John Muir Middle School

Math 7 Course Outline

2008-2009

Teacher: Ms. Li E-Mail: Amy_Li@sjusd.org

Phone: (408) 535-6395 Classroom: 504

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Math 7 coursework reinforces manipulating numbers and equations and

understanding the general principles at work. Emphasis is placed on: factoring,
exponents, the Pythagorean theorem, computing surface area and volume, conversions
between different units of measure, different representations of fractional number
(fractions, decimals, percents) and conversions between them. They will also be
introduced to ratios and proportions, percents of increase and decrease, simple and
compound interest, and graphing linear functions as well as the idea of slope and its
relation to ratio.
English Learners at early advanced and advanced levels of oral English language
proficiency receive specially designed academic instruction in English (SDAIE) aligned
to the ELD Standards. Appropriate instructional strategies, lesson adaptation and
supplementary materials supporting vocabulary development and reading comprehension
of grade-level content are used. The goal is acquisition of academic subject matter
knowledge and skills.

TEXTBOOK & MATERIALS

Course 2: Concepts and Skills (California edition), McDougal-Littell, c. 2001

Materials:
• Journal Book 5 x 5 grid paper (available in the Student Store ... $3)
• Binder or Folder – to keep handouts, homework, and class work
• Sharpened Pencils (minimum 3) - no work will be accepted in pen of any kind
(unless specified such as a poster assignment, etc.)
• Binder Paper

GRADING POLICY

Breakdown:
Exams (including Benchmark Assessments) 25%
Projects 20%
Quizzes 20%
Homework 10%
Participation/Effort 15%
Math Journal 10%
 Grading Scale:
97% - 100%+ A+ 67% - 69% D+
94% - 96% A 64% - 66% D
90% - 93% A- 60% - 63% D-
87% - 89% B+ 50% - 59% F
84% - 86% B 40% - 49% FF
80% - 83% B- 30% - 39% FFF
77% - 79% C+ 20% - 29% FFFF
74% - 76% C 10% - 19% FFFFF
70% - 73% C- 0% - 9% FFFFFF

John Muir Middle School’s Academic Honesty Policy will be in effect at all times.
The additional F’s are to indicate how far the student is from the next grade. On a report
card, anything below 59% will appear as an F.

MAKE UP WORK & EXTRA CREDIT

Make up work will be given only for excused absences. The due dates for make up
assignments will be determined by the length of the absence. There will be periodic
opportunities to earn credit in class. These assignments or activities can not be made up.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework will be assigned daily. The students will write their homework
assignments in their Homework Helper each day. All homework is due at the beginning
of the period on the day it is due. Homework assignments must be done in pencil and all
work must be shown or if scratch paper is used, it must be attached. If a student does not
show their work when necessary, it is the up to the discretion of the teacher whether or
not to accept the assignment.

OFFICE HOURS/MATH HOMEWORK CENTER

Math Homework Center will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for
90 minutes after school ends. The opening will be determined. This is separate from the
regular Homework Center and will be staffed by math teachers only. The location has not
been finalized, but a notification will be made once the location is determined.

LATE WORK

Late work will NOT be accepted. See MAKE UP WORK for additional
information. If you know in advance that you will miss a class, please see me before the
absence to collect the assignment.
ASSESSMENT

Students will be given a variety of formal and informal assessments throughout this
course. These assessments will be used to determine course grades as well as mastery of
course standards. The assessments will help to guide instruction. Assessment may come
in the form of review packets, quizzes, benchmark exams, tests, or projects.

CLASS RULES/DISCIPLINE POLICY

Students will need to work consistently everyday to complete their assignments on

time and with quality. Class time is for all students and should be used wisely. Students
will be expected to participate in classroom activities such as note taking, math activities,
sharing, class discussions and presentations. I expect students to follow all classroom
and school rules and to be prepared for class with all required materials each and every
day.

Class Rules

1. Respect the teacher, yourself, your classmates, and your classroom.

2. Come prepared to class with all materials every day.
3. Follow directions the first time.

Consequences

1. Warning: Student name goes on the board (refreshed weekly).

2. Phone call home. Please note that I call home for positive remarks as well as
concerns.
3. OCS Referral: See On Campus Supervision below.

Tardy Policy:

Any student not in their seat prepared to begin class when the bell rings will be
marked tardy. Multiple tardies will result in consequences as outline in the John
Muir Discipline Plan.

On Campus Supervision (OCS):

OCS will be assigned to a student after verbal warnings have been given. The
teacher also may assign OCS to a student without any warnings if the situation
warrants such immediate action.
 Contact Information Sheet
Please fill out the following information sheet that will remain completely
confidential. I will use it as a primary resource when I contact you.

Student Name: ________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________ Birthdate: __________

#1 Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________
List phone numbers/email where you would like to be reached.
Home: ________________________ Work: _________________________
Other: ________________________ Email: _________________________
#2 Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________
List phone numbers/email where you would like to be reached.
Home: ________________________ Work: _________________________
Other: ________________________ Email: _________________________

Thank you for taking the time to fill this out. Please write in the space below
something unique about your child that will help me effectively teach him or her.

Please sign indicating that you have reviewed the course outline, including the
grading and discipline policies.

Signature: ___________________________________ Date:_______