Welcome to Pre-Algebra!
Syllabus
This year Pre-Algebra students will be studying mathematics from Connected Mathematics Project (CMP). The materials are structured into units that take 4-6 weeks to cover. Each unit is focused around problem situations that help students learn an important set of related mathematical ideas and to become skillful at using these ideas to solve problems. The curriculum is structured to help students learn to communicate their strategies and their reasoning so that their mathematical understandings are much deeper.
The books/units we will focus on this year are:
Accentuate the Negative
Students will calculate and solve problems using both positive and negative numbers.
Variables and Patterns
Students will set up problems to solve for an unknown variable.
Stretching and Shrinking
Students will examine characteristics of similar figures and scale factor using proportions.
Comparing and Scaling
Students will use ratios to compare amounts.
Moving Straight Ahead
Students will examine linear relationships and connect the concepts to algebraic thinking.
Filling and Wrapping
Students will calculate the surface area and volume of three-dimensional figures.
Samples and Populations
Students will compile and organize data. Students will create graphs and data displays. In addition, they will look at how data is affected when data points are deleted or added.
Grades:
Grades will be based on the following:
Tests and Quizzes (4-6 quizzes per unit, test at end of unit)
Homework
Warm-ups, Projects, Participation, and Classroom Activities
Grading Scale:
94-100% A
90-93% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
63-66% D
60-62% D-
0-59% F
Homework Grading Rubric
5-Labeled answer that has a neat, complete, and well-organized work, graph/diagram/table, or reasonable explanation of how the answer was found near the circled answer and question
4-Correct answer that has reasonable work, graph/diagram/table or reasonable explanation of how the answer was found near the answer and question, but which is not complete, making it hard to follow the thinking behind the answer
3-Has a reasonable work or explanation of how the answer was found, unorganized, or is difficult to read and follow the thinking behind the answer
2- Correct answer but poor explanation or no thinking shown
1- Incorrect answer and no thinking shown
0-Blank with no attempt
Materials Needed:
- positive attitude
- pencil
- paper/notebook
- 3-ring binder
- chrome book
- calculator (optional)
- math book (provided)
Classroom Management Plan
The classroom management plan is to provide students in my classroom a positive and safe learning environment.
Classroom Rules:
Be Prompt!
Be Responsible!
Be Attentive!
Be Considerate!
Be Prompt:
Entering the Classroom: Students will enter the classroom prepared to begin the warm-up problems/activity. The students should come to class with their textbook, 3 ring binder, and pencil. Students should be in their seat when the bell rings and ready to begin class without being prompted to do so. The warm-up activity will be posted on the front board.
Ending Class: Students are expected to stay in their seats until they are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.
Students will be dismissed by my direction. Students may be expected to complete an exit question, ticket, or activity before they are dismissed. When students leave class, they are expected to have the assignment and goal written in their planner or assignment notebook.
Be Responsible:
- Chrome books must remain under your desk unless you are instructed to take them out.
- Chrome books must be flat on your desk when in use.
- Chrome books are only to be used for Pre-Algebra related activities (no emailing, messaging, or checking grades unless instructed to do so).
- Teachers have the right to look through your Chrome book.
- If you are using the Chrome book inappropriately, you will be given one warning. If the behavior continues, it will be taken away.
As a member of a 1:1 program, it is your responsibility to bring your device to class each day charged and ready for use. Failure to do so will result in your being sent to the Media Center to receive a violation. If your device is in need of charging it will be kept and charged for the remainder of the class hour or until it reaches 50%. It is your responsibility to pick it up between classes. Loaner devices are available only for devices that are in for repair
Violation #1 - Warning
Violation #2 - Detention
Violation #3 - Detention and loss of privilege to take device home for the period of 20 school days
Be Attentive:
- When the teacher counts down or says begin, you may begin working.
- When the teacher counts down from 5, please freeze, stop, and give your full attention.
Be Considerate:
- Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings in the room.
- Adjust your voice level to suit the activity.
- Follow directions the first time they are given.
- Observe all rules in the student handbook.
IF A STUDENT CHOOSES TO BREAK A RULE
- First time: Non verbal
- Second time: Walk and stand by
- Third time: Coupling Statement (“Right now you’re blurting, a better choice would be to raise your hand.”)
- Fourth time: Refocus Form in the Classroom
- Fifth time: Refocus Form in Room 226/Options Room
- Sixth time: Removal to the office
If a student is severely disruptive, he/she will be sent immediately to the principal.
REWARDS:
Notes home/emails/phone calls
No homework slip
Written notes to students
Earn class free time/game day
Choice with seating arrangements
Classroom Expectations:
In order for each student to learn at his/her full potential, I expect full engagement in all classroom activities. Students are to be engaged in their bell-ringer at the start of the hour, listening during instruction, cooperating with group members during work time, and engaged in closing activities until they are dismissed. Depending on the severity and frequency of non-engagement, students may be assigned additional work, work time during their lunch, or lunch detention. Alternatively, students who engage may be rewarded with things such as games, no homework nights, etc.
Math Department Technology Policy:
To avoid students being off-task and missing learning opportunities, the math department is not allowing phones for calculators nor chrome books for calculators. Phones/headphones may not be in sight at any time during the hour. Chrome books will be used on class assignments when the teacher has instructed to use them. Students may access the textbook online when not in the math classroom. Students’ devices will be taken away if they are not following the rules.