ALGEBRA

SYLLABUS

COURSE

INFORMATION

AND CLASSROOM

POLICIES FOR THE

2015-2016 SCHOOL

YEAR

WELLSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

ROCK L. BUTLER MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRADE 8

MR. LONG

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Grade 8 Algebra Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 1 of 13

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

TOPICS OF STUDY

Page 2

THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS OF MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Page 3

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR 8th GRADE MATH Page 4

CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

EXPECTATIONS

ENTERING AND EXITING THE CLASSROOM

ABSENTEEISM

Page 5

ASSESSMENT

ASSIGNMENTS

SAMPLE OF THE PROPER HEADING:

HOMEWORK

Page 6

HOMEWORK RUBRIC FOR 8TH GRADE MATH

LATE POLICY

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

COMMUNICATION

Page 7

MR. LONG’S CLASSROOM RULES Page 8

KEEPING YOUR MATH NOTEBOOK Page 9

NOTEBOOK RUBRIC FOR 8th GRADE MATH Page 10

PARTICIPATION RUBRIC FOR 8th GRADE MATH Page 11

SOME USEFUL WEBSITES Page 12

SIGNATURE SHEET Page 13

Course Syllabus

Grade 8 Algebra

Page 2 of 13

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Algebra is designed to prepare students in the knowledge and skills necessary for success in our

technological and global economy. This course will cultivate the standards outlined in the US Common Core

Standards. More information on the Common Core Standards can be found at http://www.corestandards.org.

Communication skills, organizational skills, and problem solving skills are fostered throughout the course.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be expected to:

Work cooperatively to comprehend problems and keep trying to solving them.

Recognize and repeat patterns of reasoning.

Communicate mathematical ideas in words, symbols and numbers by constructing dependable

arguments.

Critique the reasoning of others.

Investigate mathematical models.

Implement formulas to calculate perimeter, area and volume of different geometric figures.

Make use of the vocabulary of algebra.

Work methodically and with precision.

Use the properties and procedures discovered throughout the course to solve problems involving

scenarios from everyday life.

TOPICS OF STUDY

Compare and contrast number classifications.

Write, evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions involving operations with decimals, fractions,

radicals, and exponents.

Calculate and convert numbers written in Scientific Notation.

Solve equations and inequalities using properties of Algebra to justify reasoning and develop logically

equivalent statements.

Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations including

trend lines in scatter plots.

Represent functions, in two variables, verbally, algebraically, graphically and in tables, including direct

variation, linear equations and inequalities.

Apply equations and inequalities to real world problem solving situations including systems of equations

and inequalities.

Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems.

Discover geometrical relationships involving, parallel lines, intersecting lines and rays, angles, basic

geometric shapes and transformations.

Calculate perimeter, area and volume for basic geometric shapes and their combinations.

Analyze statistical data using two-way tables, dot plots, stem and leaf plots, box and whisker plots and

scatter plots.

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Grade 8 Algebra Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 3 of 13

THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS OF MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Model with mathematics.

Use appropriate tools strategically.

Attend to precision.

Look for and make use of structure.

Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Teacher Directed Class Discussion

Cooperative Group Work

Problem Exercises for Homework

Reading Assignments

Keeping an Organized Notebook

Community Speakers

Teacher Demonstrations

Student Demonstrations

Computer Research

Spreadsheets

Student Projects

Guided Practice

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Prentice Hall Mathematics PRE ALGEBRA. Pearson Prentice Hall 2004

Publisher prepared instructional notes, exercises, activities, tests and quizzes.

Teacher prepared instructional notes exercises, activities, tests and quizzes.

Technologies used in the course include, TI 83/84 Graphics Calculators, computers, computer

projector, the Internet, cameras and video.

Course Syllabus

Grade 8 Algebra

Page 4 of 13

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED

FOR 8th GRADE MATH

Students need to acquire a

3 Ring Binder (1½ inch to 3 inches),

8½” × 11” Loose Leaf Notebook Paper

(college or wide ruled),

¼ inch Graph Paper,

Notebook Dividers (can be homemade)

a Book Cover

a Ruler (15-cm to 30-cm),

Pencils (have enough ready to use so you do

not have to use a pencil sharpener during

class)

a Pencil Pouch designed for a 3-ring binder

Any Scientific Calculator

A TI-84 graphics calculator would be an

acceptable alternative and would be an

investment for all four years of Math at the

High School level.

