7th Grade Mathematics
​Course Expectations for 2020 - 2021

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 Student Commitment: 
  • Maintain an organized math notebook: 2 sections containing current Notes, Homework and Assessments (tests / quizzes).
  • Complete your homework. Review the class notes that provide an explanation and examples of the homework every night.
  • Study for weekly tests (given on Friday).  Highlight your notes and study the problem examples every night.  Expect to be tested on class information presented within the week, and learn how explain / solve problems prior to the test.
  • Seek clarification.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be persistent at becoming a productive math student.  When you are unclear on any math concept, procedure, or type of problem, ask questions. Ask for additional help from me during non-class hours, or from your table partner, group partners, or tutor.
  • Manage your time effectively. Always prepare for the next class.  This requires you to complete your homework, review and highlight your notes, and write down clarification questions related to the topic.
  • Bring your supplies to class daily. Avoid borrowing pencils, paper, erasers, highlighter, and other basic supplies unless you have experienced an emergency.  Be thoughtful, stay prepared.
 
 7th Grade Mathematics
  • Course scope:   This course is designed to focus on four critical areas: 1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; 2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; 3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and 4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course.   ​
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  • Evaluation
    • Criteria for arriving at students grades   
      • Performance Assessments (in-class projects, group activities, projects)
      • Task attainment / achievement  (punctuality, project design, meeting the requirements)
      • Written Assessment (questions based on subject knowledge and conceptual understanding provided through on-line quizzes/tests) ​
      • Homework Policy​:  The purpose of homework is to provide students an opportunity to independently practice previously learned concepts, provide students with direct meaningful connections to the instructional program, and act as an extension to classroom assignments.  A large portion of the class is project based, and homework is often determined by the progress a student achieves during class time. 
      • All Canarelli Middle School classes will use the following grade percentages when calculating a student’s grade:
        • Assessments (Summative) count for 70% of a student’s overall grade.  Assessment opportunities may include but are not limited to: tests, quizzes, essays, research projects, graphs, demonstrations, lab activities, experiments, and problem solving activities.  All students who score below a 70% have the opportunity to retake the assessment and earn a higher grade. Students scoring above a 70% will maintain their current grade.
        • Homework/Classwork (Formative) counts for 30% of the total grade.
        • ​Semester Exams constitute 10% of the semester grade.
 
  • Percentage categories for student grades
    • A          100 – 90%
    • B          89 – 80%
    • C          79 – 70%
    • D          69 – 60%
    • F          59% or less​
 
  • Citizenship/Behavior Expectations
Students are expected to walk into class and immediately prepare for the days lessons.  Class procedures such as accessing Infinite Campus, Google Classroom, our class website, completing the “Do Now” and avoiding interruptions will be thoroughly explained and reviewed during orientation.  Distractions and interruptions to the educational process caused by students will not be tolerated and progressive disciplinary procedures will ensue in order to maintain an optimum learning environment.

  • Participation
Students are expected to fully participate.  This includes appropriate collaborative classroom interactions between the student and teacher and among students that maintain a focus on achieving the lesson’s objectives.  Asking and responding to questions, collaborative peer instruction during group activities, tutorials, demonstrations and sharing skill practices are examples of how students are expected to participate.  Procedures regarding how and when to participate will be explained and practiced during orientation.

  • Absences / Excused Absence Notes
Attendance is critical to student success, and class participation activities cannot be fully duplicated through make-up work.  Students will be provided the opportunity to make up notes, homework assignments, and tests / quizzes per District policy but avoid unexcused absences.
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  • Notebook ( 3 ring binder) and a Math Website
All students are required to maintain a math notebook. The math notebook, made of a 3 ring binder (recommended over a  spiral binder) and ruled or graph paper is evaluated on thoroughness and neatness. When we return to class, the student must bring the notebook to class daily and is expected to share this notebook with his/her parents and/or guardian(s).  Since class will occur primarily online, photos of various notes and assignments (written on paper) will be submitted as evidence of the math notebook.  The math notebook is to be divided into 2 sections: Notes, Homework and Assessments.
  • A simple google website dedicated to this class is required.  This will be the primary platform for submitting images of specific notes, assignments, and student reflections / written responses.  
 
  • Notes: The Notes section will store in chronological order the daily notes, class examples, in-class group assignments, and all written information presented during class.  PDF notes may be entered in this section. Students are expected to refer back to their notes during homework assignments, test preparation, and for topic review on a daily basis.  It is also suggested that students record their questions and write any reflections onto their notes for greater understanding of the concepts and the class experience. When a student is absent, the student is responsible to obtain all the notes for the days absent.  
 
  • Homework: The Homework section of the math notebook should contain in chronological order the student’s homework.  Assignments will consist of a variety of items such as computations, written explanations, and problem applications that review the content standard taught during the day’s lesson. Most homework assignments are constructed to not exceed 40 minutes per night for the average student.  Students are encouraged to complete each assignment neatly, and to thoroughly document all aspects involved in problem solving.  This includes recording each computation, algorithm, and alternative answer (when necessary).  In addition to providing a practice and review for the lesson, the student’s homework shows the teacher his/her understanding of the day’s lesson, so it is very important for the student to make corrections to his assignment during the homework review. 

Test / Quizzes: Teacher constructed tests should be stored in the notebook.  This provides the opportunity for the student and parent to review the student’s test progress. 

  • Supplies:  The majority of instructional requirements will occur online.  School supplies for offline projects include: spiral notebook, pencil, eraser, glue stick, highlighter, and a pencil pouch for conveniently storage.   As students return to the classroom, it is strongly suggested that supplies for personal hygiene regarding the use of a shared keyboard and mouse should include portable hand sanitizer.  Computer mouse and keyboards are cleaned weekly, however, each student may maintain hand sanitizer to be used before and after each class. 
 

    (Parents / Guardian)  Please acknowledge receipt of this information: