Course Expectations

Sixth Grade Mathematics Course Expectations

Ladue Middle School 2019-2020

Ms. Hays

Welcome to Pegasus Math! I am very excited to be working with your child this school year. If you have any questions or would like to contact me at any time this year, email me at ahays@ladueschools.net or leave a voicemail message at 314-983-5641.

Course Overview

The sixth grade math curriculum is designed to provide students with a set of mathematical experiences broader than the acquisition of simple arithmetic skills. Students are exposed to a wide variety of methods in which mathematics can help formulate and solve problems. The math curriculum emphasizes computation and problem solving with the whole, rational, and decimal numbers. Comprehensive tests will be given to assess progress.

Many techniques will be used to enhance the curriculum. Cooperative learning, hands-on activities, numerous technologies, and Differentiated Instruction will be implemented to best accommodate students’ varied learning styles. Real-world math lessons will be incorporated throughout the year in order to allow students to gain a perspective of the value of mathematics in their own lives.

Course Objectives

Mathematical Practice Standards

· Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

· Reason abstractly and quantitatively

· Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

· Model with mathematics

· Use appropriate tools strategically

· Attend to precision

· Look for and make use of structure

· Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Content Coverage

· Numerical Expressions and Factors

· Fractions & Decimals

· Ratios and Rates

· Percents

· Algebraic Expressions and Properties

· Equations

· Area, Surface Area, and Volume

· Integers, Number Lines, and the Coordinate Plane

· Statistical Measures

Data Displays

Student, Academic, and Citizenship Expectations

Students are expected to come to class on time each day with the following materials:

Graph paper spiral notebook
Pencil pouch
Pencils
Glue Stick
Red pen
Highlighter
Planner (school provides one)
1 pack of dry erase markers
calculator (simple 4 function or scientific but no graphing calculators)

Homework and class work should be in pencil, neat, legible, and on time. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, complete all assigned work, study for tests, actively listen, work cooperatively with one another, and use their time wisely.

The citizenship criteria is in the student handbook and is also posted in the classroom and follows the Middle School Expectations:

Prompt and Prepared, Polite, Positive Attitude and Productive.

Homework

Students are responsible for completing all assignments, checking answers at the beginning of class and being prepared to ask questions during class time. Math concepts build upon each other; therefore you are expected to complete all assignments.

Homework will only be graded on occasional assignments. Daily homework assignments will appear in Infinite Campus and will be marked as complete, missing, incomplete or late. Late and missing homework assignments will be reflected in the citizenship grade. If a student is absent, they should check the homework board in the classroom and/or the teacher website for missed assignments. Late homework will be accepted two weeks after the due date.

Student Outcomes/Assessment

Student achievement is assessed in the following areas: Selected homework assignments, quizzes, tests and projects. Grades will be weighted with 40% of the total grade based on formative assessments (selected in class work and quizzes) and 60% based on summative assessments (chapter tests or projects).

Students should arrange a time for additional help, when needed. Extra help is available during MSS. If necessary, a parent/teacher conference can be arranged through the 6th grade counselor by calling 314-993-3900.

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter

98% - 100% A+ 78% - 79% C+

92% - 97% A 72% - 77% C

90% - 91% A- 70% - 71% C-

88% - 89% B+ 68% - 69% D+

82% - 87% B 62% - 67% D

80% - 81% B- 60% - 61% D-

0% - 59 % F

Retakes

If a student scores a D or an F on a Formative, the student will be required to meet with me to review and correct the errors and then retake the formative. If a student scores a C on any formative, it is his/her choice to retake the assessment. Retakes for formatives are available before or after school by appointment. The retake score will be averaged with the original Quiz grade to create the student's new grade for the formative.

Retakes for summative assessments will be limited to one 1st semester. To qualify for a retake, students must have all homework for that unit completed, must meet with me to go over the test and must complete extra practice. If this occurs, retakes for summative assessments are available before or after school by appointment. The retake score will be averaged with the original Test grade to create the student's new grade for the summative.

I am looking forward to a great year of mathematics with your child!

Thank you,

Ms. Hays