Course Syllabus for Exploring Numeracy

Mr. Friese’s Class 2009-2010

 

Course Description/Overview

 

Exploring Numeracy is designed to provide direct support to students in need of math

remediation. The course will focus on skill development in communicating, computing and estimating, and problem solving and reasoning. A hands-on, problem solving approach will be used to provide an individualized program based on identified skill deficiencies.

 

Course Materials

To be prepared for class each day you must bring…

 

1. Pencil and Eraser (if ink pen is used, points will be lost if illegible or messy)
2. Math Binder (Must be a 3-ring binder at least 1 or 1 1/2 inch size)

The binder is to keep class notes, handouts, and your work organized.

1. Calculator (optional) – If you buy a calculator, I would suggest a TI-30x. Some are available in class. Use of calculators will be limited.

Course Policies & Procedures

Classroom Expectations:

1. Follow directions the first time given
2. Be on time to class
3. Be prepared for each class
4. Respect classmates and Teacher’s property.
5. Use appropriate language
6. Show respect for individual and school property and yourself.

Other Procedures:

• You must be in the room when bell rings or you are considered tardy. 
• When you come in check the board for “Warm-up”. “Warm-up” is what you are to do during the first few minutes of class.
• If you were absent the previous class you check the folder in the hall for last class assignment.
• You must have your Student Handbook with you at all times.
• If you need to use the restroom (or go anywhere else) you need to bring your Handbook to me with date and destination already filled out.

Class Routine. (times are approximate)

The class will be divided into 3 parts.

Warm-up and Skill set.  First 25 minutes.   Building skills is the focus of this part.

In-class project – 35 Minutes.    Mathematical application is the focus.

Homework Help- last 15 minutes.  Help with regular math class homework.

 

Grading Policy/Assessment

Your class grade will be calculated using this formula:  (Points Earned ¸ Points Possible) x 100

 

Your current class grade will be posted in the classroom,  listed by student number. It is also listed on the Internet. Check that frequently, if you feel there is a problem, voice your concern early, not at the last moment.

 

Assignments that earn points:

 

Skills Progress – Weekly Progress checks. This is nothing more that showing movement towards mastering an assigned skill.  Skill progress will be demonstrated by a variety of measures to include timed basic skill tests and short quizzes. Skill period will normally not use calculators.

Skills Rubric:	10	8	6	4	2	0
Quality	Mastery of skill	75%-99% Improvement from baseline data.	*50-74% Improvement from baseline data.	*20-49% Improvement from baseline data.	5-10% Improvement from baseline data.	No Progress
Effort	*Excellent Effort *Goes well beyond the requirements of the skill.	*Good Effort. * Meets the requirements of the skill with no guidance.	*Fair effort *Meets the requirements of the skill with some assistance.	*Poor Effort *Meets some of the requirements of the skill.	* Poor Effort *Hardly meets the requirements of the skill	*No Effort. *Does not meet the requirements of the skill.

 

Notebook check – Weekly notebook checks will be conducted and will 30 points each.  Notebooks will be checked for neatness and evidence of daily work.

Notebook Check Rubric:	30	20	10	0	Score
Daily Class Notes	Notes are included for every day and are organized and neat	Notes included for every day but may be slightly disorganized or not neat.	Limited notes are included, or daily notes are disorganized and/or not neat.	There are no daily class notes or they are so disorganized/messy that they are unusable.

 

Note:  The Notebook grade is the number above the criteria. Notes should be taken daily.

Projects – Projects will be used extensively to enhance comfort with mathematics. Most projects will take a couple of class periods to complete.  More details will come with the first project.

Project Rubric:	4	3	2	1
Explanation	A complete response with a detailed explanation.	Good solid response with clear explanation.	Explanation is unclear.	Misses key points.	____
Use Of Visuals	Clear diagram or sketch with some detail.	Clear diagram or sketch.	Inappropriate or unclear diagram.	No diagram or sketch.	____
Mechanics	No math errors.	No major math errors or serious flaws in reasoning.	May be some serious math errors or flaws in reasoning.	Major math errors or serious flaws in reasoning.	____
Demonstrated Knowledge	Shows complete understanding of the questions, mathematical ideas, and processes.	Shows substantial understanding of the problem, ideas, and processes.	Response shows some understanding of the problem.	Response shows a complete lack of understanding for the problem.	____

Personal Statement

My goal for you is that you gain a better understanding and comfort level in math  to make problem solving easier for you. Because this is a individualized program, your effort and desire to improve will have a direct impact on your progress and grade.

 

My belief is that each student can learn math. My expectation is that you will do your best. I expect you to do all assignments to the best of your ability. I do not make assignments just to keep you busy. The assignments are necessary to help you learn the material.

 

It is important that you be in class everyday. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to  check the folder in the hall, or get with a classmate or me to find out what we did in class.  

Homework will normally not be given.  In extreme cases there may be an occasional assignment.

 

It has been my experience that a student gets as much out of a class as they put into it.  If you participate in class, complete all assignments and ask for help as needed you should have no problem earning a good grade in this class and it will also help your grade in your regular math class.

 

I expect everyone to show respect for others.  You, your classmates, and I are all in this together. If you have a problem with anything please bring it to my attention.  Problems are best avoided by good communication.  If you have a question about your grade, an assignment, my rules, something I said, or anything else, please come and speak to me.  I will be glad to meet with you to discuss any problem you may have.

 

To the parent:

 

Please read through this syllabus and review it with your child.  If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

 

I will post grades in my room and on the Internet (if internet service is available), Your child should be well aware of their grades please discuss them frequently and keep current with the grades on the internet. Though grades may not be current every day, they will always be pretty close. If there is ever a question on a grade, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

As I mentioned above, clear communication is key to solving problems.  If you have any concerns please call me at school. However, email at mfriese@stoningtonschools.org will get you a quicker response. I would be happy to meet with you at any time that works for both of us.