Mrs. Jackson / Mrs. Gibson / Mrs. Vaughn 2017-2018 Syllabus
8th Grade Mathematics Ashworth Middle School
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8th Grade Mathematics Course Description:
This year we will be following the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards that have been adopted by the Georgia Department of Education. An ample amount of information can be found at (www.georgiastandards.org) under the Common Core GPS tab.
In Grade 8, instructional time will focus on three critical areas. Students will be:
(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.
The three critical areas of focus will be addressed in the following seven units:
Unit 1: Transformations, Congruence and Similarity
Unit 2: Exponents
Unit 3: Geometric Applications of Exponents
Unit 4: Functions
Unit 5: Linear Functions
Unit 6: Linear Models and Tables
Unit 7: Solving Systems of Equations
Students will also develop the following Standards for Mathematical Practice while learning the above content:
1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Student Growth:
In an effort to the meet the needs of each individual student, the two 8th grade math classes will approach instructional time in an “outside the box” way. Mrs. Jackson, Gibson, and Vaughn will be using proven research-based strategies to drive instruction each day. Among them include flexible grouping where students may be grouped according to gender, similar or mixed ability levels, or similar learning styles. Cooperative learning has been shown to be effective in several ways. It has a positive impact on student achievement as compared to individual instruction, as well as teaching interpersonal and collaboration skills. Please know that your child will be under the direction of these three teachers throughout the school year. Their collaboration and approach to team teaching is meant to bring out the best in your child! Best is the Standard!
Materials:
Our study of mathematics will be a wonderful and exciting journey! As with any journey, it’s a good idea to prepare. So here are the items I expect you to bring to class every day.
Paper, Pencil, Binder, and Composition Notebook
Extra notebook paper and graph paper (if you have it) should always be available in your notebook.
Grading Policy:
As defined by a system wide plan for middle school math courses, final grades for each nine weeks will be calculated using the following percentages
50% / Daily Grades / Work Session Assignments – These are daily assignments used to learn the content, therefore they are graded for completion and effort. Some daily assignments may also be graded for accuracy.20% / Quizzes / In each unit, there will be 2 – 5 quizzes. These are graded for accuracy and completion as a feedback tool to monitor student progress.
30% / Tests / Tests will be given at the end of each unit. These will be cumulative and will weigh heavily on the overall average.
Time Outside of Class
You cannot expect to accomplish what you should from this course without spending time with math outside of class. As well as completing daily homework assignments, you need to stay organized, spend time reviewing notes and assignments, and carefully reflecting upon problems previously missed, etc. It is our expectation that you spend approximately 15-20 minutes each evening (Mon-Thurs) reviewing your notes from class to make sure you gained an understanding of the material. Please communicate with us as soon as possible if you are having trouble managing your time or if you find you are spending significantly more than 15-20 minutes an evening working on math. We truly want to help you get the most out of this course that you can.
The 8th Grade Math Team