Wilcox High School Mathematics Department Policies

These common classroom policies are guidelines. Please refer to the syllabus for your individual teacher for a more comprehensive set.

Mathematics Department Expectations

The workload for a mathematics class requires organization and wise use of time. If you fall behind, it will make success very difficult. Since class discussions, participation and lectures cannot be duplicated daily attendance is crucial to your success in mathematics. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and make-up the work. You are expected to complete assignments on time, be prepared for class and participate actively in all discussion. We have high expectations for each of you.

Lifelong Learning Standards

• Students are expected to be effective communicators of mathematics.
  They will explain the reasoning supporting problem solutions and work in cooperative groups.
• Students are expected to be self-directed learners of mathematics.
  They should take all notes, read the textbook, complete all homework, track their grades and ask for help when needed.

Course Policies

• Absences
  If a student is absent it is his/her responsibility to get and complete all missed assignments. The student has as many days to complete all missed assignments as they were absent. All tests and quizzes will be made up before or after school. Any assignments missed due to an unexcused absent will not be allowed to be made up and zero points will be given for that work.
• Tardy
  Students must be in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings. The first three tardies will result in warnings. Subsequent tardies will result in a one-hour detention.
• Materials
  Each day students are expected to bring a pencil (no pens in math class), notebook, and class textbook. All work missed due to lack of materials will receive zero points.
• Class Rules
  All rules outlined in the Wilcox High School handbook apply in the classroom. Any student who disturbs the learning of any other student will be removed from the classroom and referred to the office for disciplinary action.

Assignments

Assignments consist of:

• Individual Tests
  Tests will be announced in advance and will normally last the entire period. In most cases there will be a test at the end of each chapter and will include all information from that chapter. Note: All material covered on previous tests is allowable on any test throughout the school year.
• Individual Quizzes
  Quizzes will range from a single problem at the beginning of class to a few questions. They are normally much shorter than a test and will focus on one or two topics from the current chapter.
• Homework
  The purpose of homework is to practice concepts learned in class. Completing all homework is a key to succeeding in class. Assignments will be collected daily so teachers can check for understanding. Credit will be given according to neatness, completeness, and organization. Late homework is accepted at the teacher's discretion.
• Group Tests, Quizzes and Activities
  Students will occasionally work in teams. These are excellent opportunities to identify topics that may need to be reviewed before the individual test or quiz. If a student is absent during a group test, quiz or activity the points will not be averaged into the grade (they will be excused) and the student's grade will not be affected.
• Finals
  At the end of each semester there will be a district or department final.

Homework Expectations

To receive full credit you must:

• complete work neatly, in pencil only.
• include a heading in the upper right hand corner (name, assignment, and date)
• write out each problem completely and show your work
• turn work in on time (late work is accepted at teacher discretion)

Grading

Common percentages for math classes are:

• Homework: 20% - 30%
• Quizzes/Tests: 50% - 65%
• Final: 15% - 20%
  Please see individual teacher's syllabus for details.

Extra Help

There are many opportunities available to students who are in need of extra help. Teachers are available for extra help at their discretion. If you feel you need extra help please see your teacher. If you have a problem, get help as soon as possible. Don't wait until it is too late.

Parents: Please contact your students teacher if you have any questions regarding the policies outlined on this syllabus, or to discuss your student's progress at:

Phone: 423-2400 School office

423-xxxx Direct line to classrooms.
Please note: Calls made between 7am and 3pm will go directly to voice mail as not to disturb class.