Grading

Grades that are on borderlines will be assigned according to the professional discretion of the teacher based on effort, attitude, attendance, and work habits. Although a D average will earn a credit toward graduation, to continue on to the next semester’s class a C average must be earned each semester demonstrating prerequisite skills for the next semester’s class.

Grades will be based on the following criteria:20% (approx.) =Assignments (graded on effort only)

20% (approx.) = Earned participation and work effort

5% (approx.) = Team tests

5% (approx.) = Individual quizzes

50% (approx.) = Individual tests (final may equal up to two tests)

It is essential that all students attend class daily and are prompt. Most of the learning will take place within small group interaction. If the student misses the class and/or doesn’t participate in the learning process (do the work), it will be difficult to make up the work and/or learn the concepts and skills necessary to succeed in this class. Also, if a student is

absent, he/she will not be able to earn the “participation and work effort” points for those days that he/she is absent. Although, if it is an excused absence, he/she may earn the “work effort” portion of the points if the make up work is completed as outlined in the next paragraph.

Late work will not be accepted unless the student has an excused absence or less than 8 “X-excused” absences. When there are excused or “X-excused absences, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange to take makeup tests within three days as well as following the prescribed outline as found in the student handbook to make up work (it is the student’s responsibility to get the assignment and turn them in within the appropriate time limit).

All work must be shown on assignments, quizzes, and tests unless told otherwise for credit to be given.

Cheating will not be tolerated. All parties involved will receive automatic zeroes. They will not be allowed to redo the assignment, quiz, or test.

If the student is removed from the classroom for disciplinary reasons before assignments are recorded or quizzes given, the student will receive automatic zeroes on the assignments and/or quizzes for the day.

Grades may be raised in the two following ways:

-- A test may be retaken after tutoring (either by the teacher, parent, and/or a peer) within one week from when the test has been returned. Additional points earned will receive only 50% credit. Finals cannot be retaken. The retaking of the test (outside of the class time) must be scheduled with the teacher.

-- If all previous assignments have been completed satisfactorily and turned in when due, a prearranged extra credit project may be done.

Students will be shown their current grade approximately every two weeks.

Supplies

All students must come to class each day with the following materials:

-- Class textbook (must be kept in three-ring binder)

-- Notebook paper

-- Graph paper (Start with around 100 sheets.)

-- Pencils (Work must be done in pencil to be accepted.)

-- Pen (Used only for correcting)

-- Ruler -- must also have metric scale

-- Pencil pouch

-- Scientific calculator (Must be able to do fractions and must have the manual -- suggested: Texas Instrument, TI- 30 family of calculators)

-- A few colored pencils

-- Daily planner or assignment book (Optional)

Classroom Rules and Consequences

-- Students must come prepared to work with necessary materials.

-- Students must be in their seats by the time the tardy bell rings.

-- No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom (gum may be chewed appropriately).

-- Students must remain in their seats during the class period.

-- Students must keep work area clean and neat (clean up after use; no graffiti).

-- Students must use good cooperative group behavior and effort.

-- A good learning environment is essential; therefore, disruptive behavior will not be permitted.

Any of the following consequences will be used depending upon the severity of the problem:

-- Verbal or visual warning

-- Call to parent and/or parent conference

-- Removal from classroom to Student Management Center

-- Lunch Detention in Student Management Center

-- Office referral

Final Comments

My objective is to help each student learn the concepts contained in this class so that he/she can be successful when the skills are needed. I am available for tutoring and/or help before or after school. Please schedule these times with me. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of help to you at any time.

I can almost guarantee success in this class if you do the following:

-- If at all possible, don’t be absent.

-- Put the effort into completing all work. (Yes, you will probably have some homework every night.)

-- Use your team class time well; don’t waste it by talking about other things. Ask pertinent questions; strive for understanding the concepts!

-- Keep “skills” notes in your notebook. When a mini-lecture is given make sure you take notes, and then learn how to apply them.

-- Retake any test that you scored poorly on.

There is a Parent Guide available for this course that may help you assist your student. It is available for purchase; please read at the beginning of the student text for purchase information. There are also a few copies that are available for checkout through the school library; please check with the librarian or me regarding the procedure. Additionally, the Parent Guide may be downloaded for free if you have an Internet connection at http://www.cpm.org/. Lastly, by using the Hot Math link at that website, students can get free additional tutorial assistance on their assignments and check their answers. It is important to realize that learning the concepts is what is important and, of course, what will be assessed!

This paper needs to be signed by the student and his/her parent or guardian to acknowledge that you have read this material. Please return this syllabus within three days for credit as an assignment; I will then give you a copy to put in your math notebook for reference throughout this year.

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Student signature Parent/guardian signature