The following
lists a general outline of the mathematical topics we will cover during this
school year along with a time frame of when we will study the concept.
First Nine Weeks
· Integers and Algebraic Expressions
· Rational Numbers
· Real Numbers and the Coordinate Plane
Second Nine Weeks
· Applications
of Proportions
· Applications
of Percents
· Equations
and Inequalities
Third Nine Weeks
· Geometry
· Measurement
· Using
Graphs to Analyze Data
Fourth Nine
Weeks
· Probability
· Functions
· Polynomials and Properties of Exponents
Learning Techniques
It is my
teaching philosophy that students learn in many ways. To ensure that each
individual student will learn in my class, we will actively participate in a
number of different activities. They include:
1) Daily
Warm Ups/Journaling- Each day, there will be some type of
activity to complete at the beginning of each class. Warm Ups may be assessed
with a twice monthly warm up quiz. With journaling, there is no right or wrong
answer and responses will be kept confidential. A participation grade may be
taken on completed journal entries.
2) Daily
Homework- Learning will
also occur during daily homework activities. Most homework will be issued from
our math book yet some will come in the form of supplemental materials. Homework
is always due the very next class day and points will be deducted when it is
not turned in on the due date.
3) Vocabulary
Quizzes- Understanding
mathematical terms is one of the foundations for understanding mathematical
processes. Vocabulary will be provided for each unit of study and a quiz will
be conducted over the words provided.
4) Group
Activities- Cooperative
learning is a technique I have found beneficial in the past. Students learn
from each other and by helping each other. I will make informal assessments
during this learning time to gauge each students understanding of the topic
being discussed.
5) Routine
Tests and Quizzes- At
least one main test will be given over the topics presented in each unit. At
least two quizzes will also be given as we make our way through each unit to
assess the students’ knowledge.
Textbooks
A math book is provided in the classroom for student use.
Each student has been assigned a book for use at home as well. We request that
the book issued to your student be covered
and placed in a safe area.
Grading Policy
The following
lists the grading policy of the Mathematics Department for each Nine Week
period.
- 25% Daily Work, Journaling
Activities
- 25% Quizzes, Projects
- 50% Tests
Assignments and Late Work Policy
Each student
may have up to 3 late assignments per nine weeks with points being deducted according to
the Late Work policy. The Late Work policy states that an assignment:
* One
day late - 50 points deducted
* Two days
late or more – a grade of zero will be recorded
All
assignments turned in after the third late assignment will be given a grade of
zero.
The math
curriculum is sequential. It is extremely important that homework is completed
and turned in daily. It is my intention that students do not habitually turn in
late assignments. If I see a
pattern beginning to develop, I will contact the parents/guardians and an
action plan will be created to support the student. This plan may include but
is not limited to tutorials, room restrictions, school wide detentions, or ISS.
According to
school policy, retests and or test corrections will not be given to replace failed test grades.
Grades are
available on-line using the Parent Connect program. To register for this, visit
http://dsgs.fisdk12.net/pc/Default.aspx.
Absences
If a student
is absent, they are to see me at the beginning of their class period and I will
have all of the notes/assignments the student missed. The student will sign for
their work and I will communicate due dates to the student.
Attendance
State law requires that a
student be in attendance at least 90% of the time that a class is offered. If a student does not meet the
attendance requirement, credit will be denied. Every 3 tardies that a student accrues to a class will be
recorded as an absence when determining final exemptions and denial of
credit. Students who are more than
10 minutes late to any one class will be considered absent.
Tutorials
Tutorials will
be held Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:00 AM in my room. After school
tutorials and other morning tutorials can be scheduled in advance by contacting
me.
TeacherWeb
Assignments as
well as assessment dates are published on my teacherweb.com site. Please visit
the site and sign up for the News Flash under the “Pre Algebra Assignments”
page. You will receive an automatic email when I update this page. I do update
the page regularly. At times, assignment or assessment dates may change due to
student need. If this occurs, please refer to the student planner for the most
up to date information.
Online Assistance
Throughout the
textbook, you will find a "Go Online" icon which provides you with
the website and webcode to link you to online tutorials for the individual
section. Students and parents may access the website and use the webcode listed
in the margin of the textbook anytime. The tutorials provide verbal and written
step-by-step instructions for completing exercises and problems contained in
the section.
Contact Information
If you have
any questions, please feel free to contact at the school via phone,
281-482-7818 or you can contact via email at mloftin@fisdk12.net.
Please check
the www.teacherweb.com
site often for assignments and test/quiz dates. Also, you may sign up on the
appropriate assignment page and you will automatically receive an email when
the page is updated.
I am so honored
to teach your child. They make me a much better person. I am looking forward to
a fabulous year!