Math – Pre-Algebra
Mr. Gerdin
Background
• Education:
• M.Ed Education (Loyola)
• Masters Engineering Management (Northwestern)
• BS Chemical Engineering (Wisconsin
• Experience at Joseph Sears School
• 9 Years 6th grade math and 6th, 7th, 8th grade
science
Other Experience:
15 Years engineering/project management for
Fortune 500 Companies
Pre-Algebra Math Goals
• Build a solid algebra foundation
• Improve problem- solving skills
• Strengthen mathematical communication
skills
• Produce confident and flexible math
thinkers
Common Core State Standards
• Developed through a state-led initiative that drew on the
expertise of teachers, researchers and content experts
nation-wide
• Always been part of good math instruction, now will be
more emphasized
• Standards (what we teach) and practices (how we
teach) are outlined in CCSS
• Calls for more depth, less content
What Are Mathematical
Practices?
• Make sense of problems and persevere in
solving them
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively
• Construct viable arguments and critique the
reasoning of others
• Use appropriate tools strategically
• Attend to precision
• Look for structure/patterns/repeated reasoning
Math Placement at Sears
• Matrix placement historically accurate
• Utilized a number of metrics
• Placement so instruction is appropriate to
student’s current ability and aptitude
• Work as a department and recognize that
students grow at different rates. Therefore,
placements need to be reasonably flexible.
Sequence/Transition
• Successful completion of this course will
most likely lead to an Algebra 1 placement
for the following year.
• This has historically been via the NT Math
program where students who qualify, take
math at NT.
• Ultimate placement into high school will
depend on a number of factors including
their placement test and teacher
recommendation, and courses completed.
Potential to Change Levels
• The goal is to have the level instruction
meet the needs of all students.
• Grade C or lower in trimester
• Parental Request
Resources:
• Algebra 1 – (Holt McDougal)
• 1 Copy to Keep at Home
• Classroom set of textbooks for use in
class
• Additional copies available for use at math
lunch and homework club
• Additional Resources – IXL, Connected
Math, Sunshine Math, Mathalicious, etc.
Supplies:
Bring to Every Class:
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Math Notebook (prefer grid)
Pencil w/eraser, Red Pen, highlighter
Calculator (TI-83 Optional), Protractor & Ruler
(as needed)
Docket w/Math Folder
Completed Homework in Notebook
Homework Expectations:
• Students are to do their homework every night.
• Use class notes and videos as a guide. These can be
found on my website.
• Homework will be checked in daily. To receive
maximum credit, the assignment must be completed in
a timely and thorough manner.
• Work must be shown as directed (write original problem,
show all work, correct answer in red pen).
Homework Policy on Time
• Homework should take about half an hour each day. We
may begin work in class
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Stop if assignment is more than 45 minutes to complete
OR stop the skip the problems that are not clear.
• Write down what is understood and write down a
question about what is confusing. We will work as a
team to determine how to best serve the needs of your
child.
Math Homework Help
• Make a concerted effort to solve problems prior
to asking for help.
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Review Class Notes or Watch Video
Ask Classmate(s)
Math Center at lunch
Ask Parent (use notes)
Ask Teacher (in class during homework review or RTI)
Still Struggling? – Arrange Teacher Conference
(before school, lunch, after school)
Drop ins (prior to major assesments)
Student Absent
• Ask a friend in the class
• Send me an e-mail
• Look on website for notes, videos, plan for
the week
• Have student check with me upon return
• Number of days of absence = number of
days to make up work
Homework Example
Grading
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Homework – effort vs. accuracy (1-3 pts)
Tests/Quizzes (<72% can retake/rework)
Problem Solving/Presentations
Scoring/Grading Per Sears Policy
No extra credit
Grade is points earned out of points
possible
Trimester 1 Curriculum
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Problem Solving
Practice with essential strategies
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Properties of Real Numbers
Computing with rational numbers
Applying order of operations and the distributive property
Classification of numbers
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Linear Equations and Inequalities
Multi-step equation and inequality solving with variables on one/both sides
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Lines
Work with linear equations in slope-intercept, point-slope and standard form
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Proportions
Overview of proportional relationships with emphasis on graphs
Trimester 2 Curriculum
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Systems of equations and inequalities
Solving systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution and
elimination
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Exponents and Exponential Functions
Apply exponent properties involving products and quotients with
positive, zero and negative exponents
Exponential growth and decay
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Radicals
Simplifying radical expressions and solving radical equations
Distance and Midpoint
Applying distance and midpoint to problem-solving
Trimester 3 Curriculum
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Pythagorean Theorem
Apply to geometry and word problems
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Volume and Angle Relationships
Study of angle relationships with parallel lines cut by a
transversal
Emphasis on cones, cylinders, prisms, and spheres
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Congruence and Similarity
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Transformational Geometry
Reflections, rotations, slides
Dilations, reductions
Statistics
Thank You for Coming!
• I am looking forward to a great year!
• Please contact me if you have any
questions:
• 874-853-3825
• jgerdin@kenilworth38.org