Consumer Math Syllabus
I. Course Description
This course is designed to provide the students with the answer to the ultimate math question, “Why is math important?” In this course, the material that will be presented will be directly applied to real world situations such as the business world and home life situations. This course is designed to provide each student with the knowledge to make the mathematical transition into the real world as easy as possible.
To give you an idea of the concepts we will be covering, the
following is a list of topics that will be discussed:
* Earning an Hourly Wage * Earning a Salary
* Paying Taxes * Paying the Bills
* Managing a Checking Account * Managing a Savings Account
* Handling Credit/Charge Cards * Buying a Car
* Buying a House * Obtaining Insurance
* Maintaining a Home
II. Grading
The following assessments will contribute to the grade a student will earn in this course: Exams, Homework, PSSA/SAT work and the Checkbook Project. Below is a brief description of each assessment.
Exams – Notice of upcoming exams will be given at least four days beforehand. Unless told otherwise by the instructor,
exams must be completed in one class period. The only allowable questions are for clarification on directions. ***Hint : Do not leave any problems blank. Partial credit is given.***
Homework – Homework is a natural part of schooling. It allows a
student to practice outside of school what he/she has learned in class. Homework will be administered in two ways: textbook assignments and worksheets. The homework must be done on a separate sheet of paper. A proper heading is required on each assignment. The proper heading on the assignments will be:
Name
Date
Page #, Assigned Problems
If given a worksheet assignment, the student’s work must be stapled to the worksheet. The assignment will not be accepted unless all of these requirements are met.
Homework assignments will be collected at the beginning of class on the day that that they are due. Homework assignments will be graded primarily on these three items: having the correct answers and having sufficient work. Each problem will be worth two points. All assignments must be completed in a neat and organized fashion. ***Note: If I can’t read it, I won’t grade it.***
PSSA/SAT Work – Starting in late September, we will spend one
day a week concentrating on these exams. Obviously, we will focus on the material for these tests. However, we will also focus on how to take these tests such as eliminating common mistakes that are made and dealing with the open-ended questions. Activities will include, but are not limited to, group activities, group discussions, and computer lab sessions. The activities will be worth ten points each. Any worked missed on these days must be made up by completing PSSA practice worksheets.
Checkbook Project –This project is designed to give students the
opportunity to handle money responsibility. This project will occur over a few months. Further details will be provided later.
The scores on theses assessments
will combine to create your overall
percent for this course. The percent
will determine your grade based on the
following scale shown to the right.
The instructor will only give out grades at mid-quarter and at the end of a quartile.
III. Textbooks and Calculators
Each student will be assigned one textbook entitled Consumer Mathematics. The student will be required to bring his/her textbook to class everyday. No Exceptions. No writing is permitted in the textbooks. If a student damages or loses his/her textbook, the student has the financial obligation to replace the textbook.
Each student will be assigned a scientific calculator to be used in
the classroom. At the beginning of each class, each student will retrieve his/her own calculator from the holder. At the end of each class, each student will return his/her calculator to the holder. Every student is responsible for his/her calculator. If there is a problem or damage with the calculator, report it immediately. If a student damages or loses his/her calculator, the student has the financial obligation to replace the calculator.
IV. Attendance /Make-Ups
Obviously, attendance is essential to education. In mathematics, every day of new learning is based on prior days of learning. Every concept in mathematics ties together. For a higher chance of success in education, a student must make attendance a priority.
Any work missed on a day of an excused absence must be made up in the same of amount of time that the student has missed. For example, if a student misses two days of school, then the student has only two days to make up all of the work. If the absences are unexcused, then the work missed becomes a zero.
Since notification of exams will be given at least four days in advance, when a student is absent the day before an exam and is present for the day of the exam, the student is still responsible for taking the exam.
When a student is absent for the day of an exam, the student is responsible for taking the exam on the day that he/she returns. The make-up of the exam will take place either before school or during a study hall. The make-up will not take place during class unless given permission by the instructor.
V. Late to School/Tardy to Class
If a student arrives late to school and misses class, the student is responsible for obtaining all work missed and turning in all work that may be due. If a student has an unexcused tardy to school and misses class, all work for the day becomes a zero.
If a student is tardy to class and without a pass from the office or an instructor, the student must sign in to class. Disruptions will not be tolerated. Excessive lateness to class will not be tolerated.
VI. Early Dismissals
If a student has a scheduled early dismissal (i.e. sports, doctor’s appointment), the student is responsible for turning in all assigned work and for obtaining all assignments that will be missed. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a zero on all assignments.
VII. Restroom Privilege
Unless special circumstances apply, a student may only leave the classroom for the purpose of using the restroom/water fountain once per week. Any student who uses the restroom/water fountain must sign out by printing his/her full name, the sign-out time, and the sign-in time on the sign-out sheet. The instructor must initial the sign-out sheet before the student leaves the classroom. Excessive time out of class will not be tolerated. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the loss of this privilege.
VIII. Extra Assistance
If a student has questions on homework assignments or needs further explanation of a concept, a student should see the instructor before school at 7:30a.m. or can make arrangements with the instructor.
IX. Requirements
Each student will be required to be prepared every time he/she is in the classroom. Being prepared means each student will bring a pencil/pen and textbook to class. Students will not be permitted to go to their lockers during class. Being prepared means all work collected must be completed and submitted on time. Being prepared means each student will come to class ready to learn.
Each student will be required to put forth their best effort in all aspects of this course such as working with one another, presenting ideas, and taking exams.
X. Classroom Rules
1. Be Prepared
2. Be Prompt
3. Be Responsible
4. Be Respectful
Note: All rules and regulations from the Jeannette Student Handbook will be enforced.