Landon College Prep & Leadership Development

Pre-Algebra Grade 7 Curriculum Paper Mrs. Spiwak

2008-2009 Room 218

Our Mission at this school is to create college bound students with a deep
commitment to public service and a true understanding of their leadership
skills within the global community.

Course Overview: Pre-Algebra is a course designed to facilitate the learning

of Algebra One. During this course, students will develop algebraic understanding
and skill using symbolic expressions and equations. Students will analyze
expressions and/or equations to determines patterns of change. They will also
recognize linear and nonlinear patterns in tables and graphs. Students will develop
an understanding of linear relationships and linear functions. Students will use data
to analyze information and to choose sensible ways of comparing and measuring,
including using differences, rates and ratios. Students will compare distributions of
data and explore the influence on sample size and the distribution of samples means
and medians. In the area of Geometry, students will discover and use the
Pythagorean Theorem, explore symmetry in terms of transformations, develop
strategies for measuring the surface area and volume of various polygons. Students
will recognize similar figures and compare similar figures. Students also learn to work
together in small groups and learn to be responsible for their own knowledge.
Discussion of a variety of ways to solve problems is encouraged. Successful
completion of this course is based on student organization, test performance and
teacher judgment.

STUDENT EVALUATION: Student grades are based on class participation,

homework, classwork, notebook, quizzes and tests. All assignments, handouts,
quizzes and tests should be kept in a organized notebook. A student’s average is
based on how many points he/she earns. The Pre-Algebra notebook will be collected
at the end of each quarter and it will count 100 points. There will be periodic tests
and/or quizzes during and at the end of each unit. Each test is worth 100 points.
Quizzes count as much as 50 points. Homework and classwork (when collected) may
range in point value from 5 (five) points up to 40 points. Students will be taught to
work productively in teams and will sometimes analyze information in small groups.
Evaluation of group work and group projects will also be part of the student’s grade.

Educational Materials: CMP Units (paperback textbooks), related materials

and/or handouts as well as teacher created handouts.

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HOMEWORK POLICY: Homework is assigned daily and will correlate with the
standards. It is checked frequently and will also be collected infrequently without
advance notice. Staying organized is an important part of this course.

LATE WORK POLICY: Late homework is not accepted. Late class assignments
and projects and notebooks will receive a grade reduction.

MAKE UP POLICY: When absent from a class, it is THE STUDENT’S

RESPONSIBILITY to talk to the teacher and/or classmates about work that was
missed during the absence. For each day absent, an equal number of days is
allowed to complete make-up assignments. If an absence is due to planned travel,
parents should notify teachers in writing at least two days in advance prior to the
absence requesting assignments which will be missed. In case of illness lasting three
or more days, assignments may be requested through the Guidance Office at 346-
5650 ext.114. Please allow 24-hours for work to be complied. This policy can be
found in the student handbook or at the school’s website.

GRADE RECOVERY: Students will be offered grade recovery as outlined in

Duval County Pupil Progression Plan which may be found at www.duvalschools.org.

PARENT CONFERENCES may be requested through the Guidance Office at

346-5650 ext.114. Mrs. Spiwak can be reached at 346-5650 ext 141 or at this email
address spiwakj@duvalschools.org

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Pencils (#2 or mechanical) Notebook paper

Graph paper 1 ½ inch or 2 inch binder
Dividers for the notebook Scientific Calculator

RULES:

1. All work in Pre-Algebra must be done in pencil.

2. Bring to class every day: Textbook, homework, pencil, paper,
graph paper, and calculator.
3. Behavior problems are treated on an individual basis. The first offense
usually results in a phone call to a parent. If this does not correct the
problem, a referral will be written. Disrespect will not be tolerated.