Tantasqua Regional Junior High School

2011-2012

Mathematics Department

Course:  Pre-Algebra – Grade 7

Textbook:  Math Connects: Glencoe McGraw-Hill

Teacher:  Michael Cofsky (cofskym@tantasqua.org)                      Room C119

Course Description: 

This course covers concepts of Pre-Algebra with a great emphasis on applications of algebraic concepts for problem solving.  The course will include a review of whole number, fraction, decimal, and integer concepts as well as number theory.  The Pre-Algebra course includes units in:  Operations with Integers and Rational Numbers, Expressions and Equations, Ratio & Proportion, Percents, Equations and Inequalities, Linear and Non-Linear Functions, Plane Geometry, Surface Area and Volume, Statistics, and Probability.

A variety of teaching methods will be employed in order to make this course interesting and challenging for students.  Methods will include, but are not limited to:  direct instruction, partner and small group work, hands-on learning, group activities and, independent study.

Classroom Expectations and Policies:

Class Work / Homework

• It is the students responsibility to see me for missed class work assignments when absent from class.
• Daily homework assignments are posted on the board each day.  Students are expected to accurately copy the assignment into their agenda.  A missed homework assignment due to an excused absence must be completed within 2 days of returning to school.  See me for an extended absence.

Assessments

• My web-site which can be linked through the school web-site at www.tantasqua.org describes the current unit of study and upcoming unit test dates.

• Students are expected to take a missed quiz/test on the day the student returns to school after an absence. 
• For an extended absence, a reasonable make-up date will be determined.

School-Wide Behavioral Expectations:

Be Respectful and Cooperative

Be Responsible and Productive

Follow School Rules and Teachers’ Expectations

Evaluation:

Formal Assessments ( 70% of quarterly grade)

Quizzes

• Weekly quizzes to assess and reinforce current studies. 

Other Assessments

• Problem solving assignments, Projects
• Graded homework assignments, Homework Quizzes

Tests

• A cumulative test will be given at the conclusion of each unit of study.
• Tests will count as two (2) quiz grades

Class work (10% of quarterly grade)

• Students are expected to maintain a well organized notebook (3-ring binder).  Notebooks will be graded each quarter.  Being prepared for class is essential for daily achievement.  Students are required to bring their text, binder, and pens/pencils to class every day.

Homework (20% of quarterly grade)

• Homework is to be done in the notebook.
• Because homework is meant to reinforce topics covered at a particular point in our curriculum, late homework will not be accepted for credit.
• Homework is not graded.  This is an opportunity to try.  But, effort must be shown to receive credit for an assignment.  Follow the homework guidelines.
• Students who complete less than 75% of their homework assignments in any one quarter will be required to attend help session.  Failure to attend a required help sessions will result in a detention 

Help Sessions:

My help sessions are on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:15.  Who comes to help sessions?  Hopefully you!  Please come if:

• You were not able to do your homework recently because you did not understand the lesson.
• You failed a quiz
• You need to make-up work due to an absence.
• You could use a good quiet place to do your homework and get help if needed!

Parent/Guardian:

Please take a moment to review this course syllabus before signing below.  If you have any questions, please contact me via phone or e-mail and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you and best wishes for a successful school year!  (Please cut, sign and return)

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Mathematics: Mr. Cofsky (C119)

Student Name: ______________________________

Parent Signature: ______________________________________