Mrs. Connie Smith

MATH

The goal of the junior high math program is to enable students to:

·         become confident in mathematics so as to value and enjoy it;

·         become mathematical problem solvers; 

·         learn to reason and experiment to foster mathematical concepts; and

·         use logic and mathematical evidence as justification for correct answers.

Content

The content of the junior high math program is designed to enable students to:

·        master computational skills with positive and negative whole numbers, fractions, and decimals;

·        develop an understanding of data and statistics and master graphing skills;

·        master an understanding of percent, ratio and proportion;

·        master an understanding of measurement concepts;

·        master pre-algebra concepts and develop algebra concepts;

·        develop geometry concepts; and

·        develop an understanding of probability.

Class Work

Students are grouped by ability for math. Within a given class, there will be at least two subgroups.

Homework

Calculators may not be used unless I have specified. Any written math assignment is
considered missing if the work is not shown. Homework is meant to be a practice/learning
exercise; therefore, effort shown rather than accuracy is what is graded.

Technical Help

Class notes for all classes except Algebra I are on power point presentations that can be accessed
from school or home. (Directions are given on the website for downloading.) There is a link to
the Algebra I textbook and class notes on the "Links" tab. There are also links to many other math
programs that the students should find helpful.

                                                                   8th GRADE READING 

The goal of the 8th grade reading program is to enable students to: 

·          acquire a life-long interest in reading for information and for enjoyment;

·         develop an understanding of literary terms;

·         enhance their vocabulary;

·         use reading as a tool for learning in all subject areas;

·         experience a wide variety of genre; and 

·         develop writing skills necessary to evaluate literature.

Content

The content of the junior high reading program is designed to enable students to:
         ·         make sense of the printed word by employing a wide variety of cues to unlock meaning;

·         understand and identify literary terms;

·         strengthen and expand vocabulary skills;

·         apply structural and word analysis skills;

·         understand techniques and style of the author;

·         apply structural and word analysis skills;

·         recognize story/narrative structure;

·         engage in critical analysis; and 

·         use graphic aids. 

Class Work

Literary terms will be discussed in class. Stories will usually be read silently, and an
assignment will be given applying the term discussed. Students will complete frequent
comprehension exercises. 

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Workshop words will be presented in class. Roots, pronunciation, definitions,
parts of speech, spelling, synonyms, and antonyms will also be discussed. Tests will
usually be on Fridays and will include all areas mentioned above. Students have been
provided with a general schedule for vocabulary unit assignments which is in their
2-pocket, 3-prong folder. When there is a shortened week, a vocabulary unit may not be
assigned. Excellent practice opportunities may be found at www.vocabularyworkshop.com.

Homework

All reading assignments should be answered in the composition notebook using complete
sentences and correct spelling. When the directions say such things as “find 2 examples”,
“describe 3 incidents”, etc., one (or more) sentences should be written for each example,
incident, etc. Assignments may be hand written or completed on the computer and glued into
the composition notebook. When students do not have a written assignment, they should spend
time studying vocabualary words and reading silently. Students will complete one book report
each quarter.