Core Math 8
Course Syllabus
Chelsie House
HouseC@wcsoh.org
I am very excited for the upcoming school year! This will be a great year in math as we make
sure every student graduates with the mathematics skills they need to be college and career
ready. Ohio’s new learning standards for mathematics consist of two parts; the practice
standards and the content standards. The eight Mathematical Practice Standards indicate
“HOW” students will demonstrate their understanding, and the Content Specific Standards detail
“WHAT” mathematical concepts and procedures students will learn. If you would like more
information regarding the new state standards, please visit: www.corestandards.org.
Necessary Class Supplies
Scientific Calculator (TI-30XIIS Recommended)
Spiral-bound notebook (with pockets)
Pencils
Suggested Supplies for Home
Colored Pencils
Graph paper
Ruler (cm & inches)
Protractor
Textbook
The course textbook is College Preparatory Mathematics. Go to www.cpm.org for more
information. The text is structured to actively involve every student in the process of learning
mathematics. The problem-based lessons provide a balance of basic skills, conceptual
understanding, and problem solving strategies. Each lesson has a mathematical objective and
focuses on one or more of the mathematical practices. The course contains all of the content
and practice standards required of the new state standards, which in turn will be reflected in the
state-wide test this coming spring. There is a parent section on the website with
additional information about the design of the text, its research base, Parent Guides,
Homework Help, and much more.
Electronic versions of the textbook have been provided for each student.
Student URL: _____________________________________________
Student Password: _________________________________________
Classroom Routine
The mathematics classroom will be designed to help students take responsibility for their
learning. Students will be expected to work in Study Teams on a daily basis. Roles will be
assigned within the study teams, which will not only help students master the mathematical
concepts, but also promote development of the 21st Century skills needed to be successful in
college and the work force.
Course Content
The course will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions
and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and
solving linear equations and systems of linear equation; (2) grasping the concept of a function
and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and threedimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and
understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
QUARTER 1
QUARTER 2
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Problem Solving
Simplifying with Variables
Graphs & Equations
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Slope & Associations
Exponents & Functions
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Multiple Representations
Systems of Equations
Transformations & Similarity
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Angles & the Pythagorean Theorem
Surface Area & Volume
QUARTER 3
QUARTER 4
Homework
Homework is designed to offer students spaced practice with past material and to help lay a
foundation for future learning. All homework is assigned from the Review and Preview sections
of the textbook. These problems spread the practice over several days and weeks so that
students have time to become proficient with ideas and skills. This promotes the retention of
the big ideas throughout the course. Students should check their homework through the class
webpage or the CPM website. Students can also access helpful hints through the CPM website.
http://www.cpm.org/students/homework/
Assessments
Team Challenges: Team challenges are designed to inspire in-depth conversations and
collaboration around essential mathematics. They promote higher level thinking, collaborative
skills, and self-assessment. The team challenge provides each individual student with
necessary insights to help them prepare for the individual test.
Individual Tests: Individual tests are given several days after the completion of the team
challenges. In most cases, a new unit will be introduced before the individual test is
administered. This allows students time between the team challenge and the individual test to
prepare sufficiently.
To promote long term retention of concepts, all individual assessments will be created using
approximately 60% of previously taught material and 40% new material. Recently introduced
material will most likely not be assessed until the next unit to allow ample time for students to
achieve mastery.
Other: Students will also be assessed utilizing classroom observations, student presentations,
participation quizzes, and/or portfolios to provide them with a variety of opportunities to
demonstrate mastery of matematical concepts and ideas.
Grading
Ultimately the student grade needs to reflect the level of mathematical knowledge acquired by
each student. To reflect the level of student mastery, the majority of a student’s grade will be
comprised of the Individual Test average.
QUARTER GRADE
Homework
Participation
Team Challenges
Individual Tests
10%
5%
15%
70%
For additional information about our class this year, visit my webpage through the Westerville
City Schools website (westerville.k12.oh.us > Heritage > Staff Websites > Chelsie House).