Course Overview
The curriculum we have chosen to use for our math classes
here at BCP is called CPM (college preparatory math). It
is a non-traditional method of learning math that utilizes
group work and emphasizes communication and questioning.
In my opinion, this curriculum truly lives up to its name.
To put it simply, it is the scientific method applied to mathematics.
Students who learn math using this method, if they apply themselves,
"own" their math in a way most students don't get to experience
until late in their study of mathematics in college. Few are
curious enough to endure the hard work and practice, without
the synthesis, integration, and bigger picture that come with
"doing" math. You will not be mindlessly copying math from
the whiteboard and practicing what you don't understand. In
this class, you will be doing math in a very real sense.
Materials Needed
2-inch binder for math only, five dividers, scientific
calculator, graph paper, colored pencils, a green pen, and
a pencil.
Class Expectations
You are required to come to class on time with the required
materials, ready to learn. You will be working in groups of
four, which may be different from the way you have studied
math in the past. You will be responsible for working together,
which means you may be explaining and sometimes questioning
your group members. You are encouraged to ask questions for
clarification, as well as to promote discussion and discovery.
Further guidelines will be provided for working in study teams.
Classwork/Homework
Homework is practice, and it will be assigned daily. I use
different means of assessing homework; sometimes it is checked
off, sometimes it is collected, and other times I will give
a homework quiz. Late work will not be accepted. It
is important to keep your homework organized as it will be
collected and graded again as a whole on the day of
each unit test.
|
Homework Rubric |
|
Classwork Rubric |
|
| Complete |
3 |
Fully accomplishes the purpose of the task |
4 |
| Attempted |
2 |
Substantially accomplishes the purpose of the task
|
3 |
| Started |
1 |
Partially accomplishes the purpose of the task |
2 |
| Not attempted |
0 |
Makes little or no progress toward accomplishing the
task |
1 |
Testing
At the end of each unit, you may be tested in one or both
of the following ways:
- Group Tests: You will work together with your teams.
Everyone must turn in a completed test. See additions rules
and grading policies for team tests
- Individual Tests: You will work "solo" without
any collaboration
Makeup Work for
Absences
You will be responsible to check with group members in order
to obtain missing assignments. I would recommend getting phone
numbers. Work is due the day after you return. It is going
to take a lot of responsibility on your part to finish and
turn in your missing work. Your team will have to work extra
hard to fill your role in class while you are out, and you
must come to class prepared with your homework. To make up
a quiz or a test that you have missed due to an excused absence,
you must schedule and take the test/quiz the day you return.
Make-up tests/quizzes must be taken during lunch, study period,
or after school. Work missed due to an unexcused absence (cutting
class) cannot be made up. Any classwork/homework, quizzes,
or tests given that day will be scored a zero.
How Grades are Computed
|
|
Assignment Categories |
|
|
|
Letter Grades |
| Classwork/Participation |
30% |
A: 90% and above
B: 80% and above
C: 70% and above
D: 60% and above
F: below 60% |
| Homework |
10% |
| Homework Quizzes |
10% |
| Individual Tests |
25% |
| Team Tests |
10% |
| Final Exam |
10% |
| Study Period |
5% |
Grades will be updated every two weeks.
I hope you have an enjoyable and memorable year with me.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at
school or by e-mail.
Thank you for your time and consideration! |
