Are Your Efforts in Math Where You Want Them to Be?

Okay, kids, we have had a few days off, but now we are back into the routine. This week, we attend school for 4 days in a row weather permitting.

One thing, we need to get squared away is the fact, we have lots of work to complete in math before the year ends. So, you need to come into my classroom with your sleeves already rolled up because you are going to work. If you don't, you won't have the grade you or your parents think you should have. I believe in the philosophy that "good things happen to those who work." Also, I do believe "hard work doesn't hurt anyone."

These steps are critical to your success in most math classes. 1) You need to attend class daily if possible. 2) You need to take super notes and ask really good questions as we go along. 3) You should study your notes and learn the math. 4) Do your homework as completely as possible daily because getting behind only makes the homework pile up and seem almost impossible to complete. Hey, you may even stay after school in my classroom while you do your homework. Then, if you have any questions, I am there to answer them. (Note: Do not play around in class and expect to make it up after school because I will send you home for not using your regular class-time wisely.) When you don't do your homework, posting your grade is simplied...zero.  I know you and your parents will not be happy when you receive the interim reports or grade cards if you don't study the math. It is imperative that you learn the math through notetaking, listening, asking questions when you don't and practicing it.

Remember, that if you miss school, it is up to you to come to me to make an appointment to make it up. If you don't ask questions about the lesson, then, you are not doing your part. Sometimes, I think you don't listen in class or don't take notes or don't do the homework, and you don't ask questions because you believe that you can just listen and watch me do the problems and you will REMEMBER how to evaluate them. That is bogus! Maybe, one in ten students can do that. Also, cut the bunk of doing it your way instead of my way because your grade reflects your independence up to this point, I do believe.  (Recently, I have noticed that some of you are copying my answers from the board and not doing the work yourself.  Also, I have surveyed the classroom and noticed with interest about three students reading books and not paying attention to my presentations on the board or listening to me explain it. Well, you won't earn your A,B, or C doing it that way.) 

You should listen, and you should watch. You should take notes, and you should do the practice. What you don't understand, you should make inquiries about to find out. It is your responsibility to understand the math as you are doing it and to learn it. I can tell you; I can show you. I can demonstrate how it is used in the real world, but I cannot make you spend the EXTRA time to learn it. Your grades show your efforts or lack of them in my classes. My favorite saying at this point is "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

My job is to teach you algebra. You may not like me because you didn't make the A or B you thought you deserved because you have had an A or B in the past. Quite honestly, I have not seen the A or B material on your papers, so I have not witnessed the effort that would indicate you are that type of student. So, if you want to prove you to me you are an A or B student, then, I expect to see a huge improvement in your attendance, work ethic and attitude until the end of the 2008-2009 school year. (NOTE:  I have some A and B students, and they work hard for their grades.  They take notes; they listen; they ask questions and come by after school; and they study hard to learn the material.  I clarified at the beginning of the year, you would have to work to get an A or B in my class.  My job is to prepare you for life whether it be college or a job right out of high school.  The goal here is for you to be responsible and do what you need to succeed in life.) 

So, as we begin a new chapter or end one, let's move forward on more positive note. I am looking for improved efforts. I want to hear upbeat answers and ideas coming from your mouths and view better results on your homework, quizzes, tests, and projects as I grade them. So, if you really want an A or B, show me the effort and results. In return, I will note it and believe you are whom you say you are...an A or B student. Let's go for it! (Note:  I do not want to hear any of my students say they forgot they had an assignment because we have one nearly everyday.) 

Please, do remember that if you are working your hardest and do have an A, B, C, or D, then, you are doing the best that you can. I would request you accept that if that would be the case. Math is not easy. Math requires work; anything in life of value does.

Think about that for a while, okay?

Mrs. B