Course Syllabus

Course Objective

In Grade 8, instructional time is focused on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Units of Study

  • Unit #1: Numerical Relationships

  • Unit #2: Equations

  • Unit #3A: Geometry-Angle Relationships & Transformations

  • Unit #3B: Geometry-Pythagorean Theorem, Surface Area & Volume

  • Unit #4: Functions

  • Unit #5: Probability & Statistics

  • Unit #6: Personal Financial Literacy


Grading Policy

A student’s overall grade for each grading cycle will consist of two categories 1) Major Summative Assessments (MaSA), 60% of the overall grade per cycle, and 2) Minor Summative Assessments (MiSA), 40% of the overall grade per cycle. There will also be Formative Assessment that will count for 0% of the overall grade and are graded on a 0-4 scale.

Grade IXL Smart Score

MSG No work

0 0

1 1-35

2 36-55

3 56-80

4 81-100

Grades will reference their progress on the TEKS in each unit, and will be updated periodically. For further information, please contact me. No one grade in any category can count more than 1/3 of the overall grade for that category in any grading cycle.

Academic Integrity Policy

Calhoun Middle School is committed to academic honesty and scholarly integrity. The school can best function and accomplish its mission in an atmosphere of the highest ethical standards. All members of the school are expected and encouraged to contribute to such an environment by observing all accepted principles of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, grade tampering, misuse of computers and other electronic technology, and facilitating academic dishonesty. Those found in violation may also be subject to potential disciplinary sanctions under the Calhoun Middle School Code of Conduct.

Reassessments/Corrections Policy

Any student can request for the opportunity to reassess on any Major Summative Assessments, excluding semester exams within 4 days of receiving the graded assessment. Students who score above a 90 will not be allowed to reassess per the district grading policy. Students below a grade of 80, will be required to reassess. Reassessment requirements are listed below:

  1. Use the Correction Form to correct all problems that pertain to the TEK(s) to be reassessed (found on our Google Classroom).

  2. Have a parent/guardian review and sign the correction form for completion.

  3. Complete all IXL assignments that correlate with the standards that are being reassessed to a minimum of 3.

  4. Attend a mandatory tutorial session to review TEK(s) to be reassessed and complete an alternative assignment. (Be sure to bring ALL completed work and corrections.)

  5. Attend a scheduled reassessment session. Grades will be adjusted within 24-48 hours after the reassessment date.


Recommended Classroom Materials

  • 1-2 folders

  • Pack of notebook paper & Graph Paper•

  • Pencils with erasers

  • Pack of AAA batteries

  • Composition Book (preferably graph)

  • Pencil Sharpener