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Content | Assessment | Homework | Attendance | Making Up Work | Classroom Behavior | Extra-Help | Parents' Info
CONTENT:Through this course we will seek to improve and deepen you understanding of many algebraic skills and strategies. Graphing various relationships will form a central part of this course. Students will also develop many strategies for manipulating algebraic expressions, look for patterns in data, deal with topics in probability, and apply these skills to real world topics.
The element that distinguishes an "Honors" course from other courses is the greater depth at which we will explore topics in the curriculum along. Students will be expected to rise to a higher than normal level of achievement and are expected to take an increased amount of responsibility for their own learning upon their shoulders.
It is vitally important that EVERY student have access to a calculator at home. We have enough calculators in school to loan you one for use during class, but you should also have a calculator at home for homework. I recommend a scientific calculator or (preferably) a graphing calculator, such as the TI-83 Plus.
See my info on Calculators on
the Parents' Info page[ Back to Top ] ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES:
Students will be evaluated by various methods, including daily "warm-up" quizzes, occasional quizzes covering important topics, cumulative tests, projects, and midyear and final exams. Students will also do assignments that will require communication skills and will research various topics relating to mathematics.
[ Back to Top ] HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS:
Homework provides an opportunity to explore new material as well as reinforce previously learned concepts. Assignments will be given on a daily basis in the form of written work or the expectation that students will review recent material in preparation for upcoming exams. Typically, students can expect up to one hour of homework per day.
[ Back to Top ] ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS:
It is important to be in attendance for every class session. As of the start of the 2000-2001 school year, the City of Springfield has instituted a rigorous attendance policy. Students and parents should become informed as to the requirements of this policy. As with all general policies for the Springfield Public Schools, the new attendance code will be vigorously enforced in all of my classes.
If you are going to be absent for any extended time, you or your parent should contact me through your counselor (or use my email) to arrange make up work. Assignments will be posted in the classroom (and hopefully on my web site) for you to consult after brief absences.
It is always the student's responsibility to inquire about what assignments / tests were missed during absences. This should be done before or after school. Class time is for learning and instruction, not for obtaining make-up work assignments. Your coorperation with this is expected and appreciated.
[ Back to Top ] PROCEDURES FOR MAKING UP WORK DURING ABSENCES:
The work covered each week will be posted in the classroom. The posting will clearly state the final date to submit in any late work. Students are expected to consult those postings and meet deadlines. In the case of prolonged absences, the student (along with his/her parent/guardian) should meet with the teacher and the student's counselor to obtain assignments and make any appropriate arrangements if emergencies arise.
[ Back to Top ] CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
In order to benefit from class instruction and activities, it is important to come prepared to participate and to follow the instruction. This means not only completing homework, but also prepared with pen/pencil, notebook, calculator, and the willingness to contribute. It is expected that all students will be on time and ready for class so that instructional time will not be wasted.
[ Back to Top ] CONTACTING YOUR INSTRUCTOR & EXTRA-ASSISTANCE:
Wednesday is my designated extra-help afternoon, when I will plan to stay at least one-hour to assist students. However, I will make my best effort to be in school at least 45 minutes early every morning and I generally am available every afternoon (except Tuesdays when I am required to attend faculty meeting). Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this extra time.
If any students have Internet access at home,
feel free to email me with any questions/concerns you have.
School:
whitneym@sps.springfield.ma.us Home:
mwhitney.massed@rcn.com [ Back to Top ] METHOD FOR PARENTS TO COMMUNICATE WITH TEACHER:
Parent(s) who would like to speak with me should contact the Counseling Office at 787-7220 and your child's counselor will make arrangements for us to meet at a mutually convenient time. Also, if you prefer I will call you at a designated time. Generally, any such meetings/calls should take place before or after school hours of 7:35-2:05 when I will be involved in teaching or other school business. My email account (whitneym@sps.springfield.ma.us) is also a useful means to contact me.
If you are concerned about your child's progress between report cards, you should also contact the counselor and request a progress report, which I will write and mail to you.
For more information that is of importance to parents ... go to my Parents' Info Page [ Back to Top ]
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Created on: August 8, 2000
Last Updated: December 20, 2001.
Site Created & Maintained by:
Matthew C. Whitney
