Some students who enter secondary school do not have the necessary preparation to enable them to succeed in the secondary program. THIS COURSE provides review and reinforcement of the elementary curriculum expectations essential to the development of a stronger foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary for further study in mathematics and for success in everyday living and in the workplace. The course is organized in three strands related to money sense, measurement, and proportional reasoning. In all strands, the focus is on developing and consolidating key foundational mathematical concepts and skills by solving authentic, everyday problems. Students have opportunities to further develop their mathematical literacy and problem-solving skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical math activities.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATIONof student achievement are based on the provincial curriculum expectations and the Achievement Chart for Mathematics,which identifies four categories. Throughout the semester, we will provide you with various opportunities (e.g., quizzes, tests, tasks, journals) to demonstrate your achievement of the curriculum expectations across all categories and receive feedback from your teacher. Your final mark will appear on the report card as a percent. It is policy that 70% of your final mark will be based on assessments that occur throughout the term and 30% will be based on the final summative assessments that occur at the end of the course. The components of your final mark are shown in the chart below.

Knowledge
The acquiring of Mathematics-specific content , and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (i.e., knowledge of facts, procedures, use of tools) / 25%
Application
The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts (i.e., transferring knowledge and skills, making connections) / 25%
Thinking
The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes (i.e., understanding the problem, making and carrying out a plan, reasoning, proving, problem solving) / 5%
Communication
The conveying of meaning through various forms (i.e., clarity and organization of expression, use of models/representations, use of terms and symbols) / 15%
Final Activities / 30%

[more on reverse side]

My Student’s Name:______Date:______

I have read the Mathematics Department’s Course Outline.
The email address given below will enable the mathematics teacher
to provide me with occasional progress reports.

Parent/Guardian’s

Signature:______

Email Address:______

Additional Email Address:______

Your learning skills — responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation— will be evaluated, separate from your achievement of the expectations in the course. This evaluation will not be used when determining your final mark. Indicators for each of the learning skills are as follows (abridged list from Growing Success, 2010):

ResponsibilityCompletes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according to agreed-upon timelines.

Takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour

OrganizationDevises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks.

Establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achievement goals.

Independent WorkUses class time appropriately to complete tasks.

Follows instructions with minimal supervision.

CollabarationResponds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others.

Shares information, resources, and expertise and promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions.

InitiativeDemonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks.

Demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning.

Self-RegulationSets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them.

Seeks clarification or assistance when needed.

Please make your teacher aware of any UPCOMING absences. If you are absent for an assessment, see your teacher as soon as possible upon your return to school and be prepared to do the assessment that day. For a prolonged absence, discuss possible options with your teacher. If you “skip” an assessment it is possible you will receive a mark of ZERO.