Dear Parents/Guardians,
As co-teachers for your child’s Pre-Algebra Math classroom, Mr. Brown and Ms. Beydoun would like to welcome your child to Room 31. The start of the school year holds the promise of new discovery and learning, as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. We look forward to an exciting, productive year working with you and your child.
Course Objective:
The objective of this course is to help students to improve and excel in math according to Middle School standards. The courses and schedule are designed to emphasize study skills, organization, time management, and self-control. They also provide the student with knowledge and development of skills needed for group projects, presentations, and research.
Instructional Objectives: At the end of the school year, the successful student will be able to:
• Master basic math skills according to Middle School standards
• Apply study skills to everyday classroom situations, assignments, tests, and homework
• Improve organizational skills in everyday classroom and home situations
• Develop the required skills in order to eventually transition into high school
Instructional Content/Course Outline:
All classes will be working in the following areas:
• Rational and Irrational Numbers
• Multi-step Equations
• Linear Functions
• Scatter Plots
• Volume of 3-D shapes
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Transformations
Grading Criteria: Students will be graded using the percentage scale below.
100-98 = A+ 97-93 = A 92-90 = A-
89-88 = B+ 87-83 = B 82-80 = B-
79-78 = C+ 77-73 = C 72-70 = C-
69-68 = D+ 67-63 = D 62-60 = D-
59 – Below = E
There are 2 parts to your student’s grade.
Part 1 – Formative Assessments (Homework and Classwork)
Formative Assessments are worth 20% of the grade.
Homework may be assigned three to four days a week. It is due at the beginning of each class. Late work must be turned in before the summative assessment for the material covered in order to avoid a grade of ‘zero’ for each assignment. Missing work due to absences is to be turned in within 3 days of return. Class work is to be turned in no later than the following day unless informed otherwise by Mr. Brown or Ms. Beydoun
Often, homework will be graded on a four-point rubric that includes timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and incorporating the lessons taught prior to the assignment
. Part 2 – Summative Assessments (Tests and Quizes)
Summative assessments are worth 80% of the grade.
Summative assessments are to be completed in class during the allotted time given unless it is an “at home” assessment. Any assessments missed due to absence must be made up by making arrangements with Mr. Brown or Ms. Beydoun. You have one week, upon returning from an absence, to make up any assessments. Retakes will be given for summative assessments before school, as long as there are no missing assignments.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Beydoun or Mr. Brown by phone (313) 827-6850 or e-mail (brownm@dearbornschools.org) (beydouf2@dearbornschools.org) or post a message on our blogs.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brown Ms. Beydoun