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Algebra 1 Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 5 of 13

CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (Also see the RLBMS student handbook)

EXPECTATIONS:

Students are expected to strive for excellence. Achieving excellence includes, listening to the

teacher, listening to other students, participating in class discussions, completing class work and completing

homework. Students are expected to be prepared for class. A pencil, loose leaf notebook paper in a 3 ring

binder notebook, a scientific calculator, a ruler, the student’s agenda and a covered textbook should be

brought to class daily. All work is to be done in pencil.

ENTERING AND EXITING THE CLASSROOM

Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings. Please do not ask to get a drink use the

bathroom, go to your locker, ect. These things need to be taken care of during the time given to pass

between classes. Plan ahead. Late arrivals should have a pass excusing the tardiness. Attendance slips

should be given to the teacher to sign when you enter the room, BLUE for excused absences, YELLOW for

temporary passes, and PINK for unexcused absences. Students are expected to work until the bell. Students

are expected to remain in their seats until the bell rings.

ABSENTEEISM: (Also see the RLBMS student handbook)

Attendance is very important to success in school. Students are expected to be in attendance at all

times. In the event a student is not able to attend class the student is responsible to find out what

work they missed including homework. Students will be expected to make up class work that was missed

including tests, quizzes, notes given on the board and class assignments. They will have one day to make up

work for each day they are absent. The late policy applies after the day given for the makeup work.

Students are expected to see the teacher during homeroom, tutorial or after school for makeup work, NOT

during class time.

Homework assignments can be done the night of the absence by looking up the assignment on the

Parent Portal. Present all work possible upon first entering the class. In addition, if a student is absent the

day before a test previously announced the student will be expected to take the test with the rest of the

class upon their return. If the student has an excused absence the day of the test, the student must arrange

a time to make up the test as soon as the student returns to school. If the absence is anticipated, the student

should get their work in advance. Unexcused absences may result in a zero on any assignments missed,

including tests, quizzes or projects due.

If the student is present FOR ANY PART OF THE DAY, it is their responsibility to see the teacher

to turn in homework and/or pick up any assigned work. A student requesting to attend a band/chorus

practice or a music lesson on the day of an evaluation will be asked to remain in class to complete the

evaluation. On other class days, the student will be permitted to attend, but will be fully responsible for any

work missed and this work will be due on the class deadline.

Course Syllabus

Grade 8 Algebra

Page 6 of 13

ASSESMENT

(All work is to be done in pencil.)

Grading is based on points earned divided by total points possibly earned. Points can be earned

through homework assignments, class participation, class assignments, tests, quizzes, projects and notebook

evaluation.

Mathematics is a discipline where much practice is required. The majority of homework

assignments will be practice of concepts and procedures discussed and practiced in class. Class participation

will be based on how well you as a student have contributed to the class through discussions, interaction

with peers and overall completion of class assignments. Tests will be announced at least two days in

advance. Quizzes may or may not be announced. Please keep in mind failure to do homework often results

in failure on tests and quizzes. Projects and your Notebook will be graded on a rubric given to you when

the project is assigned. (see NOTEBOOK RUBRIC) Total points possible will vary depending on the

amount and complexity of the work assigned. Points earned are a reflection of how much of the assignment

you have completed and how much detail you have included in your solutions.

A final exam will be given at the end of the course.

ASSIGNMENTS (All work is to be done in pencil.)

Work to be turned in needs to be done on lined loose leaf paper (8½ X 11) unless otherwise noted in

class. Each assignment should have a proper heading. The heading should include three lines at the top of

the paper. All work is to be done in pencil. The assignment, course and teacher should be on the left. The

student’s name, the date of the assignment and the period should be on the right. See below for a sample.

Work needs to be neat and organized. Each problem should be numbered. All work is to be shown.

There should be no rips or tears in the paper. Spiral bound paper is not acceptable. Homework

assignments are due at the beginning of the period. Students will not be allowed to visit their locker to

pick up homework.

