Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common math-
related questions.

1. What are the standards (or rules) for doing math homework?
2. What are the policies for math homework?
3. What are the rules of conduct for math class?
4. When are you available for extra help?

What are the standards (or rules) for doing math homework?

Homework & Class Work Standards for TPS 7 & 8 Math:

These standards are required to do well on your homework 
assignments and to get the most out of the course. If you ever 
have questions about these, be sure to ask!

1.	 Be Neat!
��	Your writing must be clear, legible, in pencil or pen and 
with clean erasures or neat cross-outs.
��	Your paper must be standard-sized, lined, 3-ring binder 
paper (also called loose-leaf paper), clean and not wrinkled or 
torn. You can also do homework in your notebook, but do not rip 
it out.
��	Consequences: Not using standard loose-leaf paper or your 
notebook = a 50% grade for that assignment.

2.	Be Complete! Show Your Work!
��	Copy the problem, including any diagrams.
��	Show your work. If you do the work mentally, ��write what 
you think��. 
If you must use a calculator, ��punch what you��ve already 
written, and do it 
twice to check��. 
��	If you can��t complete a problem, WRITE about it �K how 
far you got 
with it, what you know about it, what strategies you tried, etc.
��	When we correct HW, show your corrections to the problems 
you got 
wrong.
��	Consequences: Not showing your work = a 50% grade for 
that 
assignment.

3.	Be Well-Organized!
��	 Start each day��s assignment at the top of the page.
��	 At the top of the first page, write your name, the date, 
the source 
for this assignment (section of the textbook, worksheet #, etc.), 
and the 
assignment itself (Ex. Problem #s).
��	 Write each problem # in the margin. Work the problem top-
down on 
your paper. Leave space to the right of the problem for 
corrections or 
notes. 
��	Answers must always be shown at the end of your solution 
(work).  
Word problems (AKA Open Response) are ALWAYS answered in a 
complete 
sentence. Other problem answers can be indicated by drawing an 
oval or box 
around them, underlining them, or highlighting them.
��	Consequences: will be assigned on a case-by-case basis.

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What are the policies for math homework?

Homework in math is extremely important for the student to 
practice and 
fully absorb concepts covered in the classroom. In order to fully 
understand, retain and master each new concept, it is essential 
for the 
student to perform a number of practice problems.

On average, homework will be assigned three times per week. 
Although it 
would be very beneficial to do more math homework, it is hoped 
each student 
will realize that this is a reasonable balance of work that can 
be 
accomplished each week.
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Following is the homework policy for 7th and 8th grade math 
classes at TPS.

1.	Each homework assignment is to be completed by the 
following school 
day unless instructed differently. This is most important in 
order for the 
student to derive maximum benefit from doing the homework. If the 
homework 
is delayed more than 1 or 2 days beyond when the concept is 
covered in 
class, this benefit is often lost.

2.	If you are unable to finish your homework, you are asked 
to write an 
explanation on your homework sheet about different ways you 
approached the 
problem. This should include what strategies you tried and who 
you called 
for help.

3.	Homework that is completed with good effort and handed in 
on time 
will receive a grade of 95%. Note: ��Good effort�� means showing 
on paper how 
you approached each problem and how you solved it or tried to 
solve it. The 
correct answer is just the final piece of solving any problem. 
More 
important than the correct answer is learning different methods 
of solving 
the problem and showing how you tried to solve it.

4.	Homework will count 20-30% for 8th grade and 40-50% for 
the 7th 
grade students�� math grade for each term. The variance depends 
on the number 
of tests completed in the term.

5.	Homework will be corrected in class the next day.

6.	Homework can be handed in late if accompanied by a 
reasonable excuse 
(such as absence from school). The absent student is responsible 
for: 
��	Finding out what homework is to be done,
��	Completing all missed homework within a reasonable period 
of 
returning,
��	Grading their late homework using class grade sheets, and
��	Consulting their teacher about any questions or problems 
on the 
missed concepts.

7.	Consequences: Homework that is not handed in within 2 
days (or 
within the corresponding # of days absent) will receive a grade 
of 0%. 

It is very important for the student to understand the importance 
of the HW 
affect on the term grade. Each assignment not completed can lower 
the 
student��s term grade by 1% or more (depends on grade level and # 
HW per 
term).

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What are the rules of conduct for math class?

How Mr. Brown asks you to behave in Math class:
1.	Show Respect!! ... to everyone and to your school ... at 
all times! 
Show respect to your classmates, to yourself, to your schoolwork, 
to the 
teachers and staff, to your books, to your locker and to the 
school itself.

2.	Be on time and be prepared for every class! That means 
have your 
homework completed and with you, have the materials you need for 
class with 
you, and be in your assigned seat on time.

3.	Homework is due the next school day!

4.	Questions on how to solve ANY math problem are GOOD! 
(There are no 
embarrassing questions. If you're not quite sure, ASK! If you 
didn't quite 
get it, ASK! When you ask a question, you often help others who 
are still 
hesitant to ask a question about the same thing..

5.	Class discussion will focus on how to solve problems, not 
on the 
right or wrong answer. Learning different ways to solve problems 
from others 
is a good 
thing.

6.	Class discussions will be done respectfully. While one 
person 
speaks, the rest of us will listen, respectfully.

7.	Neatness and organization are NOT an option; they are 
required in 
your class work, in your homework and in your math binder.

8.	If you miss some math work for any reason, it is up to 
you to catch 
up. Find out what you missed, write it in your planner, finisg it 
and hand 
it in the next day.

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When are you available for extra help?

Coming in for extra help is a GREAT way to learn a concept that 
is troubling 
you. I try to reserve mornings at 7:30, Monday through Thursday, 
for 
students to come in for help. Often however, other meetings are 
also 
scheduled at these times. Therefore it is best to schedule your 
meeting in 
advance. At a minimum, you should check with me the day before to 
be sure I 
am available the next morning.

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