Advanced Geometry, Geometry and Senior Math 2010

Math Department Course Grading & Expectations
Dear Parent & Mathematics Student:
The New Hampshire Department of Education expects that each public high school identify by July of 2009 course-specific ‘competencies.’ Competencies are descriptions of what students in a course should know and be able to do by the end of the course in the course content area. The staff at Stevens High School has been working diligently to identify what it believes should be the significance and application of those competencies in terms of instruction and assessment.
As we begin the 2010 – 2011 school year, the mathematics department and administration of Stevens High School would like to inform you of the mathematics department’s pilot of a new way to approach learning and assessment. This shift in educational practice to a practice of assessing and reporting ‘learning over time’ will stress the importance and reward of having students meet the proficiency level for each competency by the end of the course.
For example, if a student is only demonstrating proficiency in relation to 30% of the competencies at the end of the first marking period but is able to demonstrate 100% of competency proficiency by the end of the course, present grading / averaging practices would result in a course average of 65%. That grade would fail to recognize the student’s actual proficiency, the progress made toward competency, and the gains realized from the teacher’s interventions throughout the course. In the ‘learning over time’ model being piloted, the student’s course grade, as a reflection of competencies demonstrated, would instead be 100%. To be able to implement this philosophy and associated pilot, mathematics teachers would like to share a few important expectations: · Each mathematics course has pre-identified competencies which articulate what students enrolled in the course will know and be able to do if successful by the end of the course. · Success in all mathematics coursework will only be defined in relation to attaining course competencies which follow state and national standards. · Each competency has learning targets that will be taught and tested. · In relation to reporting associated with the attainment of the competencies, you will see grades of 0 through 4 (See attached 0 – 4 point systems rubric.). These will be indicative of the attainment of the learning target/competency according to the grading rubric. · ‘Habits of learning’ associated with homework, classwork, collaboration, preparedness, and attendance will still be very important and critical in relation to one’s ability to meet competencies, but any feedback associated with these ‘habits’ will not be included in grade calculations for reporting purposes, although mathematics teachers will still report on students’ progress in relation to the demonstration of these ‘habits of learning’ on progress reports and report cards, · In the parent portal, you may observe a √ or a 0 associated with these ‘habits of learning,’ indicating successful demonstration of the ‘habits of learning’ or not. · Behavior that interferes with the learning environment will be dealt with in accordance to school discipline procedures. ·
To receive credit for the course, students must perform at the proficient level (See attached 0 – 4 point systems rubric.) in relation only to the demonstration of proficiency associated with the identified course competencies. This will be an important and exciting pilot. We hope that parents and students will communicate openly and regularly with mathematics teachers about their experiences, including their successes and concerns. To do so, please either call the teacher (543–4220) or make contact via email using the directory below of email addresses for each mathematics teacher at Stevens High School. Judith Bonneau jbonneau@claremont.k12.nh.us H. Rebecca Ferland rferland@claremont.k12.nh.us H. Thomas Moore tmoore@claremont.k12.nh.us Maria Smith msmith@claremont.k12.nh.us Keith Towers ktowers@claremont.k12.nh.us John Usher jusher@claremont.k12.nh.us Angela Young / Department Chair ayoung@claremont.k12.nh.us

Advanced Geometry
Advanced Geometry includes the study of polygons, circles, polyhedra and their applications. Modeling and methods of solving for these attributes or characteristics are emphasized. Algebra skills are continually used and expanded. Concepts are developed deductively, through whole class, small group, and individual explorations. Alternative assessments include writing assignments, projects, and presentations. Required materials: ü Notebook ( 3 ring) with dividers and pocket ü A scientific or better calculator ( Please note that a graphing calculator is required for Advanced Algebra II, so plan ahead). ü Own notebook paper, pen, pencil graph paper ü Erasers , white out , and colored pen Attendance: You are responsible for being in class on time. That means, "in your assigned seat before the late bell rings"! Being late will result in the tardy policy procedures being followed, (i.e. detentions). If you are absent from class because of illness, sports or a school activity, you may go to the website: http:/// www.pretentiousmath.blogspot.com to see what was done in class that day, as well as what you have for homework. Worksheets, etc. will be given to you when you get back in class. Absence work must follow the policy in your student handbook. Summative assessments are given most every Friday and are cumulative. Part of the test may be without a calculator and part of the test will be competency skills. If you miss a test, the test given the next Friday will count as your makeup test and as the current test grade. Suspected academic dishonesty will be dealt with through the procedures outlined in the student handbook. Makeup work will follow the procedures outlined in your student handbook. Extra credit will not be given. Proper conduct is required at all times! Vulgar or inappropriate language will not be tolerated -- even if "joking" with a friend! Courtesy is the rule. Being nice and courteous to others shows maturity in understanding others feelings as well as respect for oneself!! All rules and polices of SHS will be followed. If you do your work thoroughly, and pass your competencies, then your grade will reflect this effort.