The “A” Student - An Outstanding Student

ATTENDANCE: “A” students have virtually perfect attendance. Their commitment to the class is a high priority and exceeds other temptations.
PREPARATION: “A” students are prepared for class. They always read the assignment. Their attention to detail is such that they occasionally can elaborate on class examples.
CURIOSITY: “A” students demonstrate interest in the class and the subject. They look up or dig out what they don’t understand. They often ask interesting questions or make thoughtful comments.
RETENTION: “A” students have retentive minds and practice making retentive connections. They are able to connect past learning with the present. They bring a background of knowledge with them to their classes. They focus on learning concepts rather than memorizing details. ATTITUDE: “A” students have a winning attitude. They have both the determination and the self-discipline necessary for success. They show initiative. They do things they have not been told to do.
TALENT: “A” students demonstrate a special talent. It may be exceptional intelligence and insight. It may be unusual creativity, organizational skills, commitment - or some combination. These gifts are evident to the teacher and usually to the other students as well.
EFFORT: “A” students match their effort to the demands of an assignment.
COMMUNICATIONS: “A” students place a high priority on writing and speaking in a manner that conveys clarity and thoughtful organization. Attention is paid to conciseness and completeness.
RESULTS: “A” students make high grades on tests - usually the highest in the class. Their work is a pleasure to grade.

The “C” Student - An Average Student

ATTENDANCE: “C” students are often late and miss class frequently. They put other priorities ahead of academic work. In some cases, their health or constant fatigue renders them physically unable to keep up with the demands of high-level performance.
PREPARATION: “C” students may prepare their assignments consistently, but often in a perfunctory manner. Their work may be sloppy or careless At times, it is incomplete or late
CURIOSITY: “C” students seldom explore topics deeper than their face value. They lack vision and bypass interconnectedness’ of concepts. Immediate relevancy is often their singular test for involvement.
RETENTION “C” student retain less information and for shorter periods. Less effort seems to go toward organizing and associating learned information with previously acquired knowledge. They display short-term retention by relying on cramming sessions that focus on details, not concepts.
ATTITUDE: “C” students are not visibly committed to class. They participate without enthusiasm. Their body language often expresses boredom.
TALENT: “C” students vary enormously in talent. Some have exceptional ability but show undeniable signs of poor self-management or bad attitudes. Others are diligent but simply average in academic ability.
EFFORT: “C” students are capable of sufficient effort, but either fail to realistically evaluate the effort needed to accomplish a task successfully, or lack the desire to meet the challenge.
COMMUNICATIONS:“C” students communicate in ways that often limit comprehension or risk misinterpretation. Ideas are not well formulated before they are expressed. Poor listening / reading habits inhibit matching inquiry and response.
RESULTS: “C” students obtain mediocre or inconsistent results on tests. They have some concept of what is going on but clearly have not mastered the material.

Syllabus Math 7th

Unit One—Integers
Comparing and ordering
Powers of ten
Modeling use on number line
All operations
Order of operations
Divisibility Tests
Factors
Exponents

Unit Two —Decimals
Place value
Comparing and ordering
Rounding
Money
All operations

Unit Three—Fractions/ Decimals/ Percents
Comparing and ordering
Equivalent Fractions
Improper Fractions
Converting between each form
All operations with fractions
Percents

Unit Four— Ratios and Proportions
Proportional Relationships
Directly Proportional
Inversely Proportional
Ratios and rates (including unit rates)
Scale and scale drawing
Solving proportions in a problem situation

Unit Five Patterns, Relations and Functions
Arithmetic Sequences
Patterns and sequences
Matching equations and word problems

Unit Six —Algebra equations
Writing equations
Solving Equations
Hands-on equations
Positive and negative solutions
Properties of Operations

Unit Seven—Geometry in the plane
Two- and three-dimensional figures
Polygons (Triangles, Quadrilaterals, ..)
Circle
Similar figures
Ordered pairs and graphing
Graphing equations
Dilation, Reflection, Rotation, Translation
Angles
Parallels
Classifying Triangles
Square and square-root
Generating formulas

Unit Eight—Measurement
Perimeter, circumference
Area
Volume
Angles

Unit Nine—Probability and Statistics
Sample spaces
Simple and independent events
Inferences
Mean, median, mode, and range
Graphing data
Choosing the appropriate graph
Interpreting graphs

Unit Ten—After TAKS
Scientific notation
Pythagorean Theorem
Solving word problems
Roman Numbers

Why should you be learning all of this material? :
1. This material is important because you will be applying it to real life.
2. We will be using examples of real things that you may or may not have already done in your life.

