Objective

Meet the Sunshine State Standards and Florida course objectives for the given math class in a manner that will prepare the Pathways Academy student for re-entry to their home school.  It is also the intention to prepare the student for standardized testing (FCAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and ASVAB). 

Everything I do has a methodology to it.  From the homework that I assign to the behavior that I expect in class, everything is set to prepare the student for re-entry.  If re-entry is not desired, the student is still expected to abide by the same rules.  For the vast majority of students, re-entry is the goal.  Therefore, I must focus on the majority (and the school’s overall purpose) in my course objective.

The other component of this course is to have the student earn a credit and be successful on the FCAT.  This is in line with preparing for re-entry, as other schools are doing the same.   

Please note that the largest factor in being successful is the student.  In the end, the student makes the choice to do the homework, study for the test, or listen in class.  I will do my best to make this an optimal learning environment, but the student needs to take advantage of what I offer in the classroom. 

 Course Breakdown

Homefun/Classfun                 10%

Participation                             20%

Tests                                            30%

Quizzes                                     20%

Midterm/final                         20%

 Tests and Quizzes

These are the highest valued percentages for the class.  It is imperative for the student to do well on these to pass the class.  I do not curve, but I do give ample opportunity to prepare and learn.

Quizzes are based on the homefun, and given daily.  Quizzes cannot be made up.  If a student misses a quiz due to an excused absence, the missing grade will be dropped.  Missed quizzes due to unexcused absences will be counted as a zero. 

Tests are given at the end of every chapter.   

 Homefun

There will be homework Monday - Thursday.  I generally assign 20 problems per night, some nights a little more and some nights a little less.  Since the students are not allowed to bring text books home, all homework will be in the form of worksheets.  Students are directed to take notes during class in order to have examples to work from when doing their homework.   

If a student misses a homework assignment he/she can complete up to 9 extra credit assignments.  To do an extra credit assignment, the student needs to find an article that (a) pertains to math or (b) has math in it.  Please clip or print the appropriate article (if you can’t read, watch, or surf it at school – it is not appropriate).  Then write a two paragraph paper on the article, the first being a summary and the second describing the math involved.

 Participation

Half of the student's participation points are earned through weekly points.  These are the same points used to build the portfolio for transition.  If the student earns an 80% in points that week, they will also earn an 80% on that portion of their participation grade. 

The student will also be doing a daily journal entries.  These will consist of FCAT practice activities designed to get the student thinking, solving, and writing in math.  

 Supplies

Students are expected to bring the following materials to class: binder (with a section devoted just to math), pencil, paper, and homework from the night before.  Students are also expected to collect any additional materials listed on the board upon entering the room. 

Failure to have these items will result in a loss of points on the student's point sheet.  One item will be -1, two items will result in -2, and three will result in a loss of “preparedness points” for the day.  Note that not having your homework will result in a loss of preparedness points altogether.  Homework is THAT important to the class. 

Each student is to arrive in class with something to write with.  A lack of a writing tool, and failure to secure one before class starts, will result in a referral.  

 Extra Help

I can stay after school Monday and Thursday, and I’m available 3:00 – 5:00 PM.  If the student chooses to get extra help at this time, they will be awarded participation points for missed and bad days.  This will not help their portfolio and re-entry to FPC or MHS, but it will help their grade.  Since I no longer have a planning period, I cannot offer extra help at any other time.