8th Grade Mathematics

Caroline Scott, Instructor; Brownell Middle School

 

Purpose of this Course

The purpose of this course is to enable your child to successfully perform the required skills of the eighth-grade mathematics curriculum as well as to strengthen any areas of mathematics in which your child has previously struggled.  Major course topics include data analysis, integers, algebraic expressions, ratio and proportion, percent, number theory, geometry, functions, similarity and congruence, and probability.

 

Required Materials

  • Textbook: Covering texts is highly recommended, however please do not use any adhesive material on books as commercial book covers leave a sticky residue.  A brown grocery bag or butcher paper will work well.

 

  • A pencil with an eraser (for working) and a pen (for corrections):  Students should not use ink for class work, as math almost always involves some degree of “erasing.”

 

  • Assignment book:  Students are expected to write down all homework assignments in their assignment book (provided by the school).  Students must also receive a teacher’s signature in their assignment books to leave the room during class.

 

  • Paper:  Ruled and graph paper is available to students, however it is easier for students to keep their work organized if they have a notebook and/or binder.  Having paper on hand also eliminates the need for students to get up during class activities.

 

Homework

 

While students will do some work in class, students will have regular homework.  All assignments that are due should be written in the assignment book.  Late work will not be accepted, except in the case of excused absence.  All homework should be completed in pencil.  Homework will be included as part of your child’s course grade.  Each assignment is worth a possible 3 points.  Students are expected to show all work in order to receive full credit.

 

Assessment

 

Students will be given a 20-point quiz approximately once a week that will cover that week’s material.  Students are expected to show all work in order to receive full credit on quiz questions.  While some class time will be devoted to reviewing for tests and quizzes, students are expected to spend time studying at home.  Unit tests, worth 100 points, will be given approximately once a month at the conclusion of major course topics. 

 

Calculators

 

While students are expected to know how to perform computations by hand, there may be times when calculators are used.  Students are expected to show ALL WORK (including computation) on their homework and tests/quizzes.  Students do not need graphing and/or scientific calculators for this course. 

 

Grading

Grading Scale:

 

98%-100%: A+                      93%-97%: A                           90%-92%: A-

87%-89%: B+                         83%-86%: B                           80%-82%: B-

77%-79%: C+                        73%-76%:  C                          70%-72%: C-

67%-69%: D+                        63%-66%:  D                          60%-62%: D-

59% and below: U

 

Approximate Weighting of Assignments:

 

17%- Daily Homework Assignments

33%- Weekly Quizzes

50%- Unit Tests

 

Expected Behavior

·         Students will arrive to class on time and with the required materials.

·         Students are to treat others with the proper respect at all times.

·         In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to find out what is missing and arrange for completion.

·         Students should obtain all work prior to a planned vacation.

·         Late papers will not be accepted, except in the case of excused absence.

·         Papers without work shown will not receive credit and may not be resubmitted.

·         All work is to be completed in pencil.

·         Students will uphold the standards of academic integrity at all times.

 

Questions/Concerns

I am available to work with your child on an individual basis before school, during the START period (with permission from the START teacher), or after school (by appointment).  If your child is struggling with a homework assignment, please encourage him or her to seek help before school or during the START period (before the next class).  Please feel free to contact me at any time if you wish to schedule a meeting or have any questions or concerns about your child.  I can be reached via email (Caroline.Scott@gpschools.org) or voicemail (432-5661), although email is preferred.