Mrs. Traylor's Syllabus - 2007-08 - 8th grade
8th Grade Gifted Integrated Algebra and Geometry: This is a college-preparatory Introductory Algebra and Geometry curriculum, which follows the new Georgia Performance Standards and Gwinnett County AKS Standards. We will extend and enrich this curriculum by covering more advanced Algebra topics, and by doing independent study projects.
For the first nine weeks, we will be covering the following topics as stated in the curriculum:
In addition, the gifted classes will review how to create graphs with Microsoft Excel, online graphing tools and on the graphing calculator.
Promotion: You MUST pass both semesters of math in order to be promoted to the 9th grade. You can only make up one semester in summer school. You must also pass the math portion of the CRCT.
Assignments: 8th graders can expect assignments every night, Monday through Thursday. Students will check their own assignment each day in class, and randomly selected students will turn in their daily work for a grade. Late daily assignments are not accepted. Each week students will have a graphing or data analysis project, and they will complete a vocabulary assignment for each chapter or major topic. Weekly projects and journals will usually be due on Fridays, but can be turned in early. Project and journal assignments will be accepted late, with a ten-point penalty per day late. Assignments will be posted on the Internet each week (http://traylork.home.comcast.net/algebra/assignments.html).
All math work must be done on white notebook paper or graph paper, in black pencil. You must show your work. You will need graph paper throughout the year. I suggest you purchase one or two packs of 1/4" blue-lined graph paper. Be sure that you always have some at school and some at home. Vocabulary assignments may be written in ink or typed. Many graphing assignments can be done on a computer.
Supplies and materials:
Required: pencils, erasers, fine tip dry erase markers (for student use), notebook paper, graph paper (1/4" blue grid), 6" or 12" ruler, notebook for homework and storing papers (this can be a spiral notebook, 3-ring binder, folder or whatever you prefer to use).
Optional: Calculator - we will use Texas Instruments TI-83+ graphing calculators in class. If you wish to purchase a calculator, I suggest at TI-84+ which is the newer, more powerful model. This calculator will serve you well through high school. These are about $100, but can be found used on EBay or from college students. Purchasing the cable to connect the calculator to your computer would be a good idea, too.
Optional: Computer Storage - a small USB flash memory drive would be very useful for storing computer projects to work on at home and at school (< $20). Floppy disks can not be used on the school's new computers.
Optional: Computer Software: a copy of Geometer's Sketchpad (from www.keypress.com) will be very useful for many homework and project assignments. You can buy it through Mrs. Traylor for $29.95.
Grading: Parents will receive detailed progress reports at 4.5 weeks and a report card every nine weeks. Mrs. Traylor is happy to email grades to parents at any time. Grades are weighted as follows:
Algebra Grading Weights (subject to change if GCPS policy changes)
Tests & Final Exam = 50% (
1st and 3rd Quarters: Tests are 50% of the total grade, 2nd and 4th Quarters: Tests are 35% and Final Exam is 15%)
Quizzes = 15%
Assignments (including classwork, homework and extra credit) = 10%
Journals, vocabulary and projects = 25%
Communication is most efficiently done via email to Kathy_Traylor@gwinnett.k12.ga.us (note: there is an underscore _ character between "Kathy" and "Traylor."). All students and parents are requested to send Mrs. Traylor an email by the end of the first week of school. This way, all email addresses can be correctly entered into Mrs. Traylor's email address book with no chance of confusing a letter "i" with a number "1," or a zero with a letter "o."
If you prefer to communicate via telephone or want to arrange a face-to-face conference, please call the school office at 770-972-3224, or send an email request.
Mrs. Traylor's Syllabus - 2007-08 - 7th grade
7th Grade Gifted Integrated Pre-Algebra and Geometry: This course includes the following major topics:
Assignments: Students can expect assignments every night, Monday through Thursday. Assignments will be checked by the students each day, and randomly selected students will turn in their daily work for a grade. Late daily assignments are not accepted. Each week students will have a graphing or data analysis project, and they will complete a vocabulary assignment for each chapter or major topic. Weekly project and journal assignments will usually be due on Fridays, but can be turned in early. Project and journal assignments will be accepted late, with a ten-point penalty per day late. Daily assignments will be posted on the Internet each week (http://traylork.home.comcast.net/algebra/assignments.html).
Grading: Parents will receive detailed progress reports at 4.5 weeks and a report card every nine weeks. Mrs. Traylor is happy to email grades to parents at any time. Grades are weighted as follows:
Pre-Algebra Grading Weights
Tests and other Formal Assessments = 40% of the total grade
Quizzes = 30%
Assignments (daily assignments and extra credit) = 5%
Classwork, journals and projects = 25%
If you don't do the assignments, you will not do well on the tests and quizzes! DO YOUR ASSIGNMENTS EVERY DAY!
Supplies and materials:
Required: pencils, erasers, fine tip dry erase markers (for student use), notebook paper, graph paper (1/4" blue grid), 6" or 12" ruler, notebook for homework and storing papers (this can be a spiral notebook, 3-ring binder, folder or whatever you prefer to use). For 7th grade: protractor &compass (inexpensive plastic ones are better than inexpensive metal ones; some stores have an inexpensive "math kit" with these items), colored pencils.
Optional: Calculator - we will use Texas Instruments TI-83+ graphing calculators in class. If you wish to purchase a calculator, I suggest at TI-84+ which is the newer, more powerful model. This calculator will serve you well through high school. These are about $100, but can be found used on EBay or from college students.
Optional: Computer Storage - a small USB flash memory drive would be very useful for storing computer projects to work on at home and at school (< $20). Floppy disks can not be used on the school's new computers.
Optional: Computer Software: a copy of Geometer's Sketchpad (from www.keypress.com) will be very useful for many homework and project assignments. You can buy it through Mrs. Traylor for $29.95.
Communication
is most efficiently done via email to Kathy_Traylor@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
(note: there is an underscore _ character between "Kathy" and
"Traylor."). All students and parents are requested to send Mrs.
Traylor an email by the end of the first week of school. This way, all email
addresses can be correctly entered into Mrs. Traylor's email address book with no
chance of confusing a letter "i" with a number "1," or a
zero with a letter "o."