Absent/Make-up work:

ü Excessive absences adversely affect student achievement. Vacations, oversleeping, haircut appointments, car breaking down and other activities that keep children out of school should be avoided during the school day. These absences will be marked as “X Excused” in the student’s attendance record if not pre-approved. “X Excused” absences become “Unexcused” after seven have been accumulated for the semester. For all “Unexcused” absences, make-up work will be given at the discretion of the teacher. It is equally important that students be at school on time. Students who are frequently tardy will become a focus of concern.

ü Assignments are posted weekly on the board. If absent, he/she will have one day to turn in the work without being penalized. Assignments turned in up to one week late are eligible to receive up to half credit. Late assignments must be 100% complete for credit.

ü No assignments for any chapter will be accepted after the chapter test has been given.

ü Chapter tests must be made up within one week of the date given.

Homework Requirements:

ü All assignments must be done in pencil and be legible.

ü Each homework assignment will be worth 4 points. Scores will be given based on completion, accuracy and effort. ALL WORK MUST BE SHOWN FOR CREDIT.

ü A “Stamp Sheet” will be handed out each Monday. Homework will be scored daily with a stamp placed in the appropriate points received box. Each Friday, students will turn in this sheet and total weekly homework scores will be entered into the grade book.

ü Assignments will be handed in after they are corrected in class.

ü Students are responsible for keeping track of their Stamp Sheet. Weekly homework scores will be entered as zeros if the completed sheet is not handed in.

ü On most days, students will have some time to start on assignments. Unfinished assignments are to be completed outside of class.

Goals:

Successful completion of this course prepares a student to continue on to upper level mathematics courses. Although a D average will earn credit toward graduation, to continue on to the next level of math, a C average must be earned each semester. Any students planning on continuing their education outside of high school need to be knowledgeable of topics covered in this class.

Description:

Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to ‘learn by doing’ as they complete investigations and make discoveries about the geometric properties. They will work cooperatively in groups and pairs, as well as individually, in the classroom. Individual homework will be assigned each evening. The following items are needed each class period: class textbook (must be kept in a 3-ring binder), lined paper, scientific or graphing calculator, pencils for homework, pens for correcting assignments, and a ruler that includes the metric scale.

Text and Online Resources:

Textbook: Geometry Connections

Websites: http://www.cpm.org/students/index.htm (Skill Builders and Student Resource Pages)

http://hotmath.com/help/bookindexes/cpmg02/index.html (Online Tutoring and Homework Help)

Course Title: Geometry Connections

Instructor: Ms. Noren

Duration: 2 semesters, 1 credit

Course Syllabus

2007-2008

Availability for extra help:

I am available most days before or after school. Lunchtime may only be arranged by appointment. Please notify me when you are coming outside of class hours so that I can be available to assist you. You may contact me via email at: noren.heather@bgsd.k12.wa.us or by telephone at 360.885.1065.

Behavior/Discipline Plan:

Students are expected to…

o Communicate (ask for help, appropriately share frustrations, and be respectful).

o Think (make responsible and safe decisions academically and behaviorally; leave food out of class).

o Try (give math/teacher a chance. Put your best foot forward… attitude impacts effort).

Those who choose not to follow these guidelines will…

o Receive a verbal warning and/or a conference with me.

o Have a phone call placed to their home.

o Be removed from class and conference with parents and myself.

o Receive a referral to the Assistant Principal.

Bathroom Passes:

Students will receive 3 bathroom/hall passes per semester. If the are not used, they can be ‘sold back’ at the following rate: 3 passes for 20 points, 2 passes for 10 points and 1 pass for 5 points.

Evaluation:

ü Standard grading scale applies.

93.0-100: A 83.0-86.9%: B 70.0-72.9%: C 60.0-66.9%: D

90.0-92.9%: A- 80.0-82.9%: B- 73.0-76.9%: C - 0-59.9%: F

87.0-89.9%: B+ 77.0-79.9%: C+ 67.0-69.9%: D+

ü Overall grade will be based on the following:

o 45% Tests and Projects

o 25% Assignments (warm-ups, daily work, and in-class activities)

o 10% Quizzes

o 15% Participation/Cooperation/Effort

o 5% Team Tests

ü Tests are given after each chapter is completed. There will not be an opportunity to retake a test. Opportunities to correct missed test questions for partial credit will be given. Up to 50% of the points missed can be earned back. Corrections must be done before the next chapter test is given.

ü All tests must be made-up within a week of its given date.

ü Generally, 2 quizzes will be given each unit. There are no correction points allowed on quizzes.

ü Team tests will also be used as an evaluating tool. These tests are similar to an in class review. Students will work together and each turn in a test. One will randomly be selected and scored. In addition, participation scores will be given based on teacher and group allocation.

ü Cheating, plagiarism, and “paper sharing” will not be tolerated and will be followed with disciplinary action and parental contact.

ü 25 participation points will be awarded each week. Points will be deducted if students are off task, unprepared, or using electronic devices such as I-Pods, cell phones or headphones.