AD Math Policies

Fall 2010
Dear Math Students and Parents,

Welcome to the 2010 school year! I'm excited to be your new math teacher for this
year. Your class this year will combine mind-challenging problems and projects with
ample opportunity for you to master the skills you need to succeed in college. The
course will combine topics that are usually found in Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-
Calculus as well as supplemental topics in multicultural and historical math.

You're going to learn a lot this year. This semester, we will start with numbers
systems, from ancient Mayan codes to binary arithmetic. Next, we will study all
types of numbers, ranging from fractions to irrrational numbers and even complex
numbers. Finally, we will study quadratic functions in great detail, including how
they can be used in real-life problems. All along the way you will complete projects
that may be used for your graduation requirements.

Materials: All students should bring their own writing utensils, paper, and a
notebook or binder. These may be shared with other classes; how you arrange your
papers is up to you. Calculators will be provided in class, but students are
encouraged to have access to at least a scientific calculator for home.

Projects: At the end of every unit, we will complete a project that develops and
connects the main ideas of the topics we have studied. Though some class time will
be provided for completing the projects, you will have to effectively work outside of
class to be successful. Projects are worth 40% of your grade. They will be
graded based on rubrics that will be available to you in advance.

Concept Quizzes: Throughout the school year, we will have "Concept Quizzes" that
test your abilities to solve different types of problems. For example, the first concept
for this year is, "Translate numbers from non-Hindu-Arabic systems into decimal
form and back." Each quiz will feature a number of different concepts, and the
grades for each will be reported separately. Best of all, for each concept, your top
two scores are all that matter. I will keep track of other scores, but they will not
affect your grade. Concept Quizzes are worth 40% of your grade.

Revision and Reassessment: You may be familiar with doing revisions on a

project to improve the quality of the work and receive a higher grade. This
opportunity will be available to you on every project you receive this year.
Additionally, if you are ever unsatisfied with your current grade on a particular
concept, you can come see me for individualized help and another chance to score
higher on the concept. Higher grades that show understanding will replace lower
grades from before. The reassessment procedure is available for any topic, no
matter how long ago it was studied.

Homework and Classwork: Homework is given to help practice for the concept
quizzes. Since it is practice, it will not be graded for points, but I will provide
feedback to help correct any mistakes. I will note homework completion in a
separate category. In class, we will solve exciting problems on a variety of topics.
You will have opportunities to work with your peers as well as individually.
Homework and classwork are worth 20% of your grade.

Conduct: You must be on time to class everyday. Food is not permitted except by
arrangement with me, but beverages are fine. I make class engaging and fun to
avoid problems with behavior. Any issues will be dealt with on an individual basis.
 AD Math Policies
Fall 2010
How you will be graded

For each learning goal and unit of study, you will be scored using the following scale:

4 = Outstanding. Indicators include:

• Selects appropriate and efficient strategies to solve problems
• Executes mathematical procedures accurately
• Justifies all mathematical statements in an efficient and accurate manner
• Uses efficient mathematical reasoning and draws valid conclusions
• Uses mathematical terminology and notation appropriately
• Eloquently communicates process and solution
• Finds connections within the materal and to real-world situations
• Uses models appropriately to understand the problem or situation

3.5 = Good. Your work is nearly outstanding, but includes minor (non-fatal)
computational errors or slight notational errors.

3 = Proficient. Indicators include:

• Selects appropriate but possibly inefficient strategies to solve problems
• Work includes minor (non-fatal) computational errors
• Justifies all mathematical statements
• Uses appropriate reasoning to draw conclusions
• Limited appropriate use of mathematical language and notation
• Explains, with some difficulty, their process and solution

2 = Developing. Indicators include:

• Attempts mathematical strategies to solve problems
• Work includes minor computational or conceptual errors
• Justifies most but not all mathematical statements
• Evidence of confused reasoning or misunderstanding of the problem
• Limited appropriate use of mathematical language and notation
• Limited ability to make connections to other topics
• Limited use of appropriate models or representations

1 = Beginning. Indicators include:

• Selects an inappropriate strategy
• Makes major conceptual or serious (fatal) computational errors
• Does not justify most of the mathematical statements
• Does not use mathematical reasoning
• Little, no use, or inappropriate use of mathematical language and notation
• Disorganized and unclear work
• No attempt to make connections to other topics
• Does not appropriately use a model or representation

0 = You left the problem blank

Note: "Non-fatal" errors do not change the types of strategies that you would use to
solve a problem. "Fatal" errors will change the problem entirely.
 AD Math Policies
Fall 2010
Near the end of each grading period, you (the student) will meet with me (the
teacher) individually to discuss your progress and to assign a grade. Marking term
grades will be given as follows:

98% 78%
Above Standard Approaching Standard
95% I am "outstanding" in at least one 75% I am "developing" in most
unit of study and "proficient" in units of study and
all others. "proficient" in at least one.
92% 72%

88% 68% Far Below Standard

At Standard I am "beginning" in most
85% I am "proficient" in most units of 65% units of study and proficient
study. in at least one.

82% F Not Meeting Any Standard

I am not proficient in any
unit of study.

Year-end course grades will be assigned the same way, looking at the final
achievement on the entire year’s worth of learning goals.

Please sign below to indicate you have read and understand this grading system. If
you have any questions, please email me at jochiltree@ihsnyc.org, leave a voicemail
at 718-482-5451, or simply write them in the box below.

Thank you,

Joe Ochiltree

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I have read and understand the criterion-based grading system used in

Mr. Joe's class.

Student Name: _________________________________

Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: ___________

Parent Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Questions/Comments: