Pre-Algebra Expectations
Ms. Cotter 290-2800 x3255
nancy.cotter@smusd.org
Welcome to my Pre-Algebra Classes! We have a lot to do this year! Pre-Algebra is an interesting and
challenging subject that covers concept areas including expressions & integers, one-step equations with
decimals and fractions, ratios, proportions and percents, multi-step equations and inequalities, linear
functions, spatial thinking, and geometry, just to mention a few. Students who are strong with their
fractions, decimals, percentages and integers will do well. Students who may have some weaknesses in
any of those areas may need to seek extra help.
I am here to help you meet any challenges you face in this course. Students need to be proactive and
ask LOTS of questions to ensure their understanding since topics build upon previously learned subject
matter.
Pre-Algebra work will be kept in the student’s Math section in their binder. At the end of each unit,
students will organize all their work into a packet, placed in order by date, and will get a parent
signature on the cover sheet/table of contents. This creates an opportunity for the student and parent
to discuss the students’ work for that unit, possibly set new goals for the next unit. Any assignments
missing must be completed prior to the student’s benchmark exam being entered/posted into
mygradebook. Students will have their benchmark exam score put on HOLD on Mygradebook.com until
they have completed all assignments.
Assignments will be posted on the “ASSIGNMENTS” board to the right of the white board, for
students to record in their planner. Assignments will also be posted on Ms. Cotter’s webpage - both on
an assignment page for that unit and the calendar as well.
The on-line book can be found at my.hrw.com
user name: cprealgebra2
password: eagles
Please check www.mygradebook.com often!
user name: #-cotter-1011 (when the # sign is the class period)
password is the student’s 6 or 8 digit ID #
GRADES
25% of students grade is from Assignments, both in class and homework.
75% of students grade comes from quizzes, tests, and exams.
Citizenship grades will be based on upon compliance of with the school Citizenship Grade Criteria and
classroom rules posted in the classroom.
NJC - 2008
ASSIGNMENTS – 25% of overall grade
PLEASE DO ALL MATH WORK IN PENCIL!
Purpose of Daily Assignments is to reinforce skills and practice new skills, should take about 20-30
minutes--unless student is struggling with either their basic facts [which slows them down greatly] or
the concepts.
Assignments are given an accuracy score. Students will enter answers on a responder most of the time.
Students that score below 75% need to REDO their assignment, and this will improve their score.
Students should have their assignment redone as soon as possible. The student’s grade will reflect a
“REDO” score that does mean a zero in Mygradebook. Their new and improved score will be entered if
done within a week. If the student does not redo their assignment within a week, it will be considered
late, and the best possible score would be a 70%.
Practice, Practice, Practice!!! As the old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect”, I do not expect
perfection, but I do expect you to try hard, ask questions, and not give up until you do understand.
“Research tells us that PRACTICE, not initial ability, is the single most shared characteristics of worldclass chess players, mathematicians, and musicians. Practice alters the brain. As we practice a new skill
we build neurological connections, improving higher order thinking skills and increase brain efficiency.”
(Taken from Renaissance Learn training on-demand website) Practice will be key to success in this class.
Assignments are your practice.
Accelerated Math (AM - described below) assignments averages will included in their assignment portion
of their grade for each grading period. Each unit has many objectives students need to master before
the benchmark exam. Any AM assignment below 75% needs to be REDONE to improve score, and
improve your averages.
Tests -- 75% of overall grade
Tests are a measure of a students’ understanding allowing them to demonstrate their mastery of ability,
skills, and knowledge. There will often be different versions of the same test given. If a student misses
a quiz, test or exam due to an absence from school for any reason, they will be expected to arrange to
make up that test before or after school (not during lunch) preferably with in a week of the exam taken
in class.
Math Facts in a Flash – All 62 levels – All count as a 62 - point TEST grade!
Math Facts in a Flash are basic facts practice and mastery tests on-line. If students do not have
Internet access at home, arrangements can be made to use a school computer before school, after
school or during their lunch. This may mean that students need to practice their facts using flash cards
or be quizzed by someone on the levels that they are struggling. See Ms. Cotter for worksheets or
flashcards if you get stuck on a particular level, six or seven (6 or 7) levels due every week until all 62
are completed.
NJC - 2008
Accelerated Math
Accelerated Math (AM) is a progress-monitoring software tool that monitors and manages mathematics
skills practice.
Types of Accelerated Math Assignments:
• Exercise -- Whole class working on same objectives - average becomes part of assignment grade.
• Practice – Individual students working on skills that are weak - average becomes part of
assignment grade.
• Tests - Confirms students have mastered their objectives - average becomes part of TEST
grade.
• Diagnostic Tests – Pre-test to see if they need to work on those skills being tested.
Corrections must be done on all Accelerated Math (AM) assignments below 75%. These will be
highlighted for the students, and returned to them usually the following day. They are to use their
notebook, textbook, Internet or ask someone for help to figure out how to do the problems correctly.
Students need to mark their new corrected choice with a TRIANGLE. All work is shown on a separate
piece of paper and stapled to the back of the assignment.
Accelerated Math (AM) averages can be improved once a student completes their corrections. Then a
student can come in and do a “KEYBOARD SCORE” with Ms. Cotter, during the students first 10
minutes of their lunch, before school or after school. A “KEYBOARDSCORE” takes about 2 minutes to
complete. A new TOPS Report will be printed and stapled onto the student assignment with my
signature. Parents, please take a moment to look at your student’s statistics printed on the TOPS report
that affects the student’s grade.
All problems must be neat. Original work must be written and ALL STEPS used to complete the problem
evident. The exception to this is for problems where the directions explicitly state to use mental math.
Remember, “An error is never a mistake unless you refuse to correct it!”
LATE WORK
It is the student’s responsibility to make up their missing work. Late work will earn up to 70% of the
credit and will be accepted up to the Benchmark exam for that unit, or student will not be able to
receive credit for the exam – but rather the exam score will be put on “HOLD” until the work is
completed.
I understand Ms. Cotter’s class expectations and how my grade will be calculated.
Please Print Student’s Name ______________________________ Class ____________
Student’s Signature ____________________________________ Date_____________
Parent’s Name ________________________________________
Parent’s Signature _____________________________________ Date _____________
NJC - 2008