Welcome to the Acceleration Parent Night!

1. Welcome to theAccelerationParent Night! Math 7H Ms. Miller

2. What will be covered in Math 7H? • Adding & Subtracting Integers • Multiplying & Dividing Integers • Algebra (with Integers) • Add, Subtract, Multiply, & Divide Rational Numbers • Algebra (with Rational Numbers) • Rates & Proportional Relationships • Percents • Statistics • Probability • Circumference, Area, & Volume • Angle Relationships & Scale Drawings

3. Profile of an Accelerated Student • Being an accelerated student means more than having a strong work ethic. These courses are designed for students who not only have a strong academic aptitude, but students who are driven to learn. It is not only more difficult work, but classes that move at a quicker pace and require inherent student motivation. Accelerated students are eager to participate and consistently provide high quality work. • Identification indicates strong math ability • Effort/organization/time management • Adjustment to Middle School and/or Acceleration • Monitoring of student progress • Self-advocacy & Independent Learning • Extra help

4. Common Core Math Curriculum • There is a balance among fluency (speed and accuracy such as math facts) and understanding (rather than “tricks”, students will need to know “why”). • Understanding takes more time and effort for students. Students will be “talking math” more and be expected to participate more actively in their math class. • Methods of solving problems may look different. Again, more emphasis will be given to understanding what they are learning rather than memorizing rules and tricks.

5. These approaches are very much in line with an honors/accelerated approach to curriculum! • Multiple approaches to solving problems will be emphasized and encouraged. • There is also more of an emphasis on the application of what they are learning (using math to solve real life problems).

6. 8 Mathematical Practices (CC) • I can solve problems without giving up. • I can think about numbers in many ways. • I can explain my thinking and try to understand others. • I can show my work in many ways. • I can use math tools and explain why I used them. • I can work carefully and check my work. • I can use what I know to solve new problems. • I can solve problems by looking for rules and patterns.

7. What can I do as a parent to support my child and ensure his/her success in Math 7H?

8. Visit Ms. Miller’s Website Frequently! • http://www.shenet.org/gowana/bmiller/bmiller.htm • Practice math facts at home to increase speed and accuracy. (Ex. integer operations) • Be sure your child is doing their homework – practice is very important! • Contact Ms. Miller if you have concerns about your child’s progress in Math 7H. • Involve them in real life math (Ex. stock market, taxes, money ).

9. Homework Assignments • All homework, labs, cumulative reviews, and quizzes/tests are posted on the homework calendar. • http://my.calendars.net/millermath7H • You can also get to the homework calendar via a link on my website…and you can find my website as a link on the Acadia, Gowana, or Koda homepages! • The students are also given time at the end and/or beginning of each class to write their assignments in their agenda along with the date each assignment is due.

10. Math 7H Grades & Parent Portal • I post all of the students’ grades (homework, quizzes, tests, labs, CRs) on my e-Gradebook, which is visible to parents via the Parent Portal. • The Parent Portal also displays the student’s current overall average for the course. • In addition to the student’s grades & average, you can see which assignments your child is currently missing (did not hand in) and/or assignments they handed in incomplete and/or late.

11. Exams • 2014 NYS Grade 6 Math Exam • April 30, May 1, May 2 • Does not factor into the student’s Math 7H average • Students will sit for the grade level exam to which they are assigned…regardless of Math course. • Review will be provided in the weeks prior • Final Exam (June 2014) ~ 10% of Final Grade • A Final Exam schedule will be forthcoming from the middle schools • Final Exam Half Days – June 19, 20, 23, 24, & 25

12. Scientific Calculator • Students are required to bring their calculator to class with them everyday. • There is no specific brand of calculator necessary for the course, but it does need to be a scientific calculator (has the π key). • I recommend the TI-30X IIS or TI-30XA • Calculator “training” is available during my office hours.

13. Additional Important Information! • Field Trips/Team Days • Ms. Miller’s Math Newsletter • Sent out quarterly • I will also send group emails when necessary • Math Olympiads • I will not be running the club this year.  • BUT…I am entertaining the idea of having Math Nights a few times this year…please stay tuned for more details! 

14. Ms. Miller’s Contact Information E-mail ~ millbrit@shenet.org Phone ~ 881-0450 ext. 53206 Office ~ Acadia Room A206 **My office hours are Periods 2, 3, 7, & 9. However, if a student is unable to meet then, I am willing to meet at a time that works for both the student and myself.**

15. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions/concerns & I promise to do the same! Thank you for coming & have a wonderful evening!