This course is designed to provide a strong mathematical foundation as students transition from the concrete world of elementary mathematics to the more abstract understandings needed for algebra. There is a strong focus on developing problem-solving skills and strategies, as well as the ability to effectively communicate their mathematical thinking. A primary focus is in developing a strong foundational understanding of variable and proportional relationships, preparing students for future algebraic concepts. Students will learn arithmetic concepts and computational skills in ratios, fractions and decimals. Additionally, students will use estimation, mental computation and applications of geometry and measurement. The course also incorporates an introduction to arithmetic operations with integers and an introduction to solving simple linear equations and inequalities. I also want to take a moment to share some important updates about how we’re approaching math instruction this year at DRMS, particularly starting with our 6th grade students. Our math and administrative teams have collaboratively made the decision to transition the 6th grade math course to a modified accelerated curriculum incorporating regular and accelerated 6th grade content throughout the year. The goal of this shift is to make Algebra I in 8th grade a standard pathway, rather than an optional one.
Students will need the following supplies for this class:
· pencils with erasers
· loose-leaf paper
· graph paper
· a folder or binder in which to keep your math handouts and assignments
· APS issued Chromebook, fully charged and charger*
· headphones or earbuds*
*Used often for IXL practice, use of applets in lessons, and when taking the i-Ready assessment. Note that wireless headphones are not allowed.
Math workbooks will also be given to students at the beginning of the school year and will change depending on the unit we are currently in. Students These workbooks will also need to be brought to class by the students on a daily basis along with their other supplies.
Grading/Evaluation Practices and Late/Makeup Work Policy:
A Google Classroom has been set up for students to refer to for finding assignments when they are absent, notes to help them with lessons, as well as links to electronic assignments. I will send students an invite to join this Google Classroom during the first week of school, after students receive their Chromebooks. However, assignments will typically not be turned into the Google Classroom. Class work will be completed in class, with students working both independently and with a partner or small group, as well as contributing to and participating in whole class discussions. Student collaboration is allowed and expected in this classroom. Most class work will be completed in their workbooks and kept by students to use as notes and examples to help them complete Cool Down and Practice Problem assignments, as well as Mid-Unit and End-of-Unit assessments, that will be turned in.
Students will also have the option of revising daily assignments to help improve their grade and correct their misunderstandings. In order to revise an assignment, students will need to redo only the problem(s) they lost points on, on a separate sheet of paper, and staple this revised work behind their original work before turning the assignment back in. This revising process will allow students to look at their original work to see strategies previously tried that may not have been fully successful. Daily assignments can be revised multiple times, as long as the unit has not reached its final deadline. Students just need to do each new revision on a new sheet of paper and attach it behind the original work and all previous revisions. I do recommend talking to me (the teacher) if students find themselves revising an assignment multiple times, so I can help clarify any misunderstandings they may have. Once a unit is finished, no more work (including make-up work from absences, missing work, and/or revisions) from that unit will be accepted. Also, be aware that some units may fall over separate grading periods, so different final deadlines for parts of the unit’s work will apply in that case.
Class time will be designated for students (typically at the end of the class period) to work on their daily Cool Down and Practice Problem assignments, as well as to ask questions or work on revisions. However, students are expected to complete any missed/unfinished work at home, along with any revisions of their daily work or make-up work they may have from an absence.
Assessment Information:
All units will have a Check Your Readiness Assessment at the beginning of the unit that will not affect the student’s grade, but will give me, the teacher, an idea of their background knowledge of that unit’s content coming into the unit.
All units will also have an End-of-Unit Assessment that will be part of the student’s grade. Many units, depending on their length, will also have a Mid-Unit Assessment that will be part of the student’s grade. Assessments will not be revisable, though if a student earns a D or below on an assessment they will have the opportunity to retake a different version of the assessment for a chance to improve their score.
All classroom assessments listed above will be in-class, paper-and-pencil tests that students can use their workbooks on, as well any other applicable resources (i.e., math glossary, multiplication chart, divisibility facts sheet, etc.), specific to the unit and the test.
Students will also have Skill Practice assignments they complete using their Chromebooks and the IXL online curriculum on most days. This will allow for some differentiation of content that is specific to a student’s learning needs. Students will also take an i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment for Math three times per year, using their Chromebook. Resources such as headphones, and paper-and-pencil to work out any problems they need to can and will be used for both IXL and i-Ready.
Behavior Expectations
Students will be expected to adhere to the Desert Ridge Middle School rules found in the DRMS Student Agenda, as well the classroom rules and procedures. These are, in general:
· Be present and on time every day.
· Always come to class prepared, and willing to work and learn every day, even when the work seems difficult.
· Always be kind and respectful to your peers, your teacher, and yourself.
· Always ask questions when you do not understand, or when you need to clarify something. (Remember it is okay to make mistakes, they help
you learn.)
· Keep this classroom clean, pick up after yourself, and take care of the materials you use in class.
· Keep your electronic devices (i.e., cell phones) turned off and put away in your backpacks. Chromebooks should also be turned off and put
away unless they are required to be used for a specific lesson.
· Please do not eat in class. (You may have a water bottle.)
· You must have permission from the teacher before receiving a pass allowing you to leave the classroom to go to the restroom, water fountain,
or locker. Also, be aware that I reserve the right to refuse a pass request, so please be aware there are appropriate times to ask for a pass.
Students will not receive more than one pass per class period.
Please review these policies with your child so that we can avoid any disruption to the educational process and keep a positive and respectful climate within the classroom at all times. The consequences for misbehavior are as follows:
· Verbal warning
· Classroom consequence (determined by the teacher)
· Parent contact
· Referral to administration
THANK YOU for being great students and families to work with this year! I look forward to a productive year of learning math with you! Please reach out using my contact information at the beginning of this syllabus with any questions you have. Have a wonderful 6th grade school year!