Learning Expectations and Grading Policies Mrs. Cowan 2009-2010 Algebra 8X Classroom Expectations Please arrive to class on time with everything you need including a good attitude. Try to take care of any personal needs in between classes. Materials to bring to class: •3-ring binder with sections for Notes and Classwork, Quizzes/Tests, and Homework. •Your binder should also include lined paper and some graph paper. •Pencils, erasers, calculator, ruler. Please cover your textbook. You can generally leave your textbook at home (see Homework below). Grading Policies A note about always showing your work: As you progress in mathematics, showing your work is imperative. Consider that your math work should stand alone—like a well written paragraph—so that the reader can understand what you are thinking. This makes it easier for you to study from your work, to find any mistakes, and to ask questions to clarify your understanding. Homework 20% The purpose of nightly homework is to practice what you have learned in class to confirm your understanding. If you are having difficulty with homework, it is a cue for you to speak up to clarify what you don’t understand. •You can expect homework to be assigned at every class, due the next time we meet. If you are keeping up in class, homework should take approx. 30 minutes. •It is your responsibility to write the homework assignment in your assignment book and to put your homework in the class basket each day. •Homework is frequently assigned out of your textbook, which can be left at home. If you need to use a textbook at school, you can borrow a spare from the classroom shelf. •The full week’s homework assignments are posted online. Any changes to these assignments will be given in class. •Homework is evaluated as follows: ? +     Homework is complete, legible, on time, and with all work shown. All problems are attempted.                  ?       Homework shows a satisfactory effort but does not meet the standard for ? +.                  ? -     Homework is incomplete, illegible, and/or does not evidence a sincere effort. NC      Homework is not handed in or is more than 1 day late. •1-day-Late Homework is downgraded. Homework is not accepted more than 1 day late. •If you are absent, there is a 1 day grace period for missed homework, unless we agree to another arrangement. Learning Expectations and Grading Policies Mrs. Cowan 2009-2010 Algebra 8X Quizzes 30% Quizzes require you to integrate several related concepts presented over a short period of time. Quizzes also provide an opportunity to hone your test-taking skills. •Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. •Quizzes are often in the first few minutes of class, so be prompt. Tests 40% Tests are the chance to show your mastery of a significant body of material. Understanding AND accuracy are both important to good test taking. •Test Corrections are required for test scores below 80%. •The due date for Test Corrections is announced when the test is returned, and is generally within 1 or 2 class days. Late Test Corrections are not accepted. •You may earn half-credit for any questions you answered incorrectly the first time by completing Test Corrections. •You may review your book, notes, or quizzes in order to make corrections.  You may accept help but the Test Corrections you submit must be your own work. •Test grades will combine both the initial test grade and submitted Test Corrections. Semester Exam 10% Semester Exams require you to reflect on a large portion of the course, and understand how the material all fits together. •There is a cumulative Semester Exam at the end of each semester. Effort Grades 1=Excellent  2=Good  3=Satisfactory  4=Needs Improvement  5=Poor You will receive a numeric Effort grade based on your Preparation, Participation, Work Ethic, and Class Behavior in the following areas: Preparation -Arrives on time with necessary materials -Submits completed assignments on time Participation -Participates actively and constructively -Listens appropriately -Works effectively with partners and groups however assigned Work Ethic -Seeks help as needed -Responds well to feedback -Takes advantage of test correction opportunities -Demonstrates care on assignments, tests, and quizzes                  Class Behavior -Shows appropriate behavior in class -Stays focused and on task Learning Expectations and Grading Policies Mrs. Cowan 2009-2010 Algebra 8X Please sign and return this page. The other pages of Learning Expectations and Grading Policies should be placed in your Math binder for your reference. I have read Learning Expectations and Grading Policies, and understand what is expected of me/my child in Mrs. Cowan’s Math class this year. Student Name_________________________________________Class/Section___________ Student Signature_____________________________________  Date__________________ Parent/Guardian Signature______________________________ Date__________________