Math Syllabus

In these unprecedented times, we are all coming to terms with the reality that is distance learning. The inability to be in our classrooms means there are many variables we can not account for in the lives of our students so the relationships bonded between teacher, student, and guardians it is necessary for constant communication and consideration. I pledge to communicate with my students and guardians as much as possible to ensure student success. However, in turn, I ask the same dedication to the classroom. As we are better safe at home when it comes to the spread of viral infections, this may not be the case for student academic success. Still, it is imperative that we take distance learning for what it is, an unfortunate opportunity for students to learn self-management as more responsibility is placed on their shoulders. Comparable to the type of self-discipline required in a college course, a student’s character will grow in ways we would not have expected at this age. With grace and understanding, we must go into this school year. Thank you for your continued dedication to the education of your child.

Materials

Internet Access
Computer (laptop/desktop)
Web camera (can be attached to computer or phone)
Paper
Pen or pencil
Smartphone, camera, or photo scanner (students will need to scan in images of work regularly)

Course Polices

Be on time and ready to learn
Respect your classmates ideas, voices, and presence
Trust yourself enough to make mistakes and learn from them
Take responsibility for your learning (when it doesn’t make sense seek out help)

Online Procedures

Attend your scheduled classes
Camera are on
Use your full name
Mute yourself upon entry
Use the chat and annotation features responsibly

Parents

Points are based on homework completion, test, discussions, digital notebooks, and journals. Please check Google Classroom/Schoology regularly. I provide a weekly phone call for any missing homework, behavior, and other information through a computer recording, so it is vital to keep your phone numbers current. Please do not wait until the end of the semester to see how your child is doing. Check-in at least every three weeks, with your child, to see how they are getting along. You are welcome to contact me by email, chat, voicemail, phone, or office hours. Please allow a maximum of two days for correspondence. If you have not heard from me after a few days, a follow-up email is appreciated.

Students

You are responsible for using extra help outside of the classroom by attending office hours, creating study groups with peers, rewatching lecture videos, and attempting challenging work. No one expects you to understand new concepts on the first try; what I expect from everyone is perseverance. Attempt the work first and trust yourself enough to try out your ideas. There will be plenty of opportunities to check to understand concepts and correct misconceptions.

Synchronous Learning

Synchronous instruction will be the time spent with the teacher. Most synchronous instruction will happen over Zoom in conjunction with Google Classroom and other Google products (google slides, google docs, etc.) During synchronous instruction students will be expected to turn on their cameras with a their faces, use their full name upon entry, and have their mics muted. Any unrecognized name will not be allowed into our classroom. Participation is necessary for students to get the most from scheduled lessons.

Asynchronous Learning

This school year will be different as a portion of instruction will be asynchronous or independent for the student. Materials for asynchronous instruction will be done over an array of platforms. Students will be responsible for regularly interacting with Schoology, Google Classroom, and my teacher website (www.MsMata.com). It is encouraged for students to build study groups through online platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord.

Grading Policies

Class grade will be calculated based upon the percentage accumulated during the semester. Official grades will be updated regularly and found on Schoology.

Homework

Homework is always assigned on Monday and due the following Monday. Students only have between 4-5 questions to answer per week. You must upload your work shown to the Google Classroom/Schoology and provide explanations in order to receive full credit. Late homework accepted without penalty; however, parents are notified when assignments are not turned in on time.

Assignments are posted on Google Classroom and uploaded to my class website weekly.

Chance to Improve Grade (Corrections)

All assignments in our class are correctable. Students have an opportunity to recover all the points of their tasks. Corrections will be accepted in different ways, including a Flip Grid video explaining and solving problems missed, retaking exams, and correction forms. Parents, please encourage your student to do any corrections to improve grades for corrections as corrections will have a deadline, usually six weeks before the end of each semester. Test and quizzes require an explanation and redo on a separate sheet of lined paper to be scanned and turned in.

Extra Credit

There is no extra credit given. It is the student’s responsibility to correct any assignments.

Black Lives Matter

LGBTQ Lives Matter

Disable Lives Matter

This classroom is a place of acceptance and discovery. There is no tolerance for bullying, toxic language, aggressive behaviors towards one other, or ill will of oneself. Everyone has a place in this classroom, and I will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of those in my care.

All incidents are documented on a student’s records.

Verbal warning
Student-Teacher Conference
Parent call/ Parent Conference

Binders/Journals

Binders are a collection of digital assignments that are organized and saved in student’s district issued Google Drive. Students are expected to keep their drive neat, orderly, and easy to navigate. Binder checks will happen multiple times throughout the semester. All synchronous and asynchronous work will be stored here.

Journals will consist of one document inside the Google drive that will consist of weekly math questions, exit tickets, wellness check ins, and reflections. Students will be expected to keep their journals up to date. Journals will be checked regularly and along side notebooks.

Office Hours

Office hours are designed to be carved out time to answer student questions, tutor students, and meet with parents. I encourage you to regularly attend office hours. Office hours can be done through email, zoom, or schoology. A minimum of two person attendance ( student/students or student/parent) is needed to open Zoom office hours.

Tips for Parents

Check your child’s official grades on Schoology (use their accounts)
Check LMS for incomplete assignments
Keep school records up-to-date to receive important school information
Do not assume if the teacher has not contacted you that your child is doing well.
Communicate with your child regularly about school
Normalize struggle and mistakes
Homework and classwork are issued weekly.
Videos for self-guidance are available on Google Classroom.
Signup for ClassTag using the code available in the Google Classroom and on Schoology. Class announcements are given through ClassTag.
Avoid scheduling appointments during synchronous instruction
Make available quiet, clean, and organized study space
Have a copy of students schedule and syllabus
Attend office hours when you have time
Encourage your child to work with friends on assignments

Tips for Students

Check the tips for parents and communicate your needs
Corrections are the best bet for improving your grade
Create group chats with all the people in your class.
Take advantage of office hours.
Review your tasks list for each week
Rewatch videos for extra help
Ask clarifying questions in the chat, through email, and during office hours
Share your knowledge with others, form study groups
Start assignments early, finish by the deadline.
Give yourself time to rest and turn off your brain
Make mistakes and let them drive your learning
DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS, you are you and this is YOUR educational journey
You are more than an assignment, a test score, a letter grade. Learning is exhausting at times, but it is also not a testament to your worth. You are worthy, no matter how you perform

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