Welcome Parents and Students!

As I am sure you are aware, Honors math can be an exciting and challenging opportunity for students (and some parents)! Please use the information below to discover ways in which your student can maximize their potential and have a successful year. The partnership between students, parents, and teachers is critical so please feel free to contact me any time by email (ptroy@parkwayschools.net).

Student Expectations

Class –  

Students are expected to participate in class by actively taking notes on examples and definitions presented in class and by joining in class discussion and discovery. Class time is a great opportunity for students to work with their peers and the teacher to solidify their understanding. Many students are initially uncomfortable with speaking in class, so respect of peers is stressed in my classroom. Daily notes are saved in the Google Drive and may be accessed at any time after the lesson is taught, but discussion and discovery cannot be replicated outside of class. It is imperative that students are present for the entirety of each class. The overarching goal of this course is for students to change the way they think about Mathematics. This is done by thinking critically about patterns, structure, and process. It is not done by copying problems off of a note page.

Homework –  

Students are expected to complete homework approximately six days a week, usually for 30 minutes at a time.  

Typically homework is assigned through WebAssign, an online program aligned to the textbook. Students are given 4 opportunities to enter the correct answer for each problem and are graded on the accuracy of their answers. Any questions on individual problems should be asked in class the following day, during a review day, or through the “Ask Your Teacher” link on WebAssign. It is suggested students ask for help before the final submission to ensure they receive credit for the homework assignment. The final submission is worth 10% less than other submissions. All WebAssign scores should be 95% or higher. If a student finds they are receiving low WebAssign scores, they are encouraged to seek assistance.

Occasionally worksheets are assigned for homework. All answer keys are posted in the Google Drive and/or in my room, and students are expected to check their answers after completing the assignment. All homework should be graded and all errors corrected with a grading pen. To receive full credit, students must have graded their worksheets in pen and have made corrections. All worksheet grades should be perfect scores when submitted to reflect this correction process.

Unit Tests –  

Tests make up the bulk of a student’s grade, and are the primary indicator of a student’s understanding of course material. That is, tests are important! Students are typically given a review day before a test. At this point, all homework should be completed and corrected to allow for last minute questions. Students will receive a list of review topics, but they will not receive a practice test or practice problems that mimic the test. Additional practice may be done at home by re-working examples done in class, homework problems, and/or using the online textbook to work through additional problems. Test retakes are not offered.

Parent Support Suggestions

• Notes – ask your student to show you their notes each week to be sure they are compete, neat, and organized.

• Make sure your student checks the classroom calendar either by subscribing to it or viewing it on the website.

• Homework – encourage your student to complete their homework the night it is assigned. Ask them to “star” problems with which they are struggling and encourage them to ask questions in class. Check the next night to see they have answered their questions and were able to go back and complete the assignment.
• Before each quiz or test, encourage your student to go through every assignment and make sure it is complete.
• Encourage your student to talk to the teacher regularly.
• Being proactive is important. Please refrain from taking a “wait and see” approach. If your student is struggling, I want to help! 
   

Parkway West Tutoring Information