ALGEBRA INTRODUCTIONS 8th Grade Syllabus/Contract

REQUIREMENTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND GRADING

I. Requirements

1.  Each student is expected to enter the room quietly, take his/her seat, and be ready to work at the designated time class begins. The school tardy policy as presented in the Student Handbook will be enforced. The students are expected to have their homework and supplies ready when the tardy bell rings.

  1. Each student is recommended to bring the listed materials to class everyday. This includes books, paper, pencils, highlighter pen, erasers, two correcting pens, agenda planner, 1-2 bound graph paper (1/4”) notebook(s) for Classwork / Homework for the year, 1-2 spiral or bound notebook(s) for Notes for the year (can be a second bound graph paper book), and a 3” ring binder.

3.  Each student is to have his/her book covered properly. Book covers will need to be replaced periodically to protect the book from damage. Each student is to write their name on the inside front cover along with the school year.

4.  Each student is to show respect for the teacher, fellow students, and themselves by following classroom rules such as:

·  Speak kindly to others.

·  Follow directions.

·  Demonstrate ideal listening skills.

·  Socializing is to be done during nutrition and lunch, not during class.

·  No cell phones

·  Maintain self-control to help create a positive learning environment.

·  Food, drinks, and/or gum may not be brought to class.

·  Use time wisely and work on the task assigned.

II. Responsibilities

  1. Each student is responsible for turning in all work assigned in class. Our philosophy is that homework provides time to practice each skill presented in class. To receive full credit, homework must be out of the binder and on the student’s desk when the bell rings. A maximum of half credit will be given for work turned in one class meeting late, and zero credit will be earned and recorded the next class meeting for any missing work. All work must be shown and work must be done in pencil to receive full credit.
  1. Each student is responsible for keeping an organized notebook (preferably a separate binder for math only) for their classwork/homework/notes etc... Keep organized, it’s key to success I promise!
  1. For excused absences, each student must make up class work, homework, quizzes, and tests. Each student will have the number of days absent plus one to make up the work missed. Each student must make arrangements with the teacher to make up quizzes and tests. Email, or stop by the day you return to school (even if it is a Science day) to schedule a makeup. The teacher will not ask the student for any work, quizzes, or tests that need to be made up. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF.
  1. Students are responsible for checking the class website for homework and important information. Each student is to get at least two phone numbers from different people in the class so he/she may phone them for information or assignments missed while absent. Also, select a good partner that can be relied upon to take good notes in case of absence.
  1. Each student will be expected to do a “Math Test Corrections” assignment after every test in class. The student is to explain and correct his/her error(s) on each test, demonstrating mastery of specific concept(s). The assignment also requires a parent/guardian signature. All Tests will be stored in the classroom and are available for review by appointment only. Tests may not be taken home.
  1. Each student is responsible for group work as well as his/her own individual work in each class. You are to work with your group on the class work and not do your own individual homework. Students not participating with their group can earn no greater than an “S” in citizenship.
  1. Each student is responsible for cleaning up his/her work area before the class will be dismissed to leave. The teacher will dismiss the class.

III. Grading

A. Letter Grades

Each assignment category is weighted differently. The breakdown for grades each quarter is weighted as follows:

Homework/Classwork (10%)

Quizzes (20%)

Individual Tests (50%)

Quarter Benchmark or Final Exam (20%)

Grades are calculated using the following grading scale:

99-100% A+

97-93% A

92-90% A-

89-88% B+

87-83% B

82-80% B-

79-78% C+

77-73% C

72-70% C-

69-68% D+

67-63% D

62-60% D-

59% F

B. Citizenship

A check system will be used during class to hold students accountable for the classroom rules. Quarterly Citizenship grades will be assigned as follows:

0-2 Outstanding

3-4 Satisfactory

5-6 Needs Improvement

7 + Unsatisfactory

C. Work Habits

A Work Habits grade will be based upon the completion percentage of both classwork and homework. Quarterly Work Habits grades will be assigned as follows:

95% Outstanding

94-85% Satisfactory

84-75% Needs Improvement

74% Unsatisfactory

D. Technology

Due to the presence of many items of technology, including a SmartBoard, MAC Laptop, clickers and iPads, it is understood that no student will be permitted to handle any of the equipment without consent of the teacher (me J). This equipment is a privilege to use and if it is not treated with respect, the use of the equipment may be taken away. Training on how to use equipment will be given when needed.

IV. High School Math Placement Requirements

Algebra 1B (9) Placement Requirements

Students taking Algebra Introductions must post a strong C (70% or better) combined average for the 3rd and 4th Quarters in order to advance into Algebra 1B (9th grade – one year course).

Students who post below a 70% during either the 3rd or 4th Quarter, and/or less than a 70% combined between 3rd and 4th quarter, will be recommended for Algebra 1A next year.

V. Homework Policy:

Since classes meet every other day with the block schedule, homework will be assigned each class period and is due the next class meeting. For instance, if a class meets on Thursday, the homework is due on the following Monday. Friday assignments are due on the following Tuesday. I have suggested to the students that they do their homework on the night it is assigned. That will allow them the opportunity to come see me the next day to clarify any questions they may have. J J J J J J

To help your child be successful, it is suggested that you follow the guidelines below:

Create a study routine where the student can work uninterrupted by distractions such as the phone, television, video games, etc. All materials need to be provided in their study area so time will not be wasted.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail your teacher. All teachers will have their homework posted on their websites and/or in the classrooms. Their availability to meet with students will also be posted. We hope this will be a productive year for your child where he/she will gain self-confidence as well as develop higher-level math skills.

Have a wonderful year!

Sincerely, the Math Department

Please Sign and Return This Page Next Class!

Refer to the pages of the syllabus/contract on my website for future reference.

I, ______(print student name) have read the 8th Grade ALGEBRA INTRODUCTIONS expectations and class syllabus with a parent/guardian from the class website and understand what each of the following categories entail:

I. Requirements

II. Responsibilities

III. Grading (Letter Grades and Citizenship/Work Habits)

IV. Requirements for High School Math Placements

V. Homework Policy & Study Strategies

With the signing of this contract, I make a commitment to follow these guidelines throughout the school year. I promise to work hard, be respectful, be responsible for myself, and do my best! J

______, 2016 ______

Student Signature Date Period

______, 2016

Parent Signature Date

*** PLEASE READ THE MATH REQUIREMENTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND GRADING CONTRACT CAREFULLY WITH A PARENT, THEN SIGN. ***

Wohooo MATH!