Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you teach math so much differently than when I was in school?

The other 8th Grade Math Teacher, Abby Grossman, and I collaborate very closely to provide students with the best math education we can. We stay current with the latest research and use proven methods of instruction. Because much of this research has happened in recent years, some of these methods were not in use when we were in school and may not be familiar to parents. Usually, these methods are used for introducing new topics, building understanding of the math behind the concepts, and promoting critical thinking. For most topics, students eventually work toward traditional methods of problem-solving. For some concepts, when the traditional model is the best approach, the work students bring home will probably look very similar to what you remember from when you were in school.

Can you explain your grading policy in more depth?

The grading system I use in 8th Grade Math is designed with two key purposes in mind. First, to give grades that accurately reflect students' mastery of the content, and second, to help the teachers, students, and parents know specifically how well students understand each concept. In order to do this, grades are given by Learning Target, not assignment. Each Learning Target is entered into Infinite Campus at the beginning of a new chapter and is worth 10 points. Students complete frequent Formative Assessment checks that help track their progress toward mastering the material. From those formatives, students are given a score from 5 - 10, indicating their mastery of each target. A higher score would indicate deeper mastery and a lower score would indicate more work would be needed for a student to master that target. The idea with this is no student will receive a failing grade for material that we are still learning and processing. After each formative, learning target scores are updated with the students' current level of mastery. In other words, a 6/10 on a Learning Target one week could be replaced with a 9/10 the next week if the student's understanding has increased. After the final Summative Assessment, grades are permanent and will not be changed that quarter. The largest percentage of a student's grade comes from their mastery of each learning target. There are other grades that will be included based on activities completed each quarter.

How can I help my child succeed?

Homework Assignments:

    • Click on your child's class icon on the top of this page to see updates for what given homework assignments are.

    • Check your child's my homework extension on their Chromebook. They should be recording assignments there.

Grades:

    • Grades are uploaded into Infinite Campus frequently. Check back often to track the progress your child is making towards mastery of the learning targets.

Homework Help:

  • Check the homework help site for your child's textbook. See my homepage for links.

    • Have your child go to the Homework Help Center at the Gahanna Library.

    • I am available for extra help any day of the week before or after school by appointment.

Weekly Updates : Read my weekly updates all the way through for important tidbits and helpful strategies for working on math with your child at home