8th Grade Math CC (Period 5)

8th Grade Math CPM CC3 Class description

   Welcome to 8th grade math! In 8th grade students will experience math in a variety of ways and learn to apply concepts to real life situations. The curriculum that we will be exploring is Core Connections 3, College Preparatory Mathematics,  and other curriculum online. It is imperative that students complete ALL of their classwork in order to develop their individual skills. Students will be expected to work in small groups and partnerships. In order for students to be successful learners there will be a strong emphasis on community and team building skills.

College Preparatory Mathematics

  On a daily basis, students are using the CPM curriculum to investigate, analyze critically, question, develop problem-solving strategies, gather evidence, and communicate rigorous arguments to justify their thinking. Using the CPM curriculum, students tackle problems set in everyday contexts to help them make sense of otherwise abstract ideas. Students gather and organize information about problems, break problems into smaller parts, and look for patterns that lead to solutions. Students learn in collaboration with others, sharing information, expertise, and ideas.

   While students are solving complex mathematical problems, they are communicating their thinking and understanding, both formally and informally, whether they are writing or speaking. Communication helps to clarify students’ thinking, prepares them for sharing their ideas in professional settings, and formal or informal feedback that allows for revision. Communication lets teachers and peers assess students’ thinking and depth of understanding. In turn, all students get the chance to improve the quality of their work.

Classroom Rules/Expectations

   To have a safe learning environment and a successful year, it is important that all students follow the classroom rules.  In my classroom we follow all the 14 KLA secondary school rules. Please refer to the student handbook.

    My biggest expectation is for students to come to school ready to learn. Math requires participation and concentration. Students must be respectful to themselves and the learning environment of others. Disruption of the learning environment will result in consequences. Students will respectfully use all the tools and manipulatives provided in the math classroom. Losing the privilege of using tools and/or manipulatives will result in loss of points.  

Grading Scale 

A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F 59% and below

Category/ Percentage

45% Tests

1% Citizenship

44% Classwork

10% Homework

Citizenship Grade

Students receive a citizenship grade along with their academic grade. Citizenship points are entered into the gradebook weekly.  Students start off each week with 10 citizenship points. At the end of the week points lost are deducted from the 10 points. The total left will reflect the following:

10 pts       E

  8 pts       G

  7 pts       S

 6 pts        N

 5 points or less will result in a  U.

You will be graded daily on Class Participation, Teamwork,  and Work Habits. You can also lose points for taking away from the learning environment(i.e. Being disruptive)

Discipline Policy:

1. Verbal warning
2. TSMP(teacher student mediation process) /phone call home
3. Justice room visit with additional consequences/ Parent meeting 

Tests/Assessments

Formal tests will be given on the LAST Tuesday of each month beginning in September. Informal assessments will be conducted daily during classwork. Quizzes will also be given throughout the month.

Homework

Homework will be assigned 3-4 times a week.  Students will receive a homework packet on Monday and the packet is due the following Monday. Students are expected to show work on a separate piece of paper or on the back of the homework worksheet.  On Mondays students will spend 5-7 minutes comparing answers and discussing their work before turning it in. Students will receive 5 points for completion and ½ point for each correct answer with the work shown for a total of 10 points per worksheet.

Late work:

Students may turn work in up until the last day of the chapter. It is the students responsibility as a KLA leader to get the work they missed and will need to communicate with Ms. Miranda when they plan to come and work on it.  

Tutoring

In order to provide extra assistance tutoring will be offered throughout the week. (tutoring schedule to follow) Students will have the opportunity to explore challenging concepts and correct tests or quizzes for an improved score. Students may also work on any homework for math they may have missed or that is incomplete. Students are also invited to receive community service hours for peer tutoring during these sessions. All students are encouraged to attend! If your student is absent, the only way to make up the learning/points is to come to tutoring!

I look forward to working with you to help your student succeed here in their LAST year at KLA. Students can make appointments with me if they have any questions on concepts or concerns they would like to discuss with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and/or concerns regarding your student.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at:

 [email protected]  Or  (619) 263-9266 Ext. 2039

*****The teacher reserves the right to change the policies and expectations at any time.