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Math

Class Information and Expectations

7G – Pre-Algebra

    This will be the last Pre-Algebra class taken in the gifted program before entering Algebra in 8th grade. Students must be willing to put forth the effort to master all Pre-Algebra topics taught.

    The gifted program will be following the rest of the Rockford School District and be exploring math from the Connected Math series. I personally look forward to being able to teach from this program as it is more discovery and application of mathematics that should fit in very well with gifted education. Study partners and small groups will be used as much as possible so students will have a chance to learn from one another. This is vital to CMP. We plan on covering all 8 books of the 7th grade CMP curriculum, plus additional 8th grade topics. These will include variables and patterns; similarity; ratio, proportion, and percent; rational numbers; linear relationships; 3-dimensional measurements; probability. By the end of the year each student should be well prepared for Algebra. Expectations will be high as we will be moving at a rapid pace (most 7th grade traditional education classes will only cover about 5 books). Look for a different and more applicable approach to math. Through the use of projects, graphing calculators, note-taking, new vocabulary, and reflection, students will have the opportunity to become actively excited about math.

    Homework can be expected most nights whether it is daily work, vocabulary, studying for a quiz or test, or working on a short-term project. It should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete.

Algebra Overview
    Expect a challenge!!! Being able to explore the world of algebra and find out it isn't so different than previously learned math is both an opportunity and a challenge. Algebra is not an isolated area of study. Mathematics at all levels uses many of the same algebraic ideas that will be explored this year. The challenge is to take what many students (and parents) feel is an abstract topic and make it a concrete learning experience. That is where true understanding takes place.
    The pace will be fast. Expect from 20-40 minutes of homework per night. It is impossible to do well in Algebra without making the commitment to do homework, complete projects, learn vocabulary, and prepare for tests consistently. The entire curriculum (12 units of study) will be covered in detail during the school year as the next level of study will be Honors Geometry in 8^th grade.

    We will be using knowledge in cooperative ways, sharing strengths that each student brings to the class to make everyone's learning more productive. There will be opportunities to do projects and summaries, learn new vocabulary, and apply algebra to everyday life. Through the use of manipulatives we will make algebra touchable. Through short projects we will make algebra applicable. In studying linear and quadratic functions, graphing, inequalities, and other topics students will study areas that are new and refreshing.

Calculator Usage
     It is my firm belief that calculators must have a place in education today and therefore I expect students to have a calculator with them daily in math class. Part of my responsibility as a teacher is to see that students know how to use a calculator in an effective manner. This does not mean that mental or written calculation is unimportant. Nothing can replace a strong knowledge of basic computational skills. I encourage students to use the calculator as a learning tool, just like any other technological advancement. This is how we will use them in the classroom and I expect students to do the same at home.

    We will also be using graphing calculators when the topic calls for their use. These are very expensive and will only be used for in-class exploration. There is no need to purchase one for individual use.

Grading Policy

Grades will be earned on a percentage basis. The school grading scale is used.

All homework should be done in pencil, be neat, and done in a math spiral, unless otherwise stated.

All work must be shown, unless otherwise stated. The calculator is a useful tool for students to check the accuracy of answers, but help little for me in assessing correctness of method. SHOW ALL WORK!

Extra credit is just that, EXTRA. It will be offered at the end of each unit of study only. It is used to accumulate additional points on homework only and to help in studying for an upcoming test.

Most homework will be discussed the next day. Homework quizzes (a selected check of key problems) will be used regularly to check to see if students are doing the assigned work, correcting mistakes, and relearning topics initially misunderstood.

Homework will count for 20% of the grade, tests/quizzes for 50%, and projects, spiral checks, and vocabulary for 30%.

Time can be arranged at lunch or after school if any student needs further help understanding the concepts presented.
Pre-testing and Differentiation

Since the school district requires we use the same pre-test and post-test as the rest of the Rockford Public Schools, the gifted versions will be enhanced. This will be done in order to better ascertain which math skills are already known and which need improvement. Pre-tests will allow for each student to demonstrate their prior knowledge in an area of study. Differentiated instruction will then be used, dependent on a variety of factors, to enhance the earning of students who have already shown mastery of the material. They will have different assignments than the rest of the class. These may include research, more advanced problems and applications, presentations, and other options. Each unit this group of students will change as pre-test scores indicate a need for differentiated material. Every student will still be responsible for taking the gifted-enhanced district post-test.

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