SAN JOSE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT All Students Can Learn ... All Students Can Succeed!

John Muir Middle School 8th grade Math Common Core Outline 2013-2014
Teacher: Mrs. Katyana Norris Phone: (408) 535-4508 Classroom: #508 E-mail: knorris@sjusd.org Parent Meetings/Conferences: By Appointment Only COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on math skills, problem solving and the conceptual understanding of
mathematics based on the Common Core State Standards for Eighth Grade. This will be a fun and challenging year full of new experiences based upon previous math knowledge.

We will be covering the following topics:

Formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation Solving linear equations and systems of linear equations The concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships Analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, Understanding and applying the Pythagorean theorem
TEXTBOOK: Algebra: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, c. 2008

Each student needs to come to class each day with his or her homework helper.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS:

(Math Journal) Quadrille notebook for daily notes, graph paper & binder paper for homework, pencils, pencil sharpener, 2 colored pens (blue/black and red), colored pencils, an eraser, and a binder (or binder section) to put their math work in.
GRADING POLICY: This course is on a weighted category basis. Breakdown: Tests/Exams Quizzes Projects Participation and Effort (Class work) Homework Math Journal
Grading Scale: 97% - 100%+ 94% - 96% 90% - 93% 87% - 89% 84% - 86% 80% - 83% 77% - 79% 74% - 76% 70% - 73% A+ A AB+ B BC+ C C-

30% of grade 25% of grade 15% of grade 10% of grade 10% of grade 10% of grade
67% - 69% 64% - 66% 60% - 63% 0% - 59% D+ D DF

MAKE UP WORK AND EXTRA CREDIT: Make up work will be given only for excused absences. The length of the absence will determine the due dates for make up assignments. It is up to the student to obtain the make up work. There may be opportunities to earn extra credit in class. Outside of these there will be no individualized or

personal opportunities for extra credit. These assignments or activities cannot be made up if the student is not in class the day it is given.
PARTICIPATION AND EFFORT: Participation and effort is everything a student does in class. Each student is expected to participate in classroom activities such as note taking, math activities, sharing class discussions, presentations, etc. In addition, students are expected to show respect and behave appropriately at all times in the classroom and to follow classroom and school rules respectively. If a student behaves appropriately and participates in all class activities, full points will be awarded. If a student misbehaves or does not participate, that student will lose points accordingly.

HOMEWORK POLICY: Homework will be assigned between 3-5 times per week. Homework will be reviewed throughout the week. All assignments from the textbooks must have the directions written out for each question and the problem in order to receive full credit. Homework assignments must be done in pencil and all work must be shown or any scratch paper used must be attached. If a student does not show their work or write directions, or writes in pen, the student will receive no credit for his or her work. LATE WORK: Homework or assignments that are not turned in on their due date, with the exception of excused absences, will be accepted up to ONE day late for 10% off the total grade. There are no exceptions to this rule. Late work will be accepted at the teachers discretion within each unit of study. BEHAVIOR: Students will need to work consistently everyday to complete their assignments on time and with quality. Class time is for all students and should be used wisely. Students will be expected to participate in classroom activities such as note taking, math activities, sharing, class discussions and presentations. I expect students to follow all classroom and school rules and to be prepared for class with all required materials each and every day.

Ms. Norris Behavior Expectations

Safety Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Be respectful of school, classroom, and personal property. Organization Come on time, prepared, and ready to work. Have materials ready and homework completed before tardy bell. Keep our room cleanno food, drinks, or gum. Achieving Goals Listen, follow directions, and participate. Stay in your seat. Work quietly and raise your hand when necessary. Respect Speak with positive language. Be honest, polite, and work cooperatively with others.

Consequences: 1st Offense: Verbal warning and visual warning 2nd Offense: Conversation with student and moving seat (Lose 2 Part/Effort points) 3rd Offense: Write Reflection (Lose 4 Part/Effort points) 4th Offense: RC Referral/Phone Call Home (Lose 6 Part/Effort points) 5th Offense: On campus suspension in the RC or Administrative Action (Lose 8 Part/Effort points) Tardy Policy: Any student not in their seat prepared to begin class when the bell rings will be marked tardy. Multiple tardies will result in consequences as outlined in the John Muir Discipline Plan. Detention Policy: Students may serve lunch detention for infractions of classroom rules in lieu of the RC. This determination will be made at the discretion of the teacher. Responsibility Center (RC): RC will be assigned to a student after verbal warnings have been given. The teacher also may assign the RC to a student without any warnings if the situation warrants such immediate action.
Academic Honesty Policy: It is expected that students will use genuine, sincere, and fair means for the accomplishment of tests, quizzes, homework, class work and projects from which evaluations of progress shall be determined. Students found cheating, copying, or plagiarizing in any way will receive automatic zeros and their parents will be contacted.

Substitute Teacher Policy: All students will exhibit their best behavior when a substitute teacher takes over the classroom. All classroom and school rules will be in effect and all policies and procedures will be followed. The substitute teacher will have instructions to write down the names of any students that gave him or her any misbehavior whatsoever.

Please fill out the following information sheet that will remain completely confidential. I will use it as a primary resource if I ever need to contact you. Student Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________Birthdate: ______________________________________ #1 Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________________________________ List phone numbers that you would like to be reached at .. Home: ____________________________________ Work:__________________________________ Other: ____________________________________ Email:__________________________________ #2 Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________________________________ List phone numbers that you would like to be reached at .. Home: ____________________________________ Work:__________________________________ Other: ____________________________________ Email:__________________________________ Thank you for taking the time to fill this out. Please write below if there is any other information about your child that you feel I need to know.

We have read and reviewed the course syllabus, class expectations, classroom procedures and homework policy for Mrs. Norris Math class. If we have any questions we will contact Mrs. Norris.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Student Signature

Date