Oakdale Middle School 8th Grade Math Syllabus

Oakdale Middle School 8th Grade Math Syllabus 2009-2010 Instructor: Ryan Woodson Classroom: 503 Planning Period: 6th School Phone: 479-631-3615 School Email Address: [email protected] School Web Page: www.rogers.k12.ar.us A. Rogers School District Mission Statement To provide an environment of educational excellence where all belong, all learn and all succeed. B. Mr. Woodson’s Mission Statement To facilitate learning and encourage students so that they maximize their learning experience, succeed in all classroom endeavors, and advance toward the ultimate goal of graduation by promoting an atmosphere of fairness, discipline, and respect for all. C. Course Description This course continues the study of the five major areas of math: number sense, algebraic reasoning, geometry, measurement, and data/probability/statistics. New topics will be introduced in order to prepare students for Algebra I. D. Method of Instruction A variety of methods of instruction will be used in the class. The most important method is guided practice. I believe that perfect practice is the best way to learn anything. Discovery activities will also be a large part of the learning. I think that students learn more when they discover the rules of math than when they are told the rules of math. Note taking will be important as will in class assignments.

E. Motivational Strategies Some motivational strategies that I may use are 1) Positive Reinforcement- The teacher will encourage and exclaim either written or orally exceptional work. 2) Corrections- Students will receive extra points for politely offering corrections of the teacher’s statements, steps, or answers to a problem. 3) RESPECT- I will treat my students as young adults. I will address them by their name or sir/ma’am, I will give them opportunities to succeed and answer questions successfully during class time, and I will take an interest in their lives outside of the classroom by going to their extra-curricular activities in order to build confidence in me and more importantly his/her self E. Course Objectives Students will score proficient or advanced on the 8th grade Benchmark exam. Students will be fully prepared to advance to Algebra 1or another higher math class next year. Students will gain a higher appreciation for mathematics and learning. F. Course Topics Data/probability/statistics, number sense, measurement, algebraic reasoning, and geometry. G. Textbook and Required Supplies Our textbook, Math Course 3, is published by McDougal Littell and authored by Larson, Boswell, Kanold, and Stiff. A TI-30 Calculator is recommended for the course. If a student has a graphing calculator, that is good, as he/she will be able to use that throughout his high school career. Students should bring paper, pencil, ruler, calculator, textbook, and homework to class every day. H. Grading Plan 1. Semester grades will be assigned as follows: 100%-89.5% A <89.5%-79.5% B <79.5%-69.5% C <69.5%-59.5% D <59.5% F 2.The grades are weighted as follows: Tests and Quizzes are 79% of the total Homework Assignments are 20% of the total TLI Tests are 1% of the total

E. Homework Homework is a tool used to ensure mastery of material through practice. It is not given for busy work. It is expected that the student will utilize the time in class to fulfill their responsibility to produce quality work demonstrating the mastery of the concepts. This work will be done in such a way that the teacher can easily read the work done and solutions presented. The assignments will be presented in a timely manner on the date due. Absences If you miss a day due to illness, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed, and make it up. If you do not understand the concept then it is your responsibility to set up a time with Mr. Woodson or another teacher to go over it either before or after school G. Make-up Work It is the student’s responsibility to find any assignment that he/she missed while absent. This work is due within a week of the student’s absence. The student can find any handouts in the make-up work folder and bin. If a student is absent for more than a week, he will need to talk to me to make arrangements. If a student misses a test, he/she should be prepared to take the test when he/she returns. If a student misses multiple days before the test, he/she is responsible for meeting with Mr. Woodson and together they will decide when the student will make up the test. F.

H. Late Work Policy If a student does not turn in the assignment on the date the assignment is due, then the student will have 3 days to turn the work during the first quarter, 2 days to turn the work during the second, 1 days to turn the work during the third, and no late work will be accepted in the forth quarter for full credit. I. Classroom Expectations 1. Respect will be given to all individuals who enter the classroom; this includes but is not limited to students, teachers, substitutes, and administrators. 2. The students will be in class on time at a desk towards the front of the classroom with all necessary materials, i.e., paper, writing utensil, calculator, homework and book. 3. During instruction the students will devote their full attention to the teacher and the material he is presenting. 4. No student will try to sleep during class. 5. The student will actively participate in all class discussions and assignments. When given the opportunity to work in groups all students will give input towards the completion of the task. 6. The student will not be responsible for bringing a textbook to class, as one will be provided. 7. The student will help to maintain a clean classroom. J. Cell Phones Are not to be seen or heard. If Mr. Woodson witnesses a cell phone being used, he will confiscate the cell phone.

K. Classroom Rules Class rules will be created with the assistance of the students after school has started. They will fit in with my personal expectations for the class. L. Consequences for breaking rules or not fulfilling expectations For minor misbehaviors (disruptions, off task, language, etc.) 1st Step - Verbal warning 2nd Step - Short conference with Mr. Woodson during activity time. We will discuss a plan to alleviate the problem. This may include communication with the student’s parents, detention, writing prompt, new seat, etc. 3rd Step- Detention, and call parents to set up a conference. Student must write up an action plan. Mr. Woodson has a template for this. 4th Step- Discipline referral and sent to the office For major misbehaviors (sexual harassment, fighting, bullying, etc.), the student will be sent straight to the office with a discipline referral. M. Tutoring I will be offer tutoring on an as needed basis before or after school. The student will need to set up an appointment with Mr. Woodson. N. One More Thing Parents and students: if you ever need to speak with me about anything, please feel free to call or email me. I want to help our students succeed in every way possible. O. Signatures My signature below indicates that I have read and understand this syllabus and have been given a copy of my own to keep. Student Signature

Date

Parent Signature

Date