• Hello and welcome to 7th and 8th grade math! I am excited to be your teacher and I’m looking forward to a successful year. The information below is important so please keep it in mind so you can reference it throughout the year.

     

    Curriculum: 

    The DVUSD adopted curriculum for 7th and 8th grade is Illustrative Math. There are 8 units that we will be covering this school year. Each unit has approximately 16 lessons. Each lesson consists of three parts: guided practice, cool down and practice problems.

     

    For 8th grade math:

     

    The units are:

    Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence 

    Unit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Introducing Slope

    Unit 3: Linear Relationships

    Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems

    Unit 5: Functions and Volume

    Unit 6: Associations in Data

    Unit 7: Exponents and Scientific Notation 

    Unit 8: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers 

    For 7th grade math:  

    The units are:

    Unit 1: Scale Drawings

    Unit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships

    Unit 3: Measuring Circles

    Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages

    Unit 5: Rational Number Arithmetic

    Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

    Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms

    Unit 8: Probability and Sampling

     

    All lessons for a unit will be passed out to students at the beginning of the unit to put in their binder. Binders are carried by the student and used for each class so they must be responsible to bring their materials each day. 

     

    We will also be using Dreambox and Khan Academy, both district approved resources.

     

    Grades:

    A student’s grade will be based on quizzes, tests and coursework. Tests/quizzes will account for 80% of a student’s grade and coursework will account for 20%.

    Overall course grades will be calculated from the average of the student’s assignment scores* (assessments, coursework).

    ●    A =  90-100%

    ●    B =  80-89%

    ●    C =  70-79%

    ●    D =  60-69%

    •   F =   0-59%                  NO EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN!                          

     

    Quizzes and Tests:

    Assessments are given at the middle and end of each unit. Work must be shown and completed on all tests to earn full credit. Each standard will be assessed. Test dates are always announced in advance, so no surprises. Students will receive a study guide before each test and will have time in class to complete it. We will always review the day before a test. Students are typically not allowed to use notes on assessments, unless otherwise stated. If a student receives a D or F on an assessment, they will be required to get a parent signature on the test. 

     

    Coursework:

    Coursework will consist of assignments that are expected to be completed in class. Coursework will include lesson cool downs, lesson practice problems, worksheets, activities, Dreambox and Khan Academy lessons.     

                                 

    Homework:

    Students will be given ample time to complete assignments during class. The expectation is if a student does not complete their assignment in class, then it is to be completed at home for homework. Students are expected to use their class time wisely!

     

    Missing or Late Work

    Any assignment not turned in by the due date will be marked as a 0 in Powerschools. All missing assignments will be accepted up to 10 days after the end of the unit assessment. For example, if the end of unit assessment is on September 10th, students will have until September 20th to turn in missing assignments. No assignments will be accepted after the 10 days. Students will receive full credit for missing assignments. 



    Absences

    If a student is absent, then they need to check Canvas to see what they missed in class that day. Students are expected to watch all instructional videos posted and complete all assignments that were assigned on the day(s) that they were absent. Handouts will be available upon return to class.

     

    Test corrections and Retake Policy

    To be eligible for a retake, students must meet the following requirements:

    1. Students must initiate the retake by completing a retake contract.

    2. Have no missing assignments. If assignments are missing, then the assignments must be turned in prior to being allowed to retake the test.

    3. Make test corrections. 

    4. Explain why they got the problem wrong (there is a form to fill out)

     

    Retakes must be submitted within two weeks of the date of the original assessment. More than likely it will not be the same test that they took the first time. It will be similar in format, but the problems will be different.

    It is important to note that assessments at or near the end of a grading period will not be eligible for retakes.

     

    Communication: 

    The best way to reach me is through email. My email is bang.nguyen@dvusd.org. Students may wish to message me in Canvas, which goes directly to my email. 

     

    Need Help?

    Please do not stress or get frustrated if you can’t figure out a problem. Just relax and do one or all of the following:

    1. Refer back to the lesson we completed together in class (take a look at the sample problems)

    2. Refer to your notes - a lot of times it shows you step by step how to complete the problem

    3. Check your answers to cool downs and practice problems by submitting them in Canvas. Most times you will get instant feedback.

    4. Watch Mr. Morgan and follow along with him as he shows you how to solve the practice problems. (link in Canvas)

    5. Watch Illustrative Tutor - it also goes over practice problems (link in Canvas)

    6. Ask a classmate for help

    7. Ask me for help - if we run out of time in class, come in during DSS and we will work together to figure it out.

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    Attendance phone # 623-445-7890. It is a 24-hour recorded answering service.