Math 6+ Course Syllabus |

Teachers

Course Description

Common Core Math 6+ is the grade-level appropriate class for students who have just completed Elementary School. Instructional time will focus on four critical areas as identified by the Common Core State Standards:

1. Using reasoning about multiplication and division to solve ratio and rate problems;
2. Completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers;
3. Writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and
4. Developing understanding of statistical thinking.

6th Grade Common Core Standards Overview

Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.

The Number System: Write, read, and evaluate problems incorporating prime and composite numbers, common factors, and multiples. Compute fluently with multi-digit whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; compare, order, use, and describe integers.

Expressions and Equations: Represent, analyze, and solve one and two-variable problems using models, expressions, equations, and inequalities.

Geometry: Solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume.

Statistics and Probability: Display, describe, and summarize statistical data.

Units of Study

Prime Time: Prime and composite numbers; square numbers; common factors and multiples; factorization.

Comparing Bits & Pieces: Ratio concepts and reasoning.

Covering & Surrounding: Area of rectangles and irregular shapes; surface area of rectangular prisms; volume of rectangular prisms.

Let’s Be Rational: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions.

Decimal Ops: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimals.

Variables and Patterns: Solve and/or graph one and two-variable expressions and equations; solve for inequalities.

Data About Us: Read and interpret shape and variability data; create and interpret histogram and box-and-whisker plots; calculate mean, median, mode, interquartile range, and mean absolute deviation.

Accentuate the Negative: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of positive and negative integers.

Required Course Materials

Students will be provided Connected Math Program textbooks for each unit. These texts are to be kept in good condition and returned at the end of each unit. Please note that students will be required to pay a replacement fee of $30 for lost or damaged texts. Students will also use their math notebook, laptop, and pencils for class and homework on a daily basis.

Technology Integration

Technology will be integrated on a regular basis for classwork and homework. Technology serves as a dynamic tool for learning that optimizes productivity, connectivity, collaboration, and creativity. Students are expected to abide by and model the accepted Digital Citizenship Agreement found in the MS Student Handbook.

Absences

Student success in class is dependent upon regular and consistent attendance. If a student misses class, they are expected to make an honest effort to be informed about what they missed and try to catch up. This could include checking Google Calendar for homework, contacting a classmate, or contacting the teacher for further guidance.

Standards-Based Approach

Both formative and summative assessments will be used to inform students of progress toward meeting learning standards.

Formative assessments (e.g. homework, check-ups/quizzes, in-class tasks, exit slips, etc.) assigned during the learning process are intended to facilitate learning by:

1. Providing students insights to improve understanding,
2. Helping teachers diagnose and respond to individual needs, and
3. Helping parents support students at home.

Formative assessments, based on teacher discretion, may or may not be entered into PowerSchool. Formative assessments are used for feedback and do not form a part of students’ final grades.

Semester evaluations will be based on summative assessments. Summative assessments (typically tests and projects) will be assigned after a period of instruction to determine what level of student learning has been achieved. These scores will be recorded in PowerSchool and updated after each summative assessment. We recommend that parents monitor this twice a month in order to have a clear understanding of their children’s progress.

Scores for summative assessments will be based on the MS Performance Standards (exemplary, meeting expectations, approaching expectations, below expectations, incomplete evidence).

Students will be assessed on computational fluency and their ability to clearly communicate an understanding of math concepts through explanation and/or modeling. For projects, students will be given a rubric which clearly describes expected learning outcomes.

Learning Behavior Grades

Students’ learning behaviors are assessed on an ongoing basis and entered into PowerSchool at the end of each unit of study. The grades are determined by the teacher, taking into account a self-reflection by students. Learning behaviors include responsibility, organization, reflection, collaboration, and respect.

Submission of Late Work & Re-Assessments

It is expected that students complete all assignments on time. If an assignment is late, the student is expected to turn it in as soon as possible. Repeated lateness may result in an action plan involving the student, parents, and administration to ensure the student is able to complete assignments on time moving forward.

Students who are absent for a summative assessment are expected to communicate with the teacher to schedule a make-up assessment. Due to the length of time needed to complete a summative assessment, this will likely take place after school.

Summative re-assessments are available under the following conditions:

The re-assessment grade will replace the original grade, even if the grade is lower.  Typically, projects will not be re-assessed. As opportunities for re-assessment are provided, “extra credit” tasks are not available.