1. Welcome to Mrs. Stuart’s Math 8 Class
Team 83

2. Meet the Teachers GMS Math 8 Staff GVSU Teacher Assistant
Jamie Stuart – Certified Math Teacher
Wendy Harkema– Certified Special Education Teacher
GVSU Teacher Assistant
Madelyn Johnson

3. Teaching Style Inquiry Based Learning
Different than typical “process learning”
Students must “understand” the “what and why’s” of the content not just the “how”
Students will be collaborating with group members to discuss concepts and develop a conceptual understanding. The students will have to discover the concepts, it will not be given to them

4. Why is Inquiry Based instruction Important
Students retain information
If the student understands the “why and what” they have a greater chance of retaining the information and recalling it later. Will not require memorization rather understanding.
Common Core Standards
State and Federal standards that forces students to become problem solvers and higher level thinkers
Assessments – Questions focus on understanding the content and not being able to just “do the Math”
M-Step
SAT

5. Why is Math 8 harder for my child?
Abstract Algebra Concepts
Algebra material takes elementary concepts and manipulates them in an abstract context
Analysis
Increased number of word problems
Creating algebraic equations from real-world situations and solving them
Interpreting the solutions

6. What does a successful Math 8 student do?
Keeps an organized and accurate journal (student created textbook)
Formative Assessments – Homework Checks (collection of problems that assess the Learning Targets in their journal)
Monitor homework checks
Any score below 80% is a red flag that the student needs help.
Student should review all mistakes from a Homework Check.
Fill out and monitor the “Progress Monitoring” sheet in their Math journals
Reflect, Reflect, Reflect
Reflect on all mistakes from homework, homework checks, quizzes, tests and exams.
GET HELP WHEN NEEDED!!!!!!!
Complete extra practice problems

7. Progress Monitoring Learning Targets Homework Checks Quizzes Tests
Exams

8. Help Options Tutoring every morning from 7:30-8:00 Online Tutorials
I have 1 TA available to answer questions
Mrs. Harkema and Mrs. Obetts are also available in their rooms
Student MUST bring questions with them
Student will be excused from being late to 1st hour
Online Tutorials
Students can Google the topic and several tutorials will be available
Khan Academy is a great resource
Practice sheet on Mrs. Stuart’s Website
Study group with peers

9. Classroom Packet Highlights Homework
Make sure it gets completed when given
Team 83 Homework Page
Tutoring every morning from 7:30-8:00
I have 1 TA available for help as well
Students MUST bring questions with them
Grade
80% is performance – tests & quizzes
20% is process – Daily assignments, homework, checkpoint quizzes

10. Contact US Mrs. Stuart Mrs. Harkema Email Prefer Email Phone
Phone
Mrs. Harkema

11. I am looking forward to a GREAT year!
Any Questions?