Pre-Algebra

Geraldine Peal

Instructor Planning Period for Appointments:

 Thursdays, 1:00 -2:00pm

Geraldine.Peal@slps.org

School Phone: 314-652-9282

Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra

Course Description: In 8^th Grade Mathematics, we will cover algebra, geometry, probability, number sense, and graphing.  By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities as well as how to represent algebraic relationships graphically.  Students will be able to make predictions about events and compile data onto a graph.  Students will understand how mathematics is used in everyday life and they will be able to apply the problem-solving strategies covered daily in class to work through real world problems.

Text(s): Big Ideas Math Blue Edition Larson/Boswell

Methods of Instruction: Direct instruction, group work, research, experiments, lecture, cooperative learning, guided practice, pair work, question generation, error corrections, instructional videos, instructional games, and manipulative demonstration.

Course Objectives: To instill within students a comprehensive understanding of algebraic relationships, graphing, geometry, probability, and computation so they’ll be equipped to solve real world problems, and have the foundation needed to successfully perform high school mathematics.

Course Objectives: Students will be able to:

• Solve linear equations
• Explore the concept of functions
• Apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent expressions
• Graph proportional relationships, linear equations, and system of linear equations
• Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities
• Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function
• Graph linear functions
• Interpret the slope (rate of change) and the intercept (constant term) of a linear model in the context of the data.
• Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot, and describe how the variables are related.
• Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential functions.
• Represent data with plots on the real number line

The objectives are defined by the Missouri State Standards centered on the Common Core State Standards.

Assignments: Assignments will take a variety of forms including DO-NOWs, in-class assignments (which must be completed during class time), homework, and weekly assessments in the form of quizzes or test.

Late Assignments Policy

Homework that is assigned during the week must be turned in on the assigned day. If the homework is not turned in on the assigned day, the student has until the Friday of the assigning week to turn in the assignment. Each day the assignment is late, the assignment will receive a 10% deduction from the grade. If the assignment is assigned over the weekend, students will have until the following Friday to turn in the assignment. If a homework assignment is not turned in by the Friday of the assigning week, it will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero. Classwork is due at the end of the class period it is assigned. No exceptions. If an in-class assignment is not completed in class, students will have until the next school day to complete and return the in-class work for full credit. If not received by the next school day, the student will receive partial credit for the portion that’s completed.

Exams/Tests/ Quizzes: Students will be assessed frequently on the material covered in class. Students will use class notes taken daily as a study guide. All questions on tests and quizzes will resemble examples from class notes. Students will be informed on what section of their notes they should study for tests. Students should expect quizzes weekly and tests every 2-3 weeks.  Students will not always receive notice before quizzes, but will receive one week notice before tests. Students will not be allowed to use notes on tests and quizzes.

Grading Criteria:  Grades will be weighted in the following way:

Classwork (Do Now, Exit Slip)                                                                         35%

Participation (Group work, class discussion)                                              20%     

Homework (Independent practice)                                                              15%

Tests (Mid/End of Unit, benchmarks, quizzes)                                          15%

Projects (Performance tasks)                                                                          15%

Grading Scale:

                                           100%--90%                      A

                                           89%--80%                        B

                                           79%—70%                      C

                                           69%--60%                        D

                                           59% and below              F

Course Requirements:

* Students are expected to attend class daily and participate. 

* Students are expected to come to class prepared each day. 

* Student supplies for class are a 3-ring binder, a 3-hole folder for returned work, a 2-3 sharpened pencils, loose-leaf paper, and a spiral notebook for math notes only.  The Big Ideas Math Blue Edition Larson/Boswell textbook may be used in class or at home for reference and homework. 

Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend school daily and to be on time to school and classes as outlined in the Compton-Drew Student and Parent Handbook. If an emergency occurs, please call the school to let us know that the student will not be present.  It is the students’ responsibility to get the work they’ve missed.

Homework Policy: Students should expect to complete homework daily.  Homework will be collected and checked on day required.

