Math 6 Syllabus

Welcome to Sixth Grade Math

Math 6                                              Mrs. Mac (McWilliams)

Daily Supplies

Math Instruction & Expectations

Lessons will be taught using the Workshop Model, which is a student-centered approach that includes an opening problem or sequence of problems, work time, and a reflection, where students share their methods and strategies. After closing the lesson, students will have time to work on their Daily Practice. 

Group collaboration is an important part of our math class. All voices and methods will be tools in helping us learn from one another. It is an expectation that ALL students participate and attempt to solve problems. By being an active participant in class, you are securing your own understanding of the skill(s). Remember to respectfully listen to the speaker and respond appropriately. It’s okay to disagree with one another. We will learn how to respectfully disagree while also supporting and encouraging each other. Listening and being open to new ideas and ways of thinking will be essential in math class. 

Daily Practice/Homework

Just like you practice for a big performance or a game, “Daily Practice “ is your practice for tests and Exit Ticket. Daily practice is your chance to practice the skills taught in class and is due the next school day. While in class, you will have 20-30 minutes to work on this in class. Working in class allows you to work with your group, collaborate, and ask questions. While working on your assignments, you will take on the responsibility of asking questions for clarification and seeking methods for problem solving. Daily Practice is not graded, but if you are not scoring well on Exit Tickets, you need to be asking more questions and completing your Daily Practice. 

Types of Practice:

• Big Ideas – our textbook is available both hardcopy and online. You can check out a hard copy, but most students prefer the online version, which everyone will have access to. Most Daily Practice will be assigned online in Big Ideas.

• Zearn - specific skills will be assigned in the form of videos and practice problems. 

• Khan Academy – specific skills will be assigned in Khan. The goal is to practice the skills as many times as needed until you feel secure.

Quizzes and Exit Tickets

Quizzes and Exit tickets are formative assessments and will count as 29% of your grade.  This is a quick check to see how well you understand the math skills on an independent level and determine if you need any reteaching or additional practice. Not all quizzes and exit tickets will be recorded in the Grade Book.  You will have Exit Tickets throughout the week to check in on your learning. 

Unit Assessments

Unit tests are summative assessments and will count as 70% of your grade.  The tests will cover more than one learning target and standard.  Each standard will receive its own score, so when checking ParentVue or StudentVue, you will see several scores for one assessment, which indicates how you scored on each standard. Students can retake assessments until they have secured their understanding on each standard. When retaking an assessment, you can pick and choose which standard you would like to retake, meaning you do not need to retake parts of the test that you have secured. You may retake an assessment until you are proficient (score of a 3 or higher) with the material. For most assessments, you will not be allowed to use a calculator or notes. 

Work Habits

Work Habits show how well you are doing your job as a mathematician and will be 1% of your grade. The following describes a student with good work habits:

• Productive worker: completing homework for understanding, meaning you are asking questions when you do not understand, even if you are getting the correct answer

• Prepared to learn: has supplies out at the beginning of each class, and ready to learn

• Positive classroom behavior: interacts appropriate when working on daily assignments and group work; encouraging others and willingly tries 

• Participates in learning: participates in math discussions, works on problem solving, and asks for help when needed or helps others 

Absent/Make up Work

If students miss any class, it is the student’s responsibility to make up.  Class notes and assignments are always available on Google Classroom.  If you need additional help, please contact Mrs. Mac to set up a time to meet or ask her questions when you return to class.

Calculator use

Calculators will be used on specific chapters, so please have your calculator in your backpack ready to use. You will only use a calculator to check your work in those chapters. 

Interactive Student Notebook (ISN)

This is your # 1 resource for practice/homework! Each day a new problem will be presented. Your notebook will be a place to show your work, record vocabulary words, and take notes. It will stay in the classroom, so it never gets lost or forgotten at home.  The ISN is your survival guide to sixth grade math. 

Contact Me

The best way to contact me is via email. I do not have a direct line in my classroom and cannot answer my office phone during instructional time. Please see my email address below. 

I believe in you and know you will make tremendous growth this year! You will become a problem solver, an investigator, and a listener. You will learn that mistakes are a part of learning and perseverance pays off. We will work hard and have fun doing it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!  

Sincerely,

Mrs. Mac (Katie McWilliams)

kmcwilliams@psdschools.org      (970) 472-2758