Course+Summary

= AISD Middle School Math 6, Math 7, & Math 8 =

2009-2010
Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe. -Galileo Galilee

__Notebooks__
All students will be given a notebook to record their in class math practice, notes, questions, ideas and homework. To help you organize your work and make it easier for your teacher to follow,complete the following for each journal and homework entry:

• Write your name, the date, day number, and your class on all journal entries and homework in the upper right hand corner of your notebook page. Identify problems with problem numbers. • Always do math work in pencil. When revising cross out the previous work, rather than erase it. This saves you time and helps your teacher to follow your thinking. Using colored pen for revision makes it easier to check.

__Math Journal__
Include the following:

• The posted big idea and essential question. • Notes. Write anything that will help you remember your thinking as well as class summaries of the ideas in each investigation. These notes are for your reference as you solve problems, answer homework questions, work on check-ups, and prepare for tests. • Investigation problems and follow-ups; also words, charts, pictures, or anything else to show your thinking. • Mathematical reflections are summaries of the separate investigations we will follow this year. They are crucial to demonstrating your understanding of the topics of class and will be assessed by your teacher. Revision is encouraged. • Refer to your Journal Scoring Guide for details on expectations for journal entries.

__Homework Journal__
Include the following:

• ACE homework assignments. Homework should be completed to the best of your ability before the next class meeting. Check your work. Please ask questions about the homework before or during class to get help. We recognize that you may have difficulty with some homework and may need extra time or assistance, please talk to your teacher.

Refer to your Homework Scoring Guide for details on expectations for homework assignments.

Math Binder
You will need a three-ring binder, three-hole punched lined loose-leaf paper, and dividers to use as a math notebook. Divide your notebook into the following three sections:

//Section 1: Handouts//
Keep any informational handouts in the Handouts section of your notebook. This includes this Course Summary and your current Journal and Homework Record.

//Section 2:Vocabulary//
You will be provided with a packet of this year’s vocabulary words. Be sure that each word is defined in your own words and each has an example and/or diagram to accompany it in the area provided. You will be tested on your mastery of the vocabulary for every unit.

//Section 3: Assessments//
This section will include completed check-ups, partner quizzes, tests, projects, and journal-assessments.

__Grading Summary__
Mathematical Reflections – 20% Journal – 10% Homework & Check Ups – 20% Partner Quizzes – 20% Tests/Projects – 30%

__Late Work__
Late work will not be accepted unless pre-arranged with your math teacher or due to absence. When you are absent, it is your responsibility to hand in any missing work within one week of your return. Please see the current unit Journal and Homework Record to see what you have missed and check with your table group, PowerSchool, and the class wiki to check what was handed in during your absence.

__Redoing Work__
Your math teachers want you to know that reflecting on and revising your work can be a powerful tool in increasing your math understanding. You may redo any piece of work (excluding journal assessments), providing that you follow these requirements: 1) Do not erase any of your original work. 2) Hand in your original work stapled to your revised work. 3) If you are revising on the original sheet, you must use a different color to show your corrections so it is clear what work you did originally and what is revised. 4) Please write the word “REDONE” at the top of any work being re-submitted. Upon handing in your redone work, you may earn up to ½ of the percentage points missed on the original assignment. For example, if you earned 80% on a check-up, you could earn up to an additional 10% by redoing it achieving a 90% -“A”. If you achieved only 50% on your original, you could earn an additional 25% to achieve a 75% “C.”

__Learning Environment__
We are here to improve our ideas about numbers, patterns, shapes and their many uses.

As a member of our learning community we expect that you: ☺ Challenge yourself and have fun. ☺ Show up for class prepared. ☺ Complete your work to the best of your ability on time. ☺ Pay Attention. ☺ Participate in our discussions and speak up so we can hear you. ☺ Respect the ideas of other's by listening and waiting for your turn to comment or reply. ☺ Be helpful. ☺ Use positive language. ☺ Look and Learn, but ask for help when you need it. ☺ Deal with personal issues outside of class time.