Course Information:  Math-7

Course Description/Instructional Goals

This course includes all mathematics concepts from the Kentucky Program of Studies for seventh-grade mathematics.  This includes a study of the structure of the real number system, operations using rational numbers, proportional reasoning, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics, basic algebraic equations, nomenclature and properties of geometric forms, and geometric measurements (such as perimeter, area, or volume). 

Reference:  Fayette County Schools curriculum map for seventh-grade mathematics

This document contains a more detailed description of the content.

Expectations

Students are expected to arrive on time to class each day, prepared to learn new material.  Students are expected to leave the classroom each day with a better understanding of mathematics than they had when they entered.  This can be accomplished by students' following not only the directions of instructors, but also the policies of the classroom, team, and school.  Should a student fail to meet these expectations, disciplinary action shall be taken so as to minimize the negative impact on other students' ability to learn. 

Reference:  Discipline Plan for Mr. Durham's classroom

This document contains a more detailed description of disciplinary consequences.

Assessment/Grading

Students are expected to master a large number of mathematics concepts over the course of the school year.  Knowledge of these concepts is necessary for success in future math classes in middle and high school.  As there are a variety of ways in which students may demonstrate mastery of these concepts, students will not be evaluated solely on the basis of one type of assessment.  Rather, grades will be assigned as a combination of daily class participation (about 15%), daily homework completion (about 18%), extended assignments and class projects (about 22%), short quizzes (about 20%), and unit tests (about 25%).  Students who demonstrate mastery of the material in some way should thus receive a passing grade (C or D), while those who can demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways should receive honors grades (A or B).  

Reference:  Grading for Mr. Durham's classroom

This document contains a more detailed description of the grading procedures.

Resources

A variety of resources is available for parents and students.  Extended School Services (ESS), for students needing academic assistance in a content class, is available for any student after school beginning in September.  Mr. Durham may also be available for tutoring after school.  The following documents may also be of use. 

Reference:  On-Line math textbook

This resource

Reference:  Mr. Durham's links to Internet resources

Policies Regarding Late Work

It is the policy of the administration at LTMS that any student work turned in after its due date must receive reduced credit, and that no credit will be given to work turned in three or more days after the due date.  In Mr. Durham's classes, homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class.  Work turned in after this, but within three days, shall receive a grade of 1/2 the score that would otherwise be given. 

Reference:  Grading for Mr. Durham's classroom

This document contains a more detailed description of the grading procedures.

Policies Regarding Make-Up Work

The district policy on make-up work differentiates between two types of absences.  For students with excused absences, students should get assignments on the day they return (or during the absence), and students shall have a number of school days equal to one more than the number of consecutive absences in which to complete and return the work at no penalty.  For unexcused absences, all assignments are due on the next day of school.  Regardless of the reason for the absence, any work assigned prior to the absence and due during the absence is considered due on the day the student returns to school.

Reference:  Grading for Mr. Durham's classroom

This document contains a more detailed description of the grading procedures.

Homework Guidelines

Homework will be assigned each day and will be due the following school day.  Homework that is correctly done in the proper format will receive full credit.  Homework that is partially completed, incorrectly done, or improperly formatted may receive a reduced grade, or may be marked 'R' or 'redo' (in which case the corrected work is expected within three days).  Note:  students who receive less than 1/2 of the possible credit may benefit from turning in a fully completed assignment as late work (within three days) for a better score.

Reference:  Grading for Mr. Durham's classroom

This document contains a more detailed description of the grading procedures.

Classroom Guidelines

Students are expected to bring paper and pencil to class each day, along with any required textbook.  There will be a problem (or a set of problems) for students to work on at the start of class; students are expected to have begun work on this task at the start time of class.  Students are expected to remain attentive to all persons presenting information (instructors or students) to the class.  Students are expected to follow the directions of instructors and to work on assigned tasks at designated times.  Students are expected to be prepared to present problem solutions to the class on demand.  Students who do not fully understand a problem or assignment are expected to ask for clarification in an appropriate manner. 

Reference:  Discipline Plan for Mr. Durham's classroom

This document contains a more detailed description of disciplinary consequences.

Teacher Contact Information

Mr. Durham prefers e-mail communication for school-related business, as this automatically maintains a record of what is requested.  Calling by telephone will also eventually get a message to Mr. Durham, as will sending a signed note with a trustworthy student.

E-mail:  brian.durham@fayette.kyschools.us

Phone:  (859)381-3192, ext. 2240 

Reference:  Contact Information for Mr. Durham

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty at all times.  Students shall not represent the work of others as their own, nor shall any student engage in any activity that results in an unfair advantage on any assessment.