Welcome to the Acceleration Parent Night!

1. Welcome to theAcceleration Parent Night! Math 7-8 Ms. Miller

2. Math 7-8 & Math 8-9 • New courses here at Shen • Math 7-8 being taught for the first time 2013-2014 • Math 8-9 being taught for the first time 2014-2015 • Acceleration through compacting curriculum rather than through skipping curriculum. • In the 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”) which brings more rigor to the courses. • Math 7-8 & Math 8-9 provide the students with additional rigor by compacting three years of Math into two years.

3. What will be covered in Math 7-8? • Integers • Rational Numbers • Rates & Proportional Relationships • Percents • Expressions, Equations, & Inequalities • Statistics • Probability • Circumference, Area, & Volume • Angle Relationships & Scale Drawings • Irrational Numbers & Pythagorean Theorem • Laws of Exponents & Scientific Notation • Intro to Linear Equations & Functions

4. 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

5. 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.

6. What can I do as a parent to support my child and ensure his/her success in Math 7-8?

7. 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 7-8. • Involve them in real life math (Ex. stock market, taxes, money ).

8. Homework Assignments • All homework, projects, 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.

9. Math 7-8 Grades & Parent Portal • I post all of the students’ grades (homework, quizzes, tests, projects, 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.

10. Exams • 2014 NYS Grade 6 or Grade 7 Math Exam • April 30, May 1, May 2 • Does not factor into the student’s Math 7-8 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

11. 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.

12. What happens after Math 7-8? • Math 7-8 (all of 7th grade, half of 8th grade) • Math 8-9 (half of 8th grade, all of Algebra) • Geometry (Honors) • Algebra 2 & Trigonometry (Honors) • Pre-Calculus (Honors) • AP Calculus (AB, BC) • AP Statistics

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!