Math Lab11 – 2nd Marking 2008-2009
Teacher Info:
Name: Mrs. Robinson
Room: C328
E-mail address: jrobinson@cbsd.org Website: robinsoncbsouth.wikispaces.com
Course Description:
Math Lab is a high school level program designed to help students improve their academic skills
in math and test-taking so that they will be able to achieve proficiency or better on academic
standards as measured by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Instructional
methods will include large and small group instruction, individual and peer tutoring, as well as
independent/module study. Instruction will focus on the five Anchors assessed on the PSSA.
They are the following: Numbers and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and
Functions, and Data Analysis and Probability.
PSSA Explanation:
PSSA is a standardized series of assessments given state-wide during the spring of the 11th grade
year to determine to what extent each student has achieved academic standards in math, reading
and writing. They contain multiple-choice questions and constructed response tasks aligned to
each state standard. If a student does not reach proficiency on the 11th grade test, they are given
a retest in 12th grade.
Graduation Proficiency Explanation:
Proficiency in the areas of math, reading and writing are required for graduation. Proficiency
can be obtained through taking the PSSA test and meeting the state standards score. If
proficiency is not obtained through the PSSA, the student’s Math Lab portfolio will have to be
used to meet this graduation requirement.
Requirements:
This is a graded course worth 0.5 (every day for one marking period) credit. The course will be
graded in the following manner:
 25% of the final course grade will be made up of Class Participation, Behavior
and Overall Improvement based off of a Scoring Rubric
 25% of the final course grade will be made up of the student work completed
within the Study Island computer program
 25% of the final course grade will be made up of all written classwork,
including the practice problems in the PSSA Coach Workbook and all
supplemental materials
 25% of the final course grade will be made up of the graded Unit Assessments
for all five Anchors and the best grade of the final three Benchmark Exams
o Benchmark Exam #1: Pre-Test on Study Island will be administered
as a diagnostic tool only (given at the beginning of the Marking
Period)
o Benchmark Exam #2: Standardized Practice Test (given during the
Marking Period)
Requirements (continued):
o Benchmark Exam #3: Standardized Practice Test (given during the
Marking Period)
o Benchmark Exam #4: Post-Test on Study Island (given at the end of
the Marking Period)
Materials: (Please bring the following items with you every time you come to class)
1. 3 ring binder / notebook
2. Notebook paper
3. Writing Utensil- pen or pencil
4. Calculator
Attendance/Preparation/Participation/Behavior:
Please familiarize yourself with the school guidelines outlined in your student handbook. The
school guidelines will be maintained in this classroom and you will be held responsible for your
actions. As stated above, 25% of the final course grade will be based off of a Scoring Rubric
designed to assess student participation, behavior and improvement.
Extra Help:
Additional help is available every day both before and after school (with some exceptions).
Students must, however, set up an appointment with Miss Powell to take advantage of this help.
Students should come prepared with questions to ask.
Student Information:
Please fill out the information on the following page and return it signed by both you and your
parent or guardian. By signing this document both you and your parent or guardian are stating
that you have read, completely understood and agreed to each of the rules and procedures listed
in the above information. If there are any questions, feel free to contact me at any time.