Honors Algebra 1 at Lake Shore and Steffen Middle Schools

We are proud to provide Algebra 1 access to all of our middle school students.

• With the exception of students in the Double Accelerated Math Program, who take Honors Algebra 1 in 7th grade, middle school students will be enrolled in either Algebra 1 or Honors Algebra 1 in 8th grade.

• Providing access to algebra in middle school allows all students the opportunity to reach higher levels of mathematics during high school thus preparing them better for success in college.

• High school credit:

  • • No high school credit is given for accelerated middle school math courses in our district. Thus the grade does not count in the Homestead GPA.

    • Placement in the next appropriate course is granted to students.

Why provide Honors Algebra to middle school students?

• To provide the appropriate level of challenge

• To help bright middle school students learn how to become “students”

  • Give them the gift of a “comfortable struggle” so that they learn how to study and work to learn.

• To allow talented mathematics students the opportunity to advance to a higher level of mathematics at the honors and Advanced Placement level during their high school years

Attitudes and Behaviors That Lead to Honors Algebra Success:

• Must be high achieving and have a great work ethic

• Must be an independent and responsible learner

• Can perform calculations quickly without a calculator

• Can easily make connections between various math topics

• Understands that math is more than just doing equations and getting an answer

• Participates in class discussions to take their understanding of the material to a higher level

• Enjoys challenging problems and thinks that math is FUN!

It’s Important to be in school!

• Vacations taken while school is in session can have a huge impact on student achievement.

• When your child misses instruction, this can put him/her behind for quite a while.

Required Materials

• Text Book: Big Ideas Math: Algebra 1

• Internet Access (home or school)

• Pencil

• Notebook

• Calculator: TI 83 or TI 84 (any kind--the students say that almost everyone uses a TI-84 of some type.)

Achievement Expectations for Honors Algebra 1

• Students should aim for an “85%” or higher average to be ready for Honors Geometry in grade 9.

9^th Grade Placement Criteria for Homestead High School from 8th Grade Honors Algebra at Lake Shore or Steffen:

• Students who have an 85% or better average will be recommended to go into Honors Geometry in grade 9.

Student Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for your own learning

• Complete all assignments to the best of your ability

• Know when you don’t know

• Study – even if you don’t have any homework

• Try to maintain at least an 85% average.

Parent Responsibilities:

• Check in with your student; talk about the class!

• Monitor study time; homework each night should take about 40-60 minutes

• If you have a concern:

  • Talk with your young person.

  • Check Infinite Campus for grades and missing assignments after you have talked with your young person.

  • Then call the teacher, if clarification is necessary.