Warm-Ups are reviewed daily and will be corrected and collected each friday.
Participation Grade (Clipboard Points) - 3 pts /assignment
This portion of the grade is meant to encourage positve work habits and will be evaluated based on evidence of effort, not on 'right verse wrong' answers. Evidence of effort includes showing work as well as student's ability to explain the process they used to reach their solution. If a student is truly stumped on how to proceed with an assigned problem, they should not leave it blank. They can still earn their points provided they write out the question. Paraphrasing is allowed as long as all the relevant details are included.
3 pts - Neat and Complete
2 pts - Mostly Complete -OR- Sloppy Work
1 pt - Less than half done
1 pt - Completed during the Homework Review (1st qtr. only!)
Weekly Quizzes - 10 pts - 30 pts /week
Students should expect a quiz each Friday covering the lessons from that week. I use these quizzes as checkpoints for understanding. Students should recognize many of the problems from their homework assignments.
Unit Tests - 50 pts - 75 pts / test
A Unit Test is given at the completion of each unit. These tests are comprehensive and students are given the test dates in advance. At the end of the first few units, I model a note taking strategy using Flip Books. This study session is done as a courtesy for the students; therefore, if a students is absent for the note-taking or study session, they are still expected to take the test on the date intended. Since students are expected to be well prepared for these tests, I do NOT allow re-takes on unit tests.
Written Reflections - Point will vary (4 - 10 pts)
Periodically, students will receive a problem related to the current instruction in which they will be expected to give a written answer using complete sentences along with appropriate grammar and spelling.
Binder Organization - 30-35 pts depending on unit contents
Organization is an important life skill which plays a significant role in the success of the student. During the first quarter, I spend a fair amount of time walking students through properly organizing their binder. This responsibility will be transferred to the students as the school year progresses. (see Binder Organization Guidelines)
Approximate break down of binder points...
~ Completed Assignment Log - 5 pts
~ Warm-Ups - 5 pts
~ Classwork Lessons / Notes - 5 pts
~ Homework Log & Homework Assignments - 5 pts
~ Quizzes, Tests, & Reflections - 5 pts
~ Basic Skill Log & Basic Skill Sheets - 5 pts
~ Math Minute Journal & Math Minutes - 5 pts
Basic Skills - 15% to 20% of each Quarterly Grade
Scores on Basic Skill sheets are tracked on a seperate progress report from the class grade, and will be accumulative throughout the school year. If students do not score at least 80% or better, they are encouraged to re-take that sheet with the expectation of acheiving a higher score. If they receive a higher score, I will replace the old score with the new score in the computer. The overall percentage is tracked and weighted approximately 15 % into each quarterly grade. Students are expected to track their progress on the Basic Skill Log in their math binder.
Final Exam - 20% of Final Course Grade
A 3 part, comprehensive final exam is given at the end of the school year. Part 1 consists of approximately 50 multiple choice questions, Part 2 consists of approximately 15 problems in which students will need to show their work, or write a written response, and Part 3 consists of approximately 30 basic skill problems. Students will be allowed to use a graphing calculator on Parts 1 and 2. They will be expected to complete Part 3 without a calculator.
Extra Credit - Up to 20 points per Quarter
Students may earn up to 20 points per quarter with extra credit providing they meet the requirements. (See Extra Credit Link)