Learning Goals, Rubrics, and Grading
In an attempt to make learning math a bit more scientific, I have broken down sections into specific learning goals. At the beginning of each chapter the students will receive a Rubric like the one on the left. This is an example of a Pre-Algebra Rubric. I highlighted one example of a learning goal. This would show up in the gradebook as 3.1.2 Applies Distributive Property. When the student takes the 3 Rubric Test they will have a score in the gradebook for each individual learning goal. Students are allowed to review, reteach, and retake any grade to improve their score. I look at the score as proof of their progress on a learning goal. In this way, they will only need to focus on and retake the learning goals that they struggled with on the test.
Homework and Expectations
You can expect to see homework for your student
in MGM/Math 7 about 2 times a week. in Pre-Algebra about 3 times a week. in Algebra about 3-4 times a week. The assignments will not be overwhelming and unwieldy. If they are...then the student should come see me before or after school for some additional instruction. If students (with the exception of Algebra students) are often spending more than 30 minutes on homework, there is a good chance that they are not utilizing their time efficiently in class. The homework is designed to reinforce instructed materials...not as punishment or time-filler. |
Steps to take if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed by MATHEMATICS!
1. Review your NOTES and EXAMPLE PROBLEMS. If you have not taken notes or written example problems...We have discovered the CAUSE to your effect.
2. Trace the difficulty back to its source. For example: It may not be algebraic equations that you struggle with. It might be the integer rules involved
in the working of the equations.
3. Ask questions of me...IN CLASS or BEFORE or AFTER school. I am generally at the school by 7:20 and usually stay until after 4:00.
4. Work some odds from the book...check the answers in the back of the book. There is a link to the online book on my personal weebly site.
5. Look for a Skills Sheet on my weebly site. dellenbach.weebly.com
6. Do some maintenance of your math skills. Math is like a lawn. If you perform regular maintenance the job is not overwhelming. If you neglect it...the
weeds grow tall and it is not easy to convert it from an untamed jungle back to a lawn.
7. STUDY...it is possible to study math. 30 minutes less of Facebook or texting or Xbox might...just might...be worth it.
8. Use your Rubrics to identify learning goals that you have not done well on. Target them one by one (with me or with someone else willing to help).
2. Trace the difficulty back to its source. For example: It may not be algebraic equations that you struggle with. It might be the integer rules involved
in the working of the equations.
3. Ask questions of me...IN CLASS or BEFORE or AFTER school. I am generally at the school by 7:20 and usually stay until after 4:00.
4. Work some odds from the book...check the answers in the back of the book. There is a link to the online book on my personal weebly site.
5. Look for a Skills Sheet on my weebly site. dellenbach.weebly.com
6. Do some maintenance of your math skills. Math is like a lawn. If you perform regular maintenance the job is not overwhelming. If you neglect it...the
weeds grow tall and it is not easy to convert it from an untamed jungle back to a lawn.
7. STUDY...it is possible to study math. 30 minutes less of Facebook or texting or Xbox might...just might...be worth it.
8. Use your Rubrics to identify learning goals that you have not done well on. Target them one by one (with me or with someone else willing to help).