Ramsey Middle School 2015-2016
Focus Math 7 Course Syllabus
Teacher: Tara Kroger room: 324 Email: tara.kroger@mpls.k12.mn.us
Web: http://rms.mpls.k12.mn.us/kroger
Course Description: Focus Math 7 is designed to support the student’s development of arithmetic and algebraic skills
necessary for Math 7 and beyond. We will work with students so that they may be successful in their core math class as well as
to further build their mathematical skills learned in previous years.
Learning Targets
Yearlong
LT1: I can increase 2% on my ST Math syllabus progress each week. (50%)
LT2: I can advocate for myself when I am struggling. (24%)
Academic
LT3: I can study for my math class. (24%)
WH1: I can stay on task with ST Math at home and school. (1%)
Work Habits
WH2: I can organize my Focus Math work in the classroom folder. (1%)
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Pencils, iPad, notebook, graph paper. We will be using Scientific calculators and the Desmos graphing
app in the classroom.
HOMEWORK (ST MATH: stmath.com or mindresearch.net/programs/si/ )
Students will be required to complete 100% of the assigned ST Math course. While students will have some time in class to work
on ST Math, they will be required to work on ST Math at home in order to complete the entire course.
RAMSEY GRADING POLICY
The primary goal of the RGP is to better communicate what each student knows and is able to do, as well as to inform the
teacher, student, and parent what may be next steps for areas for growth. At RMS, standards-based learning targets are assessed
on a 4 point scale to indicate the proficiency level at which the student has mastered the learning target. Focus Math 8 will use
two rubrics, one for learning targets and one for work habits.
Learning Target Rubric: ST Math, Self-Advocacy, Study Skills
4
Exemplary
3
Proficient
2
Partially Proficient
1
Not Proficient
0
No Evidence
Make more than 2% progress
on ST Math every week.
Demonstrate multiple ways of
understanding.
Teach other students to
mastery.
Make 2% progress on ST Math
every week.
Demonstrate understanding.
Teach self to mastery.
Make more than 1% but less
than 2% progress on ST
Math every week.
Demonstrate some
understanding.
Make more than 0% but
less than 1% progress on
ST Math every week.
Demonstrate little
understanding.
Make no progress
on ST Math every
week.
Demonstrate no
understanding.
Work Habits Rubric: On-task Behavior & Organized Focus Math Folder.
4
Exemplary
3
Proficient
2
Partially Proficient
1
Not Proficient
0
No Evidence
Organized
100% Complete
Diagrams and Pictures
Definitions
Organized
Nearly Complete
Examples
Diagrams and Pictures
Definitions
Class work is not in one
place or in order.
Half complete.
Missing some examples,
definitions or diagrams.
Little organization
Approximately ¼ complete.
Did not attempt
Missing
CLASSROOM NORMS
 Explain your thinking.
 Ask questions anytime.
 Participate fully.



Check-in with your partner.
Do not erase work.
Don’t be afraid to try out an idea.