Navigating High School Math I (used to be called Algebra)

Why take Math I in Eighth Grade?

 Receive one of the four required high school math credits.  Quickly progress to higher mathematics classes.  Free up room in an often overcrowded high school schedule. WHY?

How will Math I differ from previous math classes?

 Students must maintain a detailed notebook containing investigations, homework, and notes.  Students will have fewer grades each nine-weeks. The majority of grades will come from tests and quizzes. DIFFERENT?

THE CURRICULUM  Students must cover the NC State Standards for Math I as well as the 8th grade Standards.  Please visit our website for a link to see the entire curriculum.

TESTING  Students must take the NC Math I Assessment.  The NC Math I Assessment will count as 25% of a student’s final yearly average. That final average must be above a 70 for the student to pass the class.  Students must also take the 8 th Grade EOG test.

What requirements come with Math I ?

HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS  Teachers have a 20 day evaluation period to determine if placement is appropriate. Following this, students may not drop the class.  Students may miss a maximum of 10 days.  All days over 10 must be made up.  Students who miss more than 30 days get no credit for Math I.

HS REQUIREMENTS CONT.  Students who pass the class, will move on to Math II, they are not allowed to repeat Math I.  The Math I grade and NC Math I Assessment score will be placed on the student’s high school transcript but do not influence the GPA.

What are the expectations for the students?

 Students will attempt to complete all homework.  Students will study notes and review sheets to prepare for quizzes and tests.  Students will attend “tutoring” when needed. EXPECTATIONS

 When absent, the teacher or call the school to get the missed work. Also, get the notes upon returning to school.  Students will bring textbook and all materials to class and home each day. EXPECTATIONS

How can parents help their child achieve success in Math I ?

 Make sure that your child has the materials needed for class.  Verify that your child has completed homework nightly.  Arrange for your child to attend tutoring sessions as needed. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

 Minimize absences. Do not schedule appointments during your child’s Math I class. Students must be present 2/3 of the class to get credit for attending.  Do not schedule vacations during scheduled schools days.  the teacher, or call, when your child is absent. PARENTS HELP CONT.

 Read the weekly s and teacher if you have questions or concerns.  Check PowerSchools often!  Volunteer, or send supplies as requested!

NEEDED MATERIALS  2” binder with three dividers  Graph and lined loose paper in the binder  Spiral 180+ pages  Pencils EVERY DAY  Graphing Calculator  Students may want highlighters.  NOTE: Book replacement cost is $87.

GENERAL GRADING POLICY  Unit Tests will count three times.  Quizzes will count twice.  Unit Homework will count 5 points/day.  Class work will count once.  Short answer questions will be counted right or wrong, whereas open-ended questions will weigh heavier. Justification is a MUST!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS  Before each Unit Test there will be a review sheet, use it to find out your weak areas!  Do your homework.  Be ready for Notes Quizzes.  Utilize the Internet.

HOMEWORK  Homework will be assigned daily.  For the first semester HW will be accepted one day late (parents will be contacted if we see a pattern develop). Second semester it will not be accepted late at all.  Each Unit will have a chance for extra credit HW points at a student’s request.

HOMEWORK  Students should use the agenda to write down the homework each day.  Students should get a few phone numbers for people in the same class in case they need to “phone a friend” about HW.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS As the ACRMS Cheerleaders say, “You’ve got to want it, to win it.”

QUESTIONS? Mrs. Heather Rejzer Mr. Randal Hylemon ACRMS: (828)