Here at I.S. 73 we consider Mathematics to be a vital part of how we navigate through our world. In an effort to advance our students understanding of how Math is part of our everyday lives we place an emphasis on real world applications of our skills. We believe that, with the right support and encouragement, everyone can “Do Math!”
Mathematics Department Units of Study
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Grade 6
- Multiplying and Dividing Fractions and Decimals
- Ratio Reasoning
- Percents
- Rational Numbers
- Expressions
- Equations & Inequalities
- Geometry
- Statistics
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Grade 7
- Rational Numbers
- Proportional Relationships
- Percentages
- Expressions, Equations and Inequalities
- Probability
- Geometry
- Exponents
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Grade 8
- Linear Equations and Expressions
- Equations and Geometry
- Linear Relationships and Systems of Equations
- Functions, Scatter Plots and Relative Frequency
- Transformations
- Exponents and Scientific Notation
- Radicals, Irrational Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem
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Regents Algebra
- Expressions and Equations
- Linear Functions and Systems of Linear Functions
- Linear Inequalities and Systems of Linear Inequalities
- Polynomials
- Quadratic Functions
- Linear Quadratic Systems
- Exponential Growth and Statistics
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Students in grades 6 – 8 must meet the following requirements for the successful completion of the Mathematics curriculum.
Mathematics Department Grading Overview
Portfolio Tasks
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- For each unit of study, students complete two extended response task pieces which are either individual or group work tasks.
- These task pieces incorporate the major concepts of the unit into a multi-step question which has students explain their reasoning and often has a real world connection.
- These task pieces are used to provide students with feedback on their understanding of the skills in the unit.
- After receiving this feedback, students then complete an individual Response to Feedback form where they have an opportunity to implement that feedback to improve their work.
- The goal of the task pieces are used to showcase students’ understanding of the unit concepts.
Task pieces comprise 20% of each marking period grade.
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Tests/Quizzes
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Pre-Tests:
- Given at the beginning of each unit of study to all students.
- Between 20 – 25 multiple-choice questions covering all skills within the upcoming unit of study.
- Pre-tests do not count towards their averages, rather the data collected is used to assess prior knowledge as well as differentiate instruction throughout the unit.
Post-Tests:
- Given at the culmination of each unit of study to all students.
- The beginning of the post-assessment is a mirror of the pre-assessment, where each multiple-choice question on the post is the same skill as that question number from the pre. The numbers and scenarios change slightly.
- Additionally students must complete 4 – 5 open response questions where they are graded on the accuracy of work shown as well as a correct response.
- Students may also be expected to explain their thinking or strategy for solving these open-response style questions.
- Data from each post-assessment is used to measure growth and to determine whether or not students need further interventions to meet their goals.
Quizzes:
- Quizzes are given at teacher’s discretion throughout each unