded on a point system. Point values for individual assignments vary based on the length and difficulty of the assignment. To find out your percentage grade for the class, add up all the points you have earned and divide by the total possible points for the grading period. Below are the grading categories and assigned point values:

Homework/ Classwork 100 points per quarter

Tests 400 points per quarter

Quizzes 100 points per quarter

Projects 100 points per quarter

Journals 100 points per quarter

TOTAL POINTS 800 Points per quarter

ASSIGNMENT POLICY

Assignments (other than homework) may consist of such activities as journal writing, problem-solving activities, reports, reading assignments, projects, and AMSTI activities. Such assignments are expected to be turned in by the due date in order to avoid a deduction in the student’s grade.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework will be assigned almost every day. Homework checks will result in various types of grades. At times, homework will be checked for completion only and at other times random homework problems will be graded for accuracy. It is important that students complete homework for the day which it was assigned so that they do not get behind in their application of concepts and also so that they will know if they have questions which need to be addressed in class that day. Students will receive 65% credit for any assigned work turned in late. Exception: If a student is absent, he/she will be given the opportunity to present make-up homework assignments when he/she returns to school.

We try to adhere to the assigned dates as closely as possible. If we fall behind, it is due to the fact that we have encountered some difficulty with a concept.

WRITING AND READING REQUIREMENTS:

Students will complete written reports, journal entries, written responses to AMSTI explorations, and ARMT practice questions throughout the year. Tests will include free response questions in which writing is required. Projects and/or class work will require students to write about various mathematical topics as assigned.

Students will be expected to conduct independent reading and research on various topics studied in class throughout the year.

MAKE-UP POLICY

It is the student’s responsibility to get assignments from the teacher the first day he/she returns to school and make up all work missed. For each day’s absence, the students will have an equal number of days to make up the missed assignment(s). If the student will be absent in excess of three days due to family emergencies, out-of-town trips, etc., the student may request work in advance. It is at the teacher’s discretion to provide assignments ahead of time. These assignments will be due upon the first day of the student’s return to class.

Long-term assignments/projects are due on the date assigned by the teacher. Students who are absent on the day the assignment/project is due should make arrangements to have it brought to school.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

  • Pencils and hand-held pencil sharpener or Mechanical pencils
  • “Cheap” five-function calculator
  • Notebook paper
  • 1 – inch Binder
  • Dividers

CLASSROOM RULES AND CONSEQUENCES

Rules:

  1. Be in your seat with materials out and ready to work before the tardy bell rings.
  2. Come prepared for class(if you need it, bring it)
  3. Raise your hand to speak or get out of your seat.
  4. Respect the ideas, space, and property of others.
  5. Listen the first time and follow directions.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment will include homework checks, weekly quizzes, assignments, bi-weekly tests, writing exercises, ARMT reviews and AMSTI activities.

A cumulative nine-week test will be given at the end of each nine weeks.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Each teacher has a set of general classroom procedures that are to be followed by all students. These procedures are practiced and discussed with students at the beginning of the school year and reviewed when necessary.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

All school and classroom rules are to be followed by all students. Each classroom teacher will deal with general classroom disruptions as are needed. For more information, check the student handbook under student policies.

CONTACT AND EMAIL INFORMATION

Teachers can be contacted by email through their website@ jadavismiddleschool.com or you may call the school’s office at (205) 432-3600

Please Cut, Sign, and Return to the Math Teacher

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I HAVE READ THE JAMES A. DAVIS MIDDLE SCHOOL PRE-ALGEBRA SYLLABUS. I UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE, THE STANDARDS, AND THE POLICIES OUTLINED IN THE COURSE.

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE______

PARENT’S SIGNATURE______

DATE______