• Course Guidelines - Contemporary Math 2023/24

     

    Contact Information:

     

    Mr. Knavish (Mr. K)

    Email: knavishk@hudson.k12.oh.us

    Phone: 330.653.1416 x4298

    		  
       

     

    Description:

    Contemporary Math is a course that re-enforces and further develops mathematics learned throughout high school.  Another goal of the course is to develop mathematical skills, thinking and appreciation.  The course serves as a ‘pre-college Algebra’ for formal College Algebra courses taught at colleges and universities.  Students successfully completing this course will be prepared for College Algebra at college and university.  Another intended outcome is the development of mathematical thinking and understanding of the Mathematical Practices.  Finally the course hopes to develop an appreciation of mathematics in society through media, film and/or literature. 

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    Course Materials:

    District supplied iPad - It is vital this is charged and with the student for every class..

    A fine point stylus for iPad - Some class materials and homeworks assignments will be distributed on the iPad via Google Classroom.  For some of these assignments, students will be free-hand writing on the iPad and submitting documents. You DO NOT need to buy an expensive Apple pencil or equivalent. I use either an Adonit Note ($49 on Amazon) or this one I got on Amazon (for $18). 

    Calculator - We will be using calculators found on the iPad or Desmos for most work in this class. Students that have graphing calculators are welcome to use them, as long as they are the standard Hudson Math Department models (TI-84 Plus or TI-84 Plus CE). If you plan to purchase a graphing calculator, please make sure it is one of the models above. If you have any questions, please contact me before you purchase a calculator. These aren’t cheap and I want to make sure you know why and for what you are spending your money.

    Notebook/Pencil - Some assignments and assessments taken during class will be on paper. Students should be prepared with pencils and erasers for each class.






    Class Format:

    We will do most of the learning and practicing during our class time. There will be a short period of discussion about a specific topic and then time for the students to work together to complete the practice assignments on that material. This means that students that use their class time wisely will have very little homework. Work required outside of class will mainly consist of preparing for the assessments.



    Grading:

    Grades will be 70% Summative and 30% Formative

    Summative

    • These are “traditional” tests that are designed to assess the student’s mastery of the subject 

    • Test grades are not curved.

    • I will provide an opportunity for students to retake summative assessments to improve their grade. The student must correctly complete test corrections or remediation as assigned before they are eligible to retest. Students that score below 70% on any summative assessment will be scheduled for a retest. Students that score 70% or above may retest, if they choose.

    Formative

    • Formative assessments consist of quizzes, homeworks, team tests and similar exercises.These assignments allow the students to earn points for a grade, but are mainly designed to give the students and instructors to determine how well the students are mastering the material.

    • There will also be formative grades based on class participation and student interaction in their group, particularly during group problems.

     

    Late Work and Absences

    • Homework is given to provide students practice for the summative assessments and to give both teachers and students information on how well the student is mastering the material. As such, students are expected to complete the work as assigned. 

    • Students that are absent are responsible to complete work as assigned or make other arrangements with the teachers. This includes due dates, as the class notes and assignments will be posted on Google Classroom.



    Cheating and Plagiarism

    • Please refer to the student handbook for expectations and consequences.

    • Material submitted may be screened through applications designed to detect plagiarism and determine originality.

    • Collaboration on homework is accepted and encouraged, but each student should understand everything they submit. 

    Help

    There are several ways for students to receive help

    • Math Lab - The math lab is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 AM and every period during the day.

    • Online - YouTube has a ton of help videos available. Khan Academy is a good, free resource for help. 

    • Explorer Period - Students can walk into our classroom on Tuesday 10:35 and 11:05 AM for help. Students may be assigned to attend Explorer Period at the discretion of the teachers.

    • With Teachers - Please contact me directly to schedule time before or after school for individual help. Scheduling is requested so I can control the number of students in my room at a time to ensure proper social distancing.

    • Peer-to-Peer - There is peer-to-peer tutoring and homework help through the school on Thursday’s after school. There is also peer-to-peer homework help through the Hudson Library. Specific information on these options will be published when available. 



    Please check Mr. K’s district website for updates and changes.