SAMPLE OF THE PROPER HEADING:

Page 3 Numbers 1-21 odd Pat Jones

Algebra 1B August 28, 2014

Mr. Long Period 6

HOMEWORK

(All work is to be done in pencil.)

Guidelines

See Assignment guidelines

Work is to be complete and accurate.

Homework is complete and all necessary work is shown

Figures/graphs are drawn, if necessary

Explanations provided when required

All problems are attempted

(Any problem that a student does not know how to do should at least be copied down on the homework

paper. Credit may or may not be given depending on the problem and instruction given to the student.)

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Algebra 1 Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 7 of 13

HOMEWORK RUBRIC FOR 8TH GRADE MATH

Point Score Description

10 Homework is complete, all necessary work is shown and each

problem is properly numbered and in order.

Also, work is neat, legible, and well organized (Assignment is on

loose leaf 8½ by 11 in. paper)

8-9 Homework is mostly complete, most necessary work is shown and

each problem is properly numbered and in order.

Also, work is neat, legible, and well organized (Assignment is on

loose leaf 8½ by 11 in. paper)

6-7 Homework is mostly complete and some necessary work is shown,

and/or work is not neat, legible, and well organized (Assignment is

on loose leaf 8½ by 11 in. paper)

3-5 Homework is mostly complete but little to no work is shown, and/or

work is not neat, legible, and well organized

0-2 Homework is mostly incomplete even though some work may be

shown.

LATE POLICY

Late work is subject to the Late Work Policy as outlined by the eighth grade team. To earn full credit on

daily graded homework assignments the assignment needs to be in on time and on the due date. If it is late

but turned in later in the period or day, only ½ credit can be earned. If the assignment is not turned in the

day it is due, no credit will be earned and a zero will be recorded for the assignment. On projects and

papers, 10% of the total point value will be lost each day the assignment is late (After 5 days, no credit will

be given.)

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

If a student is caught cheating they will receive a zero for the assignment. If it is a case of copying

someone else’s work, both the student who copied and the student who allowed his or her work to be copied

will receive the zero.

COMMUNICATION

I am here to help students achieve excellence. If you have any questions, e-mail me at

dlong@wellsborosd.org or call the school at 724-2306 and leave a message.

Course Syllabus

Grade 8 Algebra

Page 8 of 13

Mr. Long’s Classroom Rules Students are asked to do their part in keeping the classroom a positive learning environment. This means a

classroom that is quiet, relaxed and studious. Respect for self, others, property, and the goals of the class are

encouraged. The guidelines for proper student behavior set forth in the student handbook will be enforced.

Below are the rules specific to my classroom. They serve as reminders of behaviors necessary to achieve a

positive learning environment.

PREPARE FOR CLASS BEFORE CLASS

Be on time and in your seat when the late bell rings. Have your homework done before entering the

class and get it out on your desk for the teacher to see it. Each day bring to class: your agenda, a

sharpened pencil, notebook paper, calculator, text book and a book/novel to read. Read the board or

projection screen for directions to start class for the day. Study the textbook, handouts, vocabulary,

notes and examples each night or during study hall.

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME

Take notes as the teacher explains concepts and examples. Do not argue with the teacher or other

adults in the classroom. See the teacher after class if you have a disagreement. Be cooperative.

KEEP PERSONAL ITEMS PERSONAL

Toys, photos, and other objects not helping with reaching the educational goals for the class should

be kept away. If it is not directly related to class keep it out of sight. Keep hands, feet and objects in

your possession to yourself.

STAY ON TASK

Stay in your seat and do assigned work when it is assigned. Ask questions when you do not

understand. Be attentive

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Help classmates who are struggling (when appropriate and you are not a disruption to the teacher or

others nearby). Praise classmates that do a good job. Avoid interrupting while others are speaking.

Raise your hand to speak during large group instruction times and wait for the teacher’s permission.

Consequences include but are not limited to following: Verbal warning

Verbal reprimand

Written reprimand

Moved to a different seat in the class

Removal of privileges given to others

Separation from the group

Last to leave the classroom

Lunch Detention

Parental contact

Personal items may be taken away and returned after class or after school

These are guidelines used at the discretion of the teacher depending upon the severity of the

disruption.

