Sec. Math 2 Course Overview

Welcome to Secondary Math 2 Honors

Course Description

This is a problem-based course and students will spend most of their time in class working on carefully crafted and sequenced problems. Your teacher will help students understand the problems, ask questions to push your thinking, and orchestrate discussions to be sure that the mathematical takeaways are clear. Students will be collaborating with their peers and gain experience in communicating their ideas. 

Your experience and your success during your time attending school here dependent on YOU.  Your attitude, approach and motivation are the key factors to your success.  Pride yourself on your accomplishments and your growth as a student and as a person. 

➡️ This is not your parents' math class!

Materials Needed

BRING EACH DAY

  • Writing Utensils (Pen, pencil, highlighters, colored pencils)
  • Student Workbook (provided by teacher)
  • Laptop for class use - provided by school - bring every day!
  • Graphing calculator (TI-83, TI-84, TI-84+) optional. 
  • A positive attitude!

 

Grading

Grades will be based on content learning targets with an emphasis on using the 8 Mathematical Practices.

Priority targets (indicated with a *) are the most critical for continued learning success throughout this course and future courses and careers. To emphasize this priority they will be weighted twice as much as the supporting targets.

  • For details about specific lessons and assignments, see the corresponding Canvas pages.

Math Practices

  • In-class tasks and team work demonstrating the selected Math Practice.
  • Independent Practice assignments called "Ready, Set, Go" (or RSG for short)
    • These assignments are found in your student workbooks.
    • There will be an RSG check at the beginning of each class.

The initial learning takes place during class and completing the practice assignments will help you solidify and practice your learning! Be sure to fully use class time to develop your thinking about the math concepts we discuss. Effort matters! The more you practice, the more you learn. Additional (optional) practice opportunities will also be provided.

Checkpoints

  • Learning Target-based quizzes will occur about every 2 weeks in class. 
  • You will quiz (and/or re-quiz) based on the learning targets covered in class lessons and in the RSG assignments.

This is where you will practice demonstrating proficiency. These checkpoints will help you decide which target(s) you may need to practice and review prior to each unit test.

Assessments

  • Learning Targets-based tests will occur at the end of each unit and will cover all the targets from that unit. Students will be given an opportunity to demonstrate mastery on past targets throughout the year.

Assessments are your opportunity to show what you know. 

Grading Scale:

A: ≥ 93%

A-: 90%

B+: 87%

B: 83%

B-: 80%

C+: 77%

C: 73%

C-: 70%

D+: 67%

D: 63%

D-: 60%
F: < 60%

 

Absences, Tardies, and Make-up Work

Regular attendance and participation is essential for success in this class.  The school’s attendance policy is followed.  If a student is absent, a parent or guardian must call the attendance office within two days to excuse the absence. The student is responsible to collect and complete any work that was assigned during the time that they were absent. Overview videos and sample takeaway notes will be available on Canvas for makeup or review, but does not fully replace the benefits of classroom attendance and participation. 

 

Other Classroom Policies

Hall Passes 

Since class attendance and participation is important for learning, hall passes will be given at teacher discretion. You may take the hall pass for no more than 5 minutes and must leave your phone in class.

Extra Help/Retakes

Please do not hesitate to ask for help!  I will do whatever I can to help you succeed.  Please remember that it is your responsibility to participate in team tasks, take notes, and use your class time well.  You need to come to class regularly and do all assigned homework to succeed in this class. Retakes for quizzes or test can be completed during in-class checkpoint days (about every 2 weeks) or during Wednesday Late Start Consultation time, 8:30 - 9:20 am, no appointment necessary. 

Expectations

  • Be prepared with your materials and assignments.
  • Be ready to start working on math when the bell rings.
  • Be respectful of others and yourself.
  • Follow the directions and procedures given in the classroom.
  • Follow the school-wide policies and procedures. (This includes the use of ANY electronic device that is not appropriate for the classroom.)

Electronics

In general, the use of electronic devices including cellphones, headphones, earbuds, etc. are NOT allowed during lesson time, except for a personal calculator, and laptops when needed for the lesson.  Use of electronics during this time is at teacher discretion. A student needing a cell phone or other electronic device in class because of special circumstances MUST talk with the teacher in advance. 

You have two options for how to take care of your cell phone during class. For either option, make sure your phone is on silent!

  • Option 1: Phone Daycare -- leave your phone in one of the pockets on the south wall of the classroom. You can charge it while its there.
  • Option 2: Phone Nanny -- choose one of the bags from the south wall and place the card in the bag into your wall pocket. Place your phone in the bag and hook it to the back of your chair until the end of class.

 

Citizenship

Citizenship grades: H (Honorable), G(Good), S (Satisfactory), N (Needs Improvement), U (Unsatisfactory) depend on your behavior and attitude in class. Your behavioral expectations in my class will strictly adhere to Syracuse High School rules that are outlined in your handbooks.  Every student has a right to an education in a safe learning environment.  NO ONE has the right to distract or disrupt the learning environment.  All students will be respectful to all classmates and teachers at all times.  Be on time to class every day, embrace what you are here to do. 

U’s may be given for attendance, discriminatory speech, academic dishonesty, consistent poor behavior, and/or not following classroom policies. 

It is a policy of the Davis County School District and Syracuse High to provide equal educational and employment opportunity for all individuals.  Therefore, the District and Syracuse High prohibit all discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.  This policy extends to all aspects of the District’s and Syracuse High educational programs, as well as to the use of all district facilities, and participation in all district-sponsored activities.

As teachers, we reserve the right to adjust grades and policies in special situations and to meet individualized educational plans and the needs of each student. I am looking forward to working with each one of you, and helping you in your adventure through Secondary Math 2!