What to Expect This Year in Math Class
What to Expect This Year in Math Class
READ COMPLETELY and subscribe to teacher website
Daily Mandatory Supplies
●Composition notebook for daily class notes and daily learning reflections
●Pencils for all math practice and assessments
●Scientific or Graphing Calculator (Graphing Calculators are used in Algebra 1 and above)
Optional Supplies
oColored pencils, highlighters, markers, graph paper for linear equations unit
Grading Policy
●90% Assessments (Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Spiral Review quizzes)
oAll Assessments will have a practice assessment that will mirror the official. Students will receive the practice assessment at least 3 days before the official assessment is given. Students need to complete and study the practice test with a parent, guardian, tutor, or an individual that can help check for understanding and completion.
oStudents are allowed to re-take any assessment one time for a replacement grade. In order to do this, students and parent/guardian must complete a Retake Ticket. Retakes are given by appointment.
oSpiral review quizzes will be given every four weeks. These quizzes will contain skills that have already been taught. Again, they will have four practice quizzes that will mirror the official Spiral quiz.
●10% Other (notebook checks, participation, classwork, weekly practice work, spiral review practice, ect.)
oComposition notebooks are a HUGE component in the learning process. They must be neat and completed weekly.
oPractice work will be assigned daily, typically Monday- Thursday. Students are to do their practice daily to check for understanding. All answers will be provided to students with each practice assignment. Parents should be checking over students daily practice to help monitor student learning. Middle school students still need help being held accountable. Falling behind in math could really affect future successes.
oSpiral review practice will be given weekly starting week two. They typically are given on Friday and due the following Wednesday. Spiral reviews are intended to review skills that students may still be struggling on or to help place math skills in long term memory.
What a typical 5 day instructional week looks like.
●3 days of new skill instruction and practice. Discovery, vocabulary, notes, guided practice, independent practice. (Monday-Wednesday)
●1 day of practice and review (Thursday)
●1 day of Assessment and Spiral review (Friday quiz or unit test)
●Spiral Review practice is due on Wednesdays each week.
What parents/guardian need to look for weekly.
●Graded assessments are given back on Monday with a current progress report, agenda, and goal setting sheet. Parents MUST review and sign weekly. Again, middle school students still need to be monitored regularly. All assessments will be placed in the students file until the end of the school year. There are approximately nine assessments per quarter.
●Parents and students MUST check Infinite Campus every week. The front office can help you with any question you have on Infinite Campus.
●If your student is struggling, I recommend they use You Tube, Khan Academy, ALEKS, or a math tutor to help with understanding. Math is a skill, and with any skill it must be practiced to be good at it.
What the teacher uses to teach and plan instruction?
●Nevada state math standards (NACS- Nevada Academic Content Standards)
●Smart Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC-State assessment)
●AIMS web tests-a skills test that helps teachers to monitor grade level progress and gaps in learning
●Glencoe Course 2 and 3 books (adopted textbook)
●Professional learning communities (PLC- other teachers)
●Youtube or Google searches
How to contact the teacher?
●Call (702)799-4260 ext. 3503 to leave a message for me. Teacher will respond within 24 hours
●Email Teacher will respond within 24 hours
●Call (702)799-4260 to schedule a parent/teacher conference with front office
According to the National Education Association, studies show that regardless of family income or background, students with involved parents/guardians are more likely to:
●Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs.
●Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits.
●Attend school regularly.
●Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school.
●GRADUATE and go on to postsecondary education.
Thank you for your support and partnership in student learning. Visit the school website hydepark.org and subscribe to the teacher web page.
Shalee Pusko
Hyde Park Middle School
Math Department Chair