Goals:
This course is designed to address specific
learning gaps and individual differences, create high levels of engagement,
increase interest in mathematics, help prepare students for the WASL and
upper level mathematics courses, reduce tension at home (except for special
circumstances, there is no homework), and to help students learn and
practice the habits of highly employable young adults.
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Course Information:
ü
Ms.
Noren will provide a 3-ring binder for use in class. Binders are to NEVER,
EVER, EVER to leave the classroom. It will hold each student’s current
assignments and those that need to be corrected.
ü
Work
in pen is unacceptable and will not be scored. These assignments will be
returned and redone in pencil.
ü
Calculators
are highly recommended. Only a few will be available to use in class.
ü
Each
assignment will be worth five points. Quizzes are ten points, while tests
are 100 points. ALL WORK MUST BE SHOWN FOR CREDIT.
ü
Electronic
devices such as cell phones and I-PODS are not allowed and will be
confiscated as per school policy.
ü
No
food is allowed in the classroom.
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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. It is the responsibility of the student to
pick up missed work.
ü
Chapter
tests must be made up within one week of the date given.
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Description:
Intensive Math
is a lab-based program designed especially for students who have struggled
with math for quite some time. We begin with the assumption that
traditional math instruction has not worked very well for these students in
the past so we are going to try something different. This class is very
different from a traditional math class. Students will do one or two ‘math
labs’ each week and will often work in pairs or groups to complete
assignments. The program is also centered on actively engaging students in their
learning. Several times a week students will work individually or with a
partner on skill worksheets. Students will generally have time on Fridays
to complete assignments and labs as well as make corrections on previous
work. We will also be using CompassLearning Odyssey, a
computer-based skills program, to reinforce and build our math skills.
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Course Title: Intensive Math 1A
Instructor: Ms. Noren (Room 502)
Duration: 2 semesters, 1 credit
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Course Syllabus
2007-2008
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Behavior/Discipline Plan:
Students are expected to…
o Communicate Ask for help, appropriately share
frustrations, and be respectful.
o Think This is a professional learning office
and we will act accordingly. Make responsible and safe decisions
academically and behaviorally.
o Try Give math/teacher a chance. Put your
best foot forward… attitude impacts effort. We conduct ourselves with honor
and dignity. Defiance is not tolerated.
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.
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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.
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Grading
and Evaluation:
ü
Students
must master and complete each and every assignment correctly. Only quality
work is acceptable. Students will be allowed to complete, fix or redo work
that is not of high quality until it meets standard. Because of the
multiple opportunities to complete work, the grading scale is as follows:
100%:
A
95.0-99.99%:
A-
90.0-94.99%%:
B
80.0-89.9:
P
79.9%
or below: F
ü
Overall
grade will be based on the following:
o
40%
Slosson material
o
40%
CompassLearning Odyssey material (computer-based skills practice)
o
20%
Tests and Quizzes
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 full
credit will be given.
ü
Homework
will not be a necessity unless a student is sick for several days in a row.
There will be plenty of time in class to complete the work assigned.
ü
Cheating,
plagiarism, and “paper sharing” will not be tolerated and will be followed
with disciplinary action and parental contact.
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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.
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