MATH 8

Class Introduction:

Math 8/ PreAlgebra 2013-2014

Instructor: Sarah H. Smith Room 107
Phone: 349-1561
Email: smith_sarah_h@asdk.12org

Text: Big Ideas Math (blue book)
Computer Based Access: www.bigideasmath.com

Required Materials: Pencils, paper and Notebook- three ring binder with some kind of a pocket. This binder can be shared among core subject areas.
Special Needs: Any student with special needs should contact the instructor.

General Classroom Principles:
Respect the rights of others to learn and my right to teach
Classroom Rules and expected Behaviors:
1. All rules as outlined in Student Handbook and in Anchorage School District Policies.
2. No cussing or teasing
3. No hats, headphones, cell phone, electronic devices, food, pop, candy, or gum.
Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Detention and a call to your parent(s) or guardian(s)
3. Principals office
Severe offenses will result in the immediate contact of parent(s) or guardian(s) and the appropriate disciplinary action.

Attendance and Make-up Procedures
1. Work can be made up but needs to be done in a timely manner.
2. Homework, quizzes, and tests must be completed and turned within 1 week.
3. Late assignments will not receive full credit.
4. Students responsibility to get makeup work

Grading: Practice/HW: 30%
Review/HW Quizzes 20%
Tests & Quizzes: 40%
XtraMath/Kahn 10%
Total 100%
I generally do not allow retakes but will allow test/quiz corrections. Students must come in on their own and they can attempt to make corrections. They will receive � to � credit. Test/quiz corrections must be made up with in 1 week, no exceptions. Some tests/quizzes do not allow corrections. Students are not allowed to see the test/quiz before they make the corrections. They are to study the entire unit and just try again.

Math 8 curriculum is following the new Common Core State Standards. You can find a copy of the Math 8 Academic Plan on the opening page of the Anchorage School District website located at www.asdk12.org. This plan outlines the scope and sequence Math 8 will use as a guide throughout the year.

Please note that Math is a skill-based class resulting in the emphasis on testing when calculating a final grade. I generally do not allow retakes on tests/quizzes but special cases are considered. Also, note how the grade is calculated. There are four categories with percentages. You cannot simply divide points earned by points possible.
Grading Scale: 90% to 100% A, 80% to 89% B, 70% to 79% C, 60% to 69% D
Extra Credit is available but on a limited basis. No extra credit will be allowed with missing assignments.

Zangle:

Anytime you have a question about how your grade appears in Zangle please email me but do keep the following in mind:
1. If the assignment appears but your child�s grade is blank, I did not see the paper.
2. If the assignment has a zero, then I saw the paper but it was incomplete, did not show work, and/or improper heading. I require the assignment name, first and last name of student, class pd, and date. I also require that every problem be attempted with work shown. I will teach strategies when students draw a complete blank. Students may turn in there paper in a second time with corrections made.
3. Sometimes, homework is graded for correct answers.
4. All homework is not collected or graded.
5. Tests/Quizzes are generally recorded with in 3 days but not returned for a week or so to allow for make-ups and test corrections.