Course Syllabus
Tutoring: Tues-8:15 - 8:40 Thurs--3:30 - 4:15
2016 - 2017
NC CP Math 2 Syllabus
Mrs. Cochran
Contact info: debora.cochran@ucps.k12.nc.us
(school) 704-296-3088 x 7184(voicemail only)
(cell)704-622-9667
What is NC Math 2? Math 2 is an integration of Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics that focuses on more advanced linear topics and mastery of quadratics as well as other functions and their relationships to each other and applications to the real world. In geometry we will be working primarily with congruency, similarity, transformations, and right triangles(including trig ratios). In statistics we will be working primarily with probability.
Specific Goals and Objectives:
From DPI—the specific standards NC Math 2 Standards
Grading : Assessments(formal and informal)—70% Assignments( in class and homework)—30%
Progress reports and/or report cards are issued every 3 weeks.
Hints for reading grades:
- Because of the weighting of grades, if only homework grades or only assessment grades are entered the system defaults to giving 100% for the other type of grade (this can be deceiving). Until there are a couple of grades for each weighted type, you may not have an accurate picture of the student grade.
- When grades are entered for an assignment or assessment, a 1 indicates the student was absent and has not made up the work. The grade will be replaced when the student completes the assessment and it is graded. Some grades with zeroes can be made up. Student should check with me.
- IXL’s may be used for homework grades---students are given the target score and after the first grade is entered, they may be given the opportunity to go back and get a higher score. IXL’s may require a written turn-in—students will write the problems and show the work where possible.
- Extra credit given on a test or assignment can only be received if the student is present on the test-day or the assignment is turned in on time.
- Students are expected to write out problems (in some cases, abbreviating the problem is ok) and show the work. Since students may be given access to solutions ahead of time, it is NEVER okay to submit only answers for a grade.
- The weighting system is very generous. It rewards the student who works hard and the student who tests well and if someone struggles in one of those areas, they are still able to find a path to success. Feel free to contact me for a better understanding of the system.
Tutoring:
- Tuesday 8:15 – 8:45 am and Thursday 3:30 – 4:15 pm.
- Students are encouraged to form a study group which can work independently and meet in my room on almost any morning.
- Students may contact me via cell with questions or pictures of problems. I will answer if I am available.
Supplies:
- Binder or spiral notebook. We will talk about organization. Please date everything and write the topic name
- Notebook paper-
- Graph paper
- Lots of pencils---some notes may be taken in pen, but ALL work is done in pencil!!
- A few dry erase markers(put your name on them)--we will be on the whiteboards frequently.
- Calculators: TI-84 Calculator (or TI 82, TI83—NOT TI 89)—this will be used throughout high school and in college. You MUST have access to a graphing calculator in and outside of class. –Please refer to Calculator Need Parent Letter. Students will also be shown Desmos.
Resources: We will not have a specific textbook assigned. Canvas, our online learning platform, is separated into sections. Agenda/HW--will be updated almost every day and will include what we learned that day and any assignments missed. Notebook will be arranged by date, topic and will include notes given in class as well as those to refer to after class. Practices--will include both those assigned in class(if they are printable/viewable) and any extras for practice. Task/Investigations, Other and Review are TBD during the course. At times, the students will be expected to print out the assignments. If they are not printed, the student will be expected to write out the problems and neatly show work. The student is expected to check Canvas daily.
Organization: You must keep notes, homework, and all assignments. You MUST be able to show YOUR notes (not mine) when asking for help in class, tutoring or at Cougar Time.
Videos: Sometimes homework will include videos or online quizzes which are NOT optional. If you are experiencing issues with online work, please see me as soon as possible.
Assessments: Study for your math tests by practicing problems. Make sure you know the “language” and vocabulary involved with the problems. Be able to explain everything you do. It should take you 30 min to an hour on average to study for a test at this level.
Make-up work: Assignments will normally be posted to Canvas, but you are also responsible for writing them down in class. Student is responsible to make-up an assignment or test within 2 days. Any student who is absent on two test days in a row or who is absent 3 days in close proximity to one another may be asked to meet with me and a counselor to set up a contract for making up the work and getting help.
Rules: We will be setting up a classroom set of norms on the first day.
My Classroom Expectations:
- Everyone works and participates--sometimes that includes presentations to the group
- Water allowed and food at teacher discretion
- Clean up your area—do not take home classroom supplies
- If you are feeling ill, let me know ahead of time
- Communicate when you are confused, struggling, have other issues affecting your performance
- You will be asked to collaborate in groups.
My Pet Peeves: Lying when caught doing something wrong—admit it, apologize, and let’s move on. Talking negatively in class about yourself, other people, or the class. Not trying—giving up, especially when I haven’t given up on you.
Consequences:
- Warning—might speak to you outside
- Student “Problem-Solving” form filled out and returned next day, private conference
- Student “Problem-Solving” form filled out, phone call home
- Student “Problem-Solving” form filled out, phone call, parent conference
- Referral
If the behavior is extremely disruptive, I reserve the right to skip the second step and move immediately to the third step. If you are keeping someone else from learning, you may be asked to move and/or leave the room.
My Commitment to you:
- Fresh start each day
- Fairness---if it is my problem, I will take responsibility
- I will do everything I can to help you understand the material and prepare you for your next math class---not to just teach for the test.
CALCULATOR LETTER
August 2016
Dear Parents,
Graphing calculators are a necessary tool for math success in high school. They are strategically used within the goals of our curriculum. They are not used for every computation or graph in order to foster number sense. However, math curriculum includes problems that can only be solved with a graphing calculator. Students have access to online graphing calculators, but during class, tests, and exams students may not use online or share calculators.
Our desire is to make sure every CATA student is able to use a graphing calculator at home and at school. We are currently using TI-84 Plus, but any TI-84, TI-83, or TI-82 will work. Casio models and most other TI models will NOT work. These calculators will be used all four years of high school and into college. You can find used calculators at internet sites, garage sales, and pawn shops. A student may even work out an arrangement to borrow a calculator from a student not taking math this semester.
We realize that some students will NOT be able to secure their own calculator. Students who either need to borrow a calculator temporarily or who will need one for the entire semester will be allowed to check one out through our media center. It is the responsibility of the student to return it at the end of the semester or the student will be assessed the full replacement cost of the calculator.
In order to help us determine the need, all students must return a completed calculator-need form (below) along with the parent/guardian signature.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s math teacher.
Thank you,
CATA Math Department
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Calculator Need Form
Student Name (print)___________________________________ Math Course /teacher ______________________
Check one of the following:
____ Student will have access to a calculator
____ Student will have access to a calculator, but needs to borrow one temporarily (check if they won’t have
within 2 weeks)
____ Student will need a calculator for the duration of the semester
Parent/Guardian signature ___________________________________________ Date_____________________
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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