Disclosure Statement
Room: 212
Email: sproctor@scholarcharter.org
Website: https://sproctor.scholarcharter.org/
Goal: This course will build on previous mathematical knowledge to prepare you for future high school mathematics courses. My long-term goal for each student is to have them college and career ready by graduation, which must start before they even enter those high school doors. Other goals include developing valuable life skills like critical thinking, accountability, problem solving, perseverance, and of course, mastery in mathematics.
Text: I use a variety of texts, though I focus mainly on OpenUp Resources 6-8 Mathematics Curriculum by Illustrative Mathematics and Utah Middle School Math Project. Both resources are available online.
× https://access.openupresources.org/curricula/our6-8math
× http://utahmiddleschoolmath.org/
Additionally, I will supplement these texts with my own materials and educational materials. As needed, I will supply students with paper copies of the work to work on in class, but students must keep track of their own copies. To assist students in keeping track of their papers, students should bring a 3-ring binder to organize and carry notes, assignments, and other materials.
Recommended Materials:
· Pencils or pens (blue or black ink for homework, tests, and quizzes)
· 1” 3-ring binder
· Loose leaf paper or notebook (for note taking)
· Colored pencils, pens, or highlighters (very helpful for color coding notes)
· Scientific calculator (helpful for use at home). See my website for at-home calculator recommendations
Citizenship: Scholar Academy’s citizenship rubric will be followed for determining citizenship. In math class, citizenship will largely be determined by class participation, though other factors such as number of missing assignments, tardiness, and dress code violations may affect citizenship.
Grading: Student grades will be determined using the following tables:
Scholar Grading Scale
A 94% - 100%
A- 90% - 93.9%
B+ 87% - 89.9%
B 84% - 86.9%
B- 80% - 83.9%
C+ 77% - 79.9%
C 74% - 76.9%
C- 70% - 73.9%
D+ 67% - 69.9%
D 64% - 66.9%
D- 60% - 63.9%
F Below 60%
Category Weights
10% Assignments (practice problems, reflection questions, etc.)
20% Quizzes (preassessments, quickpolls, quizzes, etc.)
20% In-Class (warmups, activities, group work, etc.)
50% Assessments (exams, projects, etc.)
Assignments: Assignments include practice problems and reflection questions. There will be very little time to begin these assignments during class and students should expect to spend 15 - 20 minutes at home to complete assignments. Assignments are important study tools for students as it allows them time to reflect on their learning and practice the material learned in class, so they are better prepared for assessments. Since these assignments are an opportunity to practice, the student’s assignments will be graded strictly by completeness, and not by correctness. Answers to practice problems will be posted in class, so students will be able to self-assess their understanding and ask questions when they find they need help. Assignments are due the class after it is assigned, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Students are expected to show their work on practice problems and write complete sentences on reflections. Assignments are typically worth 5 points, Review assignments are worth 10 points. Points will be deducted on late work. Credit may not be given on work that is only partially done.
Quizzes: Quizzes include quick checks and other formative assessments. Quizzes may be retaken but students are expected to demonstrate an improved understanding of the material by working out additional practice problems or getting tutoring prior to scheduling a retake.
In-Class Work: In-Class work may include preassessments, warm-ups, group work, activities, participation in class discussion, vocabulary, etc. In-class work is expected to be completed in class. Students who are absent miss the opportunity to earn points for in-class work; however, in-class work will be excused for students with excused absences.
Assessments: Assessments include tests and projects. All tests are comprehensive. There may be up to one project each quarter. Because you will have prior knowledge of all due dates on projects, please turn it in prior to the due date if you know you are going to be absent. Projects turned in after an unforeseeable excused absence on the due date of a project will need teacher approval for full credit, or reduced credit will occur. Projects must be turned in on or before the due date to receive full credit.
Make-up work: Make-up work is work students miss due to absence. Make-up work is different than late work (see below). Students with excused absences will have the opportunity to complete work for full points if turned in within three days upon returning to school. Students who are absent are expected to collect their own make-up work, much of which can be completed during the absence, prior to returning to school. Materials and notes are posted on Canvas to facilitate the completion of makeup work. If a student is absent on the day of an assessment or quiz, the student can make up the missing assessment with the teacher on their own time (before or after school). It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the make-up assessment with the teacher. It is in the student’s best interest to stay caught up and to learn any material that is missed as quick as possible.
Late work: Work that is assigned and due on days when a student is present, but not turned in on the due date is considered late work. Late work will earn reduced credit but will continue to be accepted until the midterm and end of term cut-off. All work must be completed prior to these due dates to receive credit. It is in the student’s best interest to stay caught up.
Midterm and End of Term Late Work Deadline
1st term deadlines
Midterm: September 18, 2023
End of Term: October 13, 2023
2nd term deadlines
Midterm: December 4, 2023
End of Term: January 8, 2024
3rd term deadlines
Midterm: February 26, 2024
End of Term: March 11, 2024
4th term deadlines
Midterm: April 22, 2024
End of Term: May 15, 2024
Quiz Retakes: Quizzes may be retaken after students can show mastery of the content being assessed. Before a quiz can be retaken, students must complete all homework assigned prior to the quiz and attend at least one tutoring session. Please note, a quiz retake is different than a make-up quiz. Quiz retakes are for improving a poor quiz score while a make-up quiz is making up a quiz missed due to absence.
Test Corrections: Test scores are final, with retakes given on a case-by-case basis. Not all students will be allowed to retake a test, and those who wish to be considered for such an opportunity must have minimal attendance issues, all assignments turned in, test corrections completed, and take advantage of tutoring opportunities within the school. All students will have an opportunity to improve test scores through test corrections. Students may re-do missed questions, reflecting on their mistakes and showing an improved understanding, to earn back partial credit on their test score. Details will be given to students after the first exam is graded.
Attendance: Due to the building nature of mathematics, it is important students attend class every day, so they don’t fall behind. Attendance is taken at the beginning of class each day. Students are expected to be in their seats with all the required materials at the start of class, or they will be marked as tardy. All class notes and assignments are posted online daily. Absent students are expected to visit Canvas, know what they missed, and make an effort to stay caught up; even if the absence is unexpected, and especially if it is planned.
Calculators: Students will have classroom access to a set of calculators. These calculators are school property and must be treated with respect. Students will be held accountable for any damage to the calculators, so damage or vandalism or other misuse that is witnessed or discovered should be reported immediately. Students may wish to purchase a calculator for use at home; the teacher website includes information about calculator options for home use including recommendations for free calculators and calculators for purchase.
Student Expectations:
1. Be prepared: have all materials including writing utensils and math binders with you at the start of class.
2. Be present: attendance is critical to your learning and success in math class and only you can control your attendance. Don’t fall behind in class for poor attendance or tardiness.
3. Be courteous: Show the teacher and your classmates respect by giving your attention to the teacher during lectures and participating in class discussions. Respect school property.
4. Be a good citizen: follow all school rules and policies.
Parent Expectations:
· Support your student’s math education in words and actions.
· Encourage your student’s compliance with these policies and school policies.
· Communicate with the teacher regarding any concerns as soon as you can.
· Believe the best about your student’s performance abilities as well as his/her teacher’s intention in the classroom.
· Work in partnership with the teacher as we both want to see the best for your student’s educational and social experiences at Scholar Academy.