Welcome to Curriculum Night Advanced Algebra 6 & 7 with Ms. DeBruin

1. Welcome to Curriculum NightAdvanced Algebra 6 & 7 with Ms. DeBruin Wednesday, September 12, 2012

2. About Ms. DeBruin • Graduated from University of Iowa with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education • Middle School Endorsements in Math and Language Arts • Earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University • Currently working on my Type 75 Administration Certificate at Concordia University • Previously taught in a Chicago Public School for 5 years • Gifted, general education, and special education classes

3. Philosophy of Teaching “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Appropriate challenge and opportunities for supported struggle Offer a variety of instructional techniques in an active learning environment Align the stimulating content with the state, Common Core, and NCTM Standards

4. Where will AA6 go? • Short Term Goals • Gain a basic understanding of algebra principles and properties • Lesson 2.1-2.3 Quiz tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 19th • Chapter 2 Test tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 26th • Long Term Goals • Complete Chapters 1-6 in the Algebra book this year • Continue Advanced Algebra in 7th grade and complete the book next year

5. Where will AA7 go? • Short Term Goals • Extend student’s basic understanding of algebra principles and properties • Quiz on Lessons 8.1-8.3 is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 18th • Quiz on Lessons 8.1-8.4 is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 25th • Test on Chapter 8 is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 4th • Long Term Goals • Complete the Algebra book • Prepare for Advanced Algebra 2 & the high school math placement test

6. Grades Test – 100 points Section Quizzes – 50 points Projects – approximately 100 points Homework - 5 Points per assignment This class is not graded on any type of curve Grades will be updated weekly. Please encourage your child to periodically check their grades online.

7. Test Corrections • All students who scored a 70% or below will be allowed to take retakes • 6th grade students can do test corrections all year • 7th grade • 1st trimester: Test corrections offered for ALL test and quizzes • 2nd trimester: Test corrections offered for only test • 3rd trimester: No test corrections will be offered • Students will earn ½ credit for every problem they correct • Test corrections must be signed by a parent

8. Extra Credit Opportunities provided throughout the year Some are announced while others are rewards for doing what you are supposed to do All extra credit will be offered to everyone. No individual extra credit opportunities will be granted.

9. Homework • Completion of homework is crucial to success in this class • Your student will have homework almost every night • In order for homework to count as completed: • Done in pencil • All work is shown and all problems attempted • On a homework answer form • Homework in class when the bell rings • Mygoal is to choose quality vs. quantity problems, but at times it may seem that students have more homework than their peers.

10. Study Sessions When: Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:15 PM Where: Room C109 Why: An opportunity to ask questions in a small group setting Who: All students in all classes are invited to all sessions Student-Guided Study sessions are to work not to socialize.

11. What you can do! • Encourage your child to ask questions and be their own advocate • Expect open discussion on student progress • Make note of study session times and dates • Be on the look out for upcoming assessments and talk to your child about how they are preparing • Website: www.op97.org/jdebruin/ • Encourage your child to check their grades weekly on Powerschool

12. THANK YOU FOR COMING!~Ms. DeBruin Questions? If I do not get to your question or if your question is specific to your child, please Email me and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!