Severe Clause

Severe or repeated offenses as outlined in the student handbook will result in an administrative

discipline referral and, at the teacher’s discretion, immediate removal from the class.

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Algebra 1 Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 9 of 13

KEEPING YOUR MATH NOTEBOOK

A notebook is necessary to organize and maintain information you learn throughout the course to

help you in your understanding of mathematics. Your notebook will be evaluated at random times. No

evaluation will be done for notebooks that do not follow the guidelines described below. A grade of zero

will be recorded until the designated specifications are met.

If you lose your notebook, you may need to redo the part you lost. This could include the entire

notebook. Typed work will not be accepted to reduce the temptation to share with individuals that are not

as motivated or disciplined as you are.

You will need a three ring binder that is 1 to 3 inches thick, lined notebook paper and graph paper.

You will need to maintain 5 different sections in your notebook:

Section 1 - Saved Papers

o Class policies

o 8th Grade Vocabulary

o Mathematics Symbols Reference Sheet

o Other documents you are told to save

Section 2 - Bell ringers, notes, graphic organizers and class activities.

o This section may be subdivided if you choose.)

o Date the notes for each day.

o You may have more than one day’s worth of notes on a page.

o Keep pages in order by date.

o Copy notes from classmates when you are absent.

o Get worksheets from the class website and/or the designated location in the classroom for

handouts you miss due to an absence.

Section 3 - Homework assignments

o Date each assignment by the date it is due.

o Keep assignments in order by date.

Section 4 – Quizzes and Tests

o Keep quizzes in order by date taken.

o Tests will be returned to the teacher.

Section 5 – Journal

o Include prompts given by the teacher.

o Date each entry.

o Keep entries in order by date.

Notebook evaluation will be based on the notebook criteria above. See Rubric on the other side.

Course Syllabus

Grade 8 Algebra

Page 10 of 13

NOTEBOOK RUBRIC FOR 8TH GRADE MATH

POINTS

FOR…

10

Points

9

Points

6 to 8

Points

3 to 5

Points

0 to 2

Points

Formation

A 3-ring

binder of the

proper width

is used. Pages

are neatly

aligned and

held in place

as the pages

are flipped.

A 3-ring binder

of the proper

width is used.

Pages are

aligned and

mostly held in

place as the

pages are

flipped.

A 3-ring binder

is used but does

not properly

hold all the

material. A few

pages are

ripped or not

closely aligned

with the other

papers in the

notebook.

A 3-ring binder

is used but does

not properly

hold all the

material. Many

pages are

ripped and not

aligned with the

other papers in

the notebook.

A 3-ring

binder is not

used.

Saved Papers

All Polices

and other

saved papers

are first in the

notebook

All Polices are

and other saved

papers easily

found.

Polices and

other saved

papers are

found but not

easily.

Some papers

are missing.

Few policies

and other saved

papers are

found

No policies are

found

Organization

All materials

appear to be in

the correct

section and in

the correct

order.

Most materials

appear to be in

the correct

section and in

the correct

order.

Most materials

for each section

are found but

some are not in

the correct

section and/or

in the correct

order.

Many materials

for each section

are not in the

correct section

or in the correct

order.

Most materials

appear to not

be in the

correct section

and in the

correct order

Content

All materials

for each

section appear

to be present

and complete

Most materials

for each section

appear to be

present and

complete

Most materials

for each section

are found but

many are not

complete or are

not in the

correct order.

Many materials

for each section

are not

complete and

what is present

is not in the

correct order.

Most materials

appear to not

be present

Neatness and

Effort

Much effort is

evident in the

appearance

design and

organization.

An

outstanding

example of

quality work

Effort is

noticeable in

appearance

design and

organization.

A good

example of

quality work

Some effort is

noticeable in

appearance

design and

organization.

Some

improvements

are needed.

Effort and/or

care are not

obvious in

appearance

design and

organization.

Many

improvements

are needed.

A lack of

effort and/or

care is obvious

in appearance

design and

organization.

Very messy

and hard to

read.

