Middle School Mathematics & Science
7th & 8th Math and Science with Mrs. Usher
Items to bring to class so you are ready to learn: IN, Completed Homework, pencil, correcting pen, ruler/protractor, calculator, and water bottle!
Homework
Philosophy:
I believe math homework should be an extension of our classroom learning. Occasionally, homework may be a low key introduction to a lesson with which students have background in the skills needed. I see the learning happen when students can identify mistakes and make necessary corrections to the work, as well as the answer, from our class discussions the following day.
My hope is that students make an effort to complete the homework to the best of their ability while at home. Students should and will struggle at some points throughout the homework. Struggle is not always a bad thing, it helps to develop perseverance, a focus for the first of the 8 Mathematical Practices.
Helpful Hints... If your child is expressing frustration, first ask, "What would Mrs. Usher say to you or ask you?" If that doesn't spark a thought, ask what your child has done before when he/she has encountered a problem like the one they are working on. Another strategy is to skip it and come back to it later. Often times, we get so hyper-focused on a particular problem, but once we step back and give our brains a rest, we can work through it. If you use the last strategy, remember to come back to the problem!
I welcome emails from students with any questions they may have while completing their homework. In class, we have discussed how to structure questions when sending an email. Simply saying, "I don't get it," does not give enough background into the problem so I can adequately help via email. This is where parents become great sounding boards for their children as they develop a clear question. It's even happened before where a student sends an email and within a few minutes, I receive a second email saying they have answered their own question!
Students are ALWAYS welcome to check in with me before school or during recess with any questions on the previous night's homework. I am generally in my classroom during lunch if students have questions on the upcoming homework! I encourage students to check in with me if they have ANY questions or need clarification! Students just need to ask and I'll make time to help them!
Homework Grading:
Homework is worth 10 points:
*2 points - Heading
First & Last Name
Date
Math (grade level)
*4 points - Perseverance & Effort in completing the homework on the night it is assigned.
*4 points - Corrections from Class Discussions using a correcting pen (preferably a colored ball point pen an not a highlighter)
PLEASE NOTE: Homework grades are NOT based on number of correct answers completed the night before. Full credit is earned with effort in completing to the best of the student's ability and corrections in class the following day.
Late Homework:
Late homework IS accepted for a reduction in grade.
Classwork
Classwork includes any work completed in class, such ask Interactive Notebooks, Exercises, group work, and Exit Tickets.
If students would like to improve any of their classwork grades, they may check in with me so we can review the concept and I can help them to understand what the expectation is. Improved grades are calculated as an average grade.
Interactive Notebook Checks will occur at the end of each Topic within Modules. This will be at the same time as the quizzes. Each IN Check is worth 10 points. Students will be graded on complete Table of Contents, Correct/complete set up of Cornell Notes, Titles & Headings, correct/complete page numbers, pages glued down completely.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be at the end of each topic within modules.
Students may improve their quiz grades as an average score by meeting with me, reviewing the material, and retaking the quiz within a timely manner.
Tests / Projects
Students may improve their test grades as an average score by meeting with me, reviewing the material, and retaking the test within a timely manner.
Philosophy:
I believe math homework should be an extension of our classroom learning. Occasionally, homework may be a low key introduction to a lesson with which students have background in the skills needed. I see the learning happen when students can identify mistakes and make necessary corrections to the work, as well as the answer, from our class discussions the following day.
My hope is that students make an effort to complete the homework to the best of their ability while at home. Students should and will struggle at some points throughout the homework. Struggle is not always a bad thing, it helps to develop perseverance, a focus for the first of the 8 Mathematical Practices.
Helpful Hints... If your child is expressing frustration, first ask, "What would Mrs. Usher say to you or ask you?" If that doesn't spark a thought, ask what your child has done before when he/she has encountered a problem like the one they are working on. Another strategy is to skip it and come back to it later. Often times, we get so hyper-focused on a particular problem, but once we step back and give our brains a rest, we can work through it. If you use the last strategy, remember to come back to the problem!
I welcome emails from students with any questions they may have while completing their homework. In class, we have discussed how to structure questions when sending an email. Simply saying, "I don't get it," does not give enough background into the problem so I can adequately help via email. This is where parents become great sounding boards for their children as they develop a clear question. It's even happened before where a student sends an email and within a few minutes, I receive a second email saying they have answered their own question!
Students are ALWAYS welcome to check in with me before school or during recess with any questions on the previous night's homework. I am generally in my classroom during lunch if students have questions on the upcoming homework! I encourage students to check in with me if they have ANY questions or need clarification! Students just need to ask and I'll make time to help them!
Homework Grading:
Homework is worth 10 points:
*2 points - Heading
First & Last Name
Date
Math (grade level)
*4 points - Perseverance & Effort in completing the homework on the night it is assigned.
*4 points - Corrections from Class Discussions using a correcting pen (preferably a colored ball point pen an not a highlighter)
PLEASE NOTE: Homework grades are NOT based on number of correct answers completed the night before. Full credit is earned with effort in completing to the best of the student's ability and corrections in class the following day.
Late Homework:
Late homework IS accepted for a reduction in grade.
Classwork
Classwork includes any work completed in class, such ask Interactive Notebooks, Exercises, group work, and Exit Tickets.
If students would like to improve any of their classwork grades, they may check in with me so we can review the concept and I can help them to understand what the expectation is. Improved grades are calculated as an average grade.
Interactive Notebook Checks will occur at the end of each Topic within Modules. This will be at the same time as the quizzes. Each IN Check is worth 10 points. Students will be graded on complete Table of Contents, Correct/complete set up of Cornell Notes, Titles & Headings, correct/complete page numbers, pages glued down completely.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be at the end of each topic within modules.
Students may improve their quiz grades as an average score by meeting with me, reviewing the material, and retaking the quiz within a timely manner.
Tests / Projects
Students may improve their test grades as an average score by meeting with me, reviewing the material, and retaking the test within a timely manner.