Name Date Mr. Smith 8 th Grade Pre-Algebra Course Syllabus 2016-2017 Course Description -Pre-algebra teaches skills that are prerequisite to Algebra I, which is usually taken freshman year in high school. Concepts include computing with integers, decimals and fractions, solving equations, using ratios, percents and proportions, using geometry concepts to solve problems, and writing and using equations of functions. We will spend a lot of time learning the components of an equation, exploring the components of a linear equation and graphing linear equations -TN State Math Standards - http://www.tennessee.gov/education/article/mathematics-standards Instruction: Resources Each student will be issued the Tennessee Math Connects Course 3 textbook from which homework will be periodically assigned. The textbook is to be used at home as a resource. It does not represent the entire 8 th grade curriculum. Replacement of a lost or damaged book is approximately $60.00. Additional resources can be found at: http://www.glencoe.com/sites/tennessee/student/mathematics/index.html 1
Materials 1. One subject composition notebook 2. Folder/Notebook to organize worksheets, returned papers, etc. 3. Pencils 4. Red or green grading pens 5. Graph Paper 6. Recommended but not required a. Ruler b. Protractor Notebook Each student is responsible for maintaining a composition notebook. The students will complete c-notes, guided notes, independent practice, graphic organizers, and foldables in their notebook. Students are encouraged to use their notebook to study for tests and quizzes. Aspen (Grades) Parents and students are encouraged to use Aspen to monitor their students progress. In order to give timely feedback, I will update my grades at least once a week. Grading Policy 1 st Semester 2 nd Semester 15% Homework 15% Homework 10% Homework Assessment 10% Homework Assessment 15% Starter Checks 15% Starter Checks 60% Summative Assessment 45% Summative Assessment -Module Tests -Module Tests -Quizzes -Quizzes 15% Year End Standardized Test Formative Assessments Homework: Homework will be given almost every night. Homework reinforces the material taught in class. Each homework assignment will be checked and discussed at the beginning of class the following day. Homework will be graded using the attached rubric. Students must show work and use pencil when working math problems. Periodically homework will be graded for complete accuracy (Homework Assessment). Those homework assignments will be announced and will be worth 10 points. 2
Formative Cont. Starter Checks: Everyday class will begin with a few starter problems to reinforce prerequisite skills or to review our current content. This will not be for a grade except for about once a week when a Starter Check will be given to confirm mastery over the skills reviewed in the daily class Starters. Classwork: Participation in all class time activities is expected. Starter problems, note taking, working of examples, and learning activities are all vital parts of learning the concepts being taught. Summative Assessments Quizzes: Quizzes will be given every 5-7 class days. Most quizzes will be announced but some will be unannounced (pop quizzes). Each quiz will be worth 50 points and may be corrected for additional credit; up to 80% if you scored lower than 80% or ½ the credit added to your score if you scored above 80% and still would like to do corrections. A specific correction process including a reworking of the problem as well as a written error analysis of why the problem was missed the first time will be required. I will provide a form as a guide for these requirements. Module Tests: At the end of each module, students will take a Knox County Module Test. Students are not allowed to bring the test home. All tests will be discussed in class and the students scores will be entered in Aspen. Module tests will count 100 points. If a student fails a test (scores below 70%) they may schedule a time before or after school to get extra help reviewing what was missed on the test and may receive up to a 70 % for their test grade. End of Year Test: Standardized testing will be administered near the end of the year and will count for 15% of your student s grade for the 2 nd semester. This is reflected in the grading policy. General Expectations -Work must be completed in pencil ONLY. -Students are to SHOW ALL WORK. Answers only are unacceptable. -Complete all assignments on time. -Be prepared for class: -Binder, paper, pencil, and grading pen are expected daily. -Students will be informed ahead of time if other materials are needed -Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers during class. -Keep binder and notebook neat and organized -Be responsible for making up work when absent The primary expected time to get assignments and information missed is during homeroom time when students first arrive at school. Waiting until class time to ask about missing work puts all of us at a disadvantage. *Work not made up from absences will count as a zero if not made up within the allotted time period. 3
Cheating and Plagiarism Each student is expected to do his/her own work on all assignments, quizzes, and tests. If a student cheats or plagiarizes, the student will receive a zero (0) for the assignment, quiz, or test and parents will be contacted. Repeated offenses will result in further school discipline. Extra Help Extra help will be offered any day during homeroom time 8:00 8:25. Additional help is available by appointment earlier before school or after school. Teacher Contact -Email timothy.smith@knoxschools.org -School phone 865-539-7891 Please allow approximately 1 ½ days for a response to a phone message. 8 th Grade Homework Rubric 4
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