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Algebra 1 Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 11 of 13

PARTICIPATION RUBRIC FOR 8TH GRADE MATH

CLASS

WORK

RUBRIC

No points 1-2 point 3-5 points 6-8 points 9-10 points

Level of Effort

Student rarely or

never gives effort.

The student is

easily distracted

and often distracts

others. Little to no

work is completed

and/or gives

excuses as to why

they are not

working..

Student rarely

gives effort.

Student pretends to

work without

producing much

work in the time

period given The

student is easily

distracted.

Student sometimes

works hard. The

student responds

when prompted and

sometimes tries to

learn new skills.

Student daily

demonstrates a

determined effort.

The student stays

on task and

attempts to learn

necessary skills.

Student always

consistent in

giving maximum

(Best) effort and

strives to improve

learned skills.

____

Quality of Work

No work to

evaluate or work

demonstrate little to

no effort in trying

to master the

material and/or

skills

Student work is

messy, and

incomplete (does

not demonstrate

much effort in

trying to master the

material and/or

skills)

Student work is

messy and/or

demonstrate only

some effort in

trying to master the

material and/or

skills

Student work is

neat complete and

shows effort in

trying to master the

material and/or

skills

Student work is

neat, complete and

shows a mastery of

the material and/or

skills

____

Listening skills

Student does not

listen when others

talk, both in group

and in class and

student often

interrupts when

others speak.

Student does not

listen when others

talk, both in groups

and in class or

student often

interrupts when

others speak.

Student sometimes

does not listen when others talk,

both in groups and

class.

Student always

listens when other

talk both in groups

and class.

Student listens when others talk

both in groups and

in class. Student

incorporates or

builds off of the

ideas of others.

____

Behavior (being out of seat, asking

to leave class, asking off

topic questions, touching others property or

person, pushing on

desks, continuing to make noise others

complain about)

Student almost

always displays

multiple

disruptive

behaviors during

class.

Student almost

always displays

one disruptive

behavior during

class.

Student sometimes

displays disruptive behavior during

class.

Student rarely

displays disruptive behavior during

class.

Student never

displays disruptive

behavior during

class

____

Attendance/

Promptness

Student has poor

attendance of class

missing three or

more classes

without making

up the work

within two days of

the absence

Student has poor

attendance of class

missing one or two

classes without

making up the work

within two days of

the absence.

Student is late to

class more than

once but regularly

attends class.

Student is late to

class once but

regularly attends

class

Student is always

prompt and

regularly attends

classes

____

Preparation

(pencil, clean lined

3-ring filler paper,

text book,

calculator,

notebook, with past

notes and

homework

Student is almost

never prepared for

class with many of

the required

materials for math

class missing.

Student is almost

never prepared for

class missing one of

the required

materials for math

class.

Student is

sometimes

prepared for class

with required

materials for math

class.

Student is almost

always prepared for class with

required materials

for math class

Student is always

prepared for class

with required

materials for math

class.

____

Total----> ____

Course Syllabus

Grade 8 Algebra

Page 12 of 13

SOME USEFUL WEBSITES

https://www.khanacademy.org/

http://www.xpmath.com/forums/commonCoreStateStandardsByGrade.php#grade8

http://www.themathpage.com/index.html

http://www.regentsprep.org/Regents/math/ALGEBRA/math-ALGEBRA.htm

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/index.htm

http://www.openmiddle.com/category/grade-8/the-number-system-grade-8/

http://www.onemathematicalcat.org/algebra_book/online_problems/table_of_contents.htm#realn

http://www.mathsisfun.com/index.htm

http://www.intmath.com/

http://www.hippocampus.org/HippoCampus/

http://www.funbrain.com

http://www.corestandards.org/Math/

http://www.coolmath-games.com/

http://www.coolmath.com

http://www.armoredpenguin.com/

http://hotmath.com/hotmath_help/games/kp/kp_hotmath_sound.swf

Course Syllabus Name: _________________________________

Algebra 1 Date: _________________________

Mr. Long Period: _______________

Page 13 of 13

SIGNATURE SHEET

We have read and understand Mr. Long’s course syllabus, classroom rules and notebook criteria. We

recognize that these policies may change and the student will be informed of any changes.

Student Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________

Comments or Concerns

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