8 Grade Mathematics 2013-2014 Contact Information:

Phone: 708-364-3500 ext. 3511 Voice Mail: 708-226-8261 Email: jbennett@orland135.org I am currently working on a website. When the website is ready I will send a note home. The address will be: bennettcenturyjhsmath.weebly.com

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Mrs. Bennett

Math Curriculum:
Illinois is one of the 40 states that adopted a common set of academic standards in mathematics known as the Common Core State Standards. The standards serve as an important benchmark to ensure that all students are receiving a high quality education that will prepare them for the future. The standards at the eighth grade level focus on: The Number System Expressions and Equations Functions Geometry Statistics and Probability

*The standards at this level assume the students have been building on the Common Core Standards since kindergarten. We will be working on some prerequisite skills needed to be successful in implementing the 8th grade standards.

Math Program:
Students will be using the Digits math program. This program was specifically developed for implementing the common core standards in mathematics. Your child will have a math companion workbook that will be used daily and online resources available through the website: mymathuniverse.com or successnetplus.com. Please be sure you have checked the system requirements before running the online system. If at anytime there are computer issues, please be patient. Please call technical support at 1-800-234-5832 or email Pearson at www.successnetplus.com/support.

Grades:
A (94-100%) B (86-93%) C (75-85%) D (68-74%) F (Below 67%) * I will round up only if the grade is at .5 or more.

Progress Reports: will be sent

home during the week of: 1st Quarter: September 27, 2013 2nd Quarter: December 6, 2013 3rd Quarter: February 21, 2014 4th Quarter: May 2, 2014

Supplies: pencil and grading pen, highlighter, math binder, workbook, calculator, homework or work to support online assignments. *There will be periodic checks for materials. Forgetting materials may result in a loss of points.

Class Participation: is not an option. Each student needs to be actively engaged in class in order to ensure learning. Remember the most important thing in my class is that if you have any questions all you need to do is ask.

Extra Credit: I usually give one extra credit assignment per quarter. Extra Credit is only meant to help borderline grades. I will give the extra credit assignment sometime during the quarter with a due date. It may not be handed in after the due date.

Homework: Math is not a spectator sport it must be practiced. Homework will be assigned daily. On average a student should not take more than 30 minutes a day. Some students when completing online assignments choose to work on the homework until they get a 100%. This is strongly encouraged! 1. I expect homework to be done in pencil. If homework is online, I want the work shown on a separate sheet of paper and brought to class the next day. 2. You must show all work. Answers only will not be excepted unless specified. 3. You may not leave any problems blank on your homework. Most homework is graded on effort only. You must try each problem. If students are having trouble on the homework, look in your daily notes, use the Help me Solve This or the View an Example options online. All I ask is that you try. 4. Online homework must be done by the due date.

Quizzes will be given after we have covered a few lessons in a chapter. They range in points. I will usually give students notice of an upcoming quiz and what topics will be covered. Pop quizzes are given at my discretion. They are used to check understanding on the topic being discussed that day. Homework Quizzes: All students should get 100% because if they are grading their homework correctly and paying attention while we discuss the homework, they will have the correct answers.

Tests will be given at the end of each Chapter. After we finish a chapter I will give students a study guide that must be filled out. I will always go over the study guide in detail the following day. I expect the students to grade their study guide as we go over it and write in all correct answers. If a student does not complete the study guide, they may not sit in class for the review of the study guide the following day. *Only one class period will be allotted to complete a test. Students need to learn to pace themselves for high school. I will make my tests so that they can finish it in one class period. I do not give retakes. Some tests will require test corrections. Test corrections are done to check understanding, not to increase test scores. They are usually counted as a homework assignment.

Absences: Students are responsible for all materials covered while absent. Students must view the lesson they missed online and get a copy of any notes. Look at the calendar to see what assignments you missed and check the trays for worksheets. Make up any assignments that you missed. (You have 2 days for every day absent to turn in work for full credit.) It is your responsibility to show me your work. If you missed a test, you must come and arrange a time to make it up. It usually cannot be made up during your regularly scheduled math class. If you are absent the day of a test, and you knew the test was scheduled, you must make-up that test the day you return. If you are having trouble on a lesson you missed, I suggest you attend homework lab for extra help.