Make-Up Work Policy:

Students who have excused or verified absences will be allowed to make up any work assigned during their absence. For each day of excused absence, a student will be given one (1) full school day to make up the work he/she has missed. After due date, work will be considered late (refer to the late policy). If classes are missed due to a schedule change, field trips, suspension, etc. the student is expected to get his/her assignments and complete them for the next class period.

Classroom Routines & Procedures

Entering the Classroom

1. Enter the classroom quietly and in uniform. Raise hand in order to receive needed supplies.
2. Take your assigned seat.
3. Complete the Do Now from the board on paper handed to you by teacher.
4. Work quietly and independently.

Leaving your seat

If you need to leave your seat (tissue, pencil exchange, etc.) you must raise your hand for permission. The teacher will give you permission to leave your seat.

Tardiness

You are late to class if you are not in line with the class when the class walks into the room. Students who arrive late to will be marked tardy and may lose points on his/her do now. Excessive tardiness will result in a referral to the office.

Absences

It is your responsibility to make up any assignments or tests in a timely manner when you return from an absence. Follow this procedure:

1. Check the “While You Were Out” folders for the assignments you missed during the week during the first or last 5 minutes of class. You may also check the website.
2. During lunch, you may ask Ms. Davis questions regarding the work you missed or to schedule time for assistance with the work.
3. If you need to make-up or redo a test, you must make arrangements to take it during lunch time no more than three school days after the test was given.

Homework

Students are responsible for writing down the homework from the board.

Turning in Assignments

The teacher will collect certain group-work, or individual work. You will turn these in only when the teacher asks for them. Do not place items on the Ms. Davis’ desk. Exit slips and homework need to be turned into the proper bins for grading. Make sure the assignment has the school heading at the top margin of the paper (example below). For further details, please refer to the School-Wide Writing Guidelines given to students on the first day of school.

EXAMPLE:

Name/Advisory-section number                                                                                Date

Getting Your Attention

When I need everyone to stop talking and pay attention to me: I will ring the bell, raise my hand, or use the Compton-Drew call out: “We are!”. When you see or hear this you must, stop talking, look at me, and wait for me to speak.

This procedure should take us no more than 10 seconds.  Failure to follow this procedure may result in a lunch detention.

Class Dismissal

Neither the bell nor the time dismisses the class. Once the instruction for the class stops, I will ask for you or your group to begin cleaning your area. Once the classroom is in order and everyone is sitting quietly in their assigned seat, I will dismiss the class.

When You Finish Early

If you finish all of your assigned work early you may a) read independently or b) work on an assignment for another class. DO NOT TALK OR DISTURB OTHERS.

Restroom Policy

Restrooms breaks are at breakfast, during Related Arts, and during lunch. Students may not leave the room the first and last 10 minutes of any class period.

Cell Phones/ Electronic Devices:

Cell phones are not permitted in the building per district policy. Cell phones will be collected during morning meeting and placed in a secure location. In the event that a cell phone is seen or heard, the cell phone will be given to administration and will only be returned to the student on the Friday after it is confiscated after 1:30pm (per the student handbook, page 12).

Classroom Rules

Classroom Rules are posted in the classroom and are expected to be followed on a daily basis.

1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared to participate.
3. Raise your hand to speak.
4. Be respectful to self, peers, and adults.
5. Follow directions the first time they are given.

Consequences

1^st time: Warning

*2^nd time: Student conference/Reflection/Phone call home

3^rd time: Team conference with student

4^th time: Conference with administration

5^th time: Referral to office

*may result in lunch detention

Written Assignments and Academic Misconduct: All written work submitted must be the student’s original work and conform to the guidelines provided by the teacher. This means that any substantive ideas, phrases, sentences, and/or any published ideas must be properly referenced to avoid even the appearance of plagiarism. It is the student’s responsibility to know all relevant school policies concerning plagiarism. Any documented cases of plagiarism can and will result in a failing grade.