How will you be learning this material? :
1. Through fun lessons that keep you involved.
2. You will have notes to take, but you will also be doing projects, to help you and your fellow students.
3. Daily homework assignments will also be given in order for you to practice that days material and so that you may reflect on what you learned.
4. Some of the projects will be done in groups, as well as some of the in class activities. I want you to be able to figure some things out for yourselves using prior knowledge and knowledge that you have gained in this class.

Grading policy
Grading policy is subject to requirements quoted in the LISD handbooks.

Tests will fall every Friday.

Quizzes may be administered at any time and may or may not be announced.
All tests and quizzes must be corrected and placed in your binder by the following Monday. Corrected Math binders will be checked at this time as well.

Homework assignments are posted on the board and will be turned in at the beginning of the next class.

The average of all daily work (Drills/DCR, homework and assignments) will be counted as 50% of your six- weeks grade.
The average of all test work (exams, labs, quizzes) will be counted as 50% of your six -weeks grade.
Your six - weeks Math binder has a weight of a test grade each time that it is checked. It will be checked at the end of every six weeks.
A maximum of 100 pts. may be gained on each daily assignment with regard to percent correct and complete.
A maximum of 100 pts. may be gained on each test assignment.
Any assignment not received at collection but still on that same day will be reduced by 10 points.
Any assignment received the following day will be reduced by 10 points.
All work will be completed satisfactorily at my discretion.
My grading policy is subject to change according to the policy of the School District.

Attendance Policy:
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his/her education-to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous days, and to grow as an individual.

Attendance is important. You’re in class every day to learn, keep up with class assignments, pass your classes, and prepare for state mandate tests.
A student is required to attend all class meetings. If a class is missed the student is held responsible for the full requirements of the class.
Students lose credit automatically after the 8th absence (excused or unexcused. There is no distinction between an excused and an unexcused absence. Both will be counted equally.

Please be aware of two very important rules:
1. A student absent from school for any reason, upon returning school, must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for absence. An absence slip will be required to return to class.
2. The student has to make up work missed due to any absence within two school days.

Dear Parent(s):

I will be your child’s MATH teacher this year. In order to guarantee your child and all students in our classroom the excellent educational climate they deserve, I have developed a Classroom disciplined Plan that will be in effect at all times. Please take a few moments to read and discuss it with your child. Your signature below will acknowledge your awareness and support of the class rules.
Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his/her education.
Please be aware of two very important rules:
1. A student absent from school for any reason, upon returning school, must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for absence. An absence slip will be required to return to class.
2. The student has to make up work missed due to any absence within two school days.

Discipline Plan and Classroom Rules for Room 40

1. BE ON TIME EVERY DAY
2. No eating, drinking or chewing gum in class!
3. No personal grooming during class time.
4. Follow classroom procedures and routines for room 40.
5. Be in your assigned seat and be ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
6. Follow directions the first time they are given.
7. I will not allow the student to do anything that will interfere with the student success in this class. Nor will I allow the student to do anything that will interfere with someone else who is trying to learn.

Consequences If the student chooses to break a Rule

First Time: Verbal Warning and keep a record with the student’s name and the rule broken.
Second Time: Teacher/Student Conference, Counselor/Student Conference or Detention.
Third Time: One or a combination of: Team/Student, Student/Parent Conference (Parents and
Students will be requested to write the action plan needed to solve the problem).
Fourth Time: Student/Principal Conference/Referral
Severe disruptions: The student will be sent immediately to the office.

Rewards The best reward is the satisfaction of a job well done.
Praise (daily)
Was first to be dismissed for lunch, recess, etc.
Was chosen a student of a day, week, month, etc.
Positive Notes Home. Whole class free time.
“Raise a Grade” certificate (monthly)
End of Six Weeks Team rewards
Various other positive perks (throughout the school year)
The joy of learning (each day of the school year)

Ms. Garcia, Room 40, L.J. Christen Middle School, LISD, Laredo, Tx