Course Descriptions

7TH & 8TH GRADE MATH
All math classes will thoroughly address the TAKS and TEKS objectives set by the state.  The classes will cover quantitative reasoning, patterns, relationships, algebraic reasoning, geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics.  Instruction will have a strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking.  The mathematics skills that will be taught in 8th grade are concepts that will be covered more in depth and involve more algebraic processes.

SKILLS MATH
Skills math will cover the same grade level objectives set by the other math classes.  There may be more re-teaching and practice when necessary, and the classs may go at a different pace.  Students is this class will most likely be placed in the Algebra block in high school (two periods).  Enrollment in this class is not optional.  Enrollment is based on the following criteria:  (a)  scores on TAAS/TAKS for the past two years (b) history of low math averages (c) STAR MATH grade level score (d) TERRA NOVA scores and (e) teacher recommendation.

PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT (PRE-AP) MATH
In the 7th grade Pre-AP classes, the curriculum will be accelerated and will cover the 8th grade math objectives.  The 8th grade Pre-AP classes will cover Algebra I, and the course will count as credit for high school.
*Note that the grade will go on the transcript no matter what the grade is.)  
Pre-AP classes were designed to allow students to get a high school math credit in the 8th grade for Algebra.  It is very important that students and parents realize that students should take the Pre-AP classes with the intent of taking pre-calculus and calculus in high school.  Students need to have strong study skills and be active in learning by asking questions.  The developmental thinking process required in Algebra make it a challenge for everyone.  Student will have to give 100% effort.  Enrollment is based on the following criteria:  (a) teacher recommendation (b) parent recommendation (c) math averages (d) TAAS/TAKS scores and (d) TERRA NOVA scores.     
 

Standard Supply List
6-Pocket folder with brads
 Pencils
Red grading pens
Notebook Paper
Protractor
Compass

General Department Information

BHMS Math Class Expectations

You must show ALL work or you will get the problem wrong.

NO late work will be accepted!

Assignments are posted on the board every Monday. If you’re absent it is your responsibility to get the assignment and turn it in by the time specified in your handbook.

When you’re absent due to school business the work missed on that day, along with the assignment that was due that day, will need to be turned in on the day you return to class.

Generally homework is assigned Monday through Thursday with tests on Friday’s.

You may get help during independent work time in class, tutorials, using your notes, and looking at the examples in that problem set. (The problem set of every homework problem is found next to the problem in your book.)

Each math student will be taking a math test every Friday. Tests are returned to students the week following each test. Please check your child's math folder to review the test. Students are required to have a parent signature on each test they take regardless of the grade in order to keep parents informed of their child's progress in math. Students who fail to get a parent signature within the week will be assigned lunch detentions for three days minimum until the test is signed by a parent.

At NO time will students be allowed to work on math in the cafeteria (or anywhere besides a math classroom or study skills class). Any student doing this will receive a zero and a discipline referral. There will be a math teacher in morning tutorials that you can go to if homework needs to be worked on. Books MUST be left at home. Every study skills and math class has books available. A tremendous amount of money was spent so we could provide these classroom sets to minimize each student’s book load. It also causes confusion when individual books are brought in with the class books.