8th Grade Algebra 2019-2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What algebra topics will my student be learning?
A: The topics are: Solving Equations, Solving Inequalities, An Introduction to Functions, Linear Functions, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Exponents and Exponential Functions, Polynomials and Factoring, Quadratic Functions and Equations, Radical Expression and Equations, and Data Analysis and Probability.
Q: What materials will my student need for your class?
A: Students will need pencils, a binder with loose leaf paper or notebook just for algebra (only) and a calculator is nice but not necessary. All work in algebra needs to be done in pencil so please make sure your student has plenty.
Q: Will my student have homework every night in algebra?
A: Yes, students will typically have homework every night.
Q: Will my student have a textbook?
A: Yes, each student will receive an Algebra book. Each student is responsible for returning the textbook given to them at the beginning of the year. If the correct textbook is not turned in, a lost book fee will be assessed.
Q: What type of work counts towards my student’s final grade?
A: Assessments (70%), Progress Checks (10%), Practice (10%) and Trimester Finals (10%) make up a student’s grade.
Q: What is the purpose of the pretests?
A: To provide me with information as to where each student is starting the unit off in their understanding of the material.
Q: Will my student be able to retake pretests?
A: No, scores will be reported out through PowerSchool but it will not be included in the student’s overall grade therefore there is no reason for retakes.
Q: Can my student turn in late homework?
A: Student work turned in late will be accepted but only until the day of the unit assessment. After the day of the test NO late work will be accepted.
Q: How will practice/homework be graded?
A: Practice/Homework assignments will be graded on completion, not on accuracy. A practice/homework assignment is the first time students have had the opportunity to work on the concept. I don’t feel students should be graded on accuracy after only one chance to learn the content.
Q: Will my student have to turn in their homework or will they be able to keep it to study from.
A: Students will not need to turn in homework if they are present on the day it is due. If students are absent or didn’t have their work completed on time then students will need to turn their homework into the basket for credit. Students will correct their own homework and will have a chance to ask questions on the ones they missed as well as keep to review from.
Q: When are progress checks given and how are they graded.
A: Progress checks are given at certain checkpoints within a unit. A progress check is given after students have been taught, practiced and had the opportunity to ask questions about the content. Progress checks will be graded on accuracy.
Q: Can my student retake progress checks?
A: No, students are not able to retake progress checks.
Q: How will unit assessments be graded?
A: Unit assessments will be graded by district standards (Common Core).
Q: Will my student be able to retake unit assessments?
A: Yes, students can retake assessments once, as long as they have completed the relearning and accomplished all homework assignments from the unit by the day of the test. Students will be responsible for making arrangements to complete a retake outside of class time.
Q: Why are some assessments not included in the final grade?
A: Assessments #1 and #2 will be put in PowerSchool to show improvement, but will not be included in the final grade. Students will be given an overall unit grade that takes into account the entire unit of study, which will be counted in the final grade.
Q: What should I do if I feel my student is struggling on a certain unit or concept?
A: Encourage your student to come in and talk with me as well as possibly setting up a time to come in for some additional help.
Q: Is there some way to know what my student is working on each day?
A: Yes, I use a website that is updated at the start of each week. It has the assignments listed, Seminar to do list, weekly parent newsletter as well as additional resources. The website is: lcms-algebra.weebly.com
A: The topics are: Solving Equations, Solving Inequalities, An Introduction to Functions, Linear Functions, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Exponents and Exponential Functions, Polynomials and Factoring, Quadratic Functions and Equations, Radical Expression and Equations, and Data Analysis and Probability.
Q: What materials will my student need for your class?
A: Students will need pencils, a binder with loose leaf paper or notebook just for algebra (only) and a calculator is nice but not necessary. All work in algebra needs to be done in pencil so please make sure your student has plenty.
Q: Will my student have homework every night in algebra?
A: Yes, students will typically have homework every night.
Q: Will my student have a textbook?
A: Yes, each student will receive an Algebra book. Each student is responsible for returning the textbook given to them at the beginning of the year. If the correct textbook is not turned in, a lost book fee will be assessed.
Q: What type of work counts towards my student’s final grade?
A: Assessments (70%), Progress Checks (10%), Practice (10%) and Trimester Finals (10%) make up a student’s grade.
Q: What is the purpose of the pretests?
A: To provide me with information as to where each student is starting the unit off in their understanding of the material.
Q: Will my student be able to retake pretests?
A: No, scores will be reported out through PowerSchool but it will not be included in the student’s overall grade therefore there is no reason for retakes.
Q: Can my student turn in late homework?
A: Student work turned in late will be accepted but only until the day of the unit assessment. After the day of the test NO late work will be accepted.
Q: How will practice/homework be graded?
A: Practice/Homework assignments will be graded on completion, not on accuracy. A practice/homework assignment is the first time students have had the opportunity to work on the concept. I don’t feel students should be graded on accuracy after only one chance to learn the content.
Q: Will my student have to turn in their homework or will they be able to keep it to study from.
A: Students will not need to turn in homework if they are present on the day it is due. If students are absent or didn’t have their work completed on time then students will need to turn their homework into the basket for credit. Students will correct their own homework and will have a chance to ask questions on the ones they missed as well as keep to review from.
Q: When are progress checks given and how are they graded.
A: Progress checks are given at certain checkpoints within a unit. A progress check is given after students have been taught, practiced and had the opportunity to ask questions about the content. Progress checks will be graded on accuracy.
Q: Can my student retake progress checks?
A: No, students are not able to retake progress checks.
Q: How will unit assessments be graded?
A: Unit assessments will be graded by district standards (Common Core).
Q: Will my student be able to retake unit assessments?
A: Yes, students can retake assessments once, as long as they have completed the relearning and accomplished all homework assignments from the unit by the day of the test. Students will be responsible for making arrangements to complete a retake outside of class time.
Q: Why are some assessments not included in the final grade?
A: Assessments #1 and #2 will be put in PowerSchool to show improvement, but will not be included in the final grade. Students will be given an overall unit grade that takes into account the entire unit of study, which will be counted in the final grade.
Q: What should I do if I feel my student is struggling on a certain unit or concept?
A: Encourage your student to come in and talk with me as well as possibly setting up a time to come in for some additional help.
Q: Is there some way to know what my student is working on each day?
A: Yes, I use a website that is updated at the start of each week. It has the assignments listed, Seminar to do list, weekly parent newsletter as well as additional resources. The website is: lcms-algebra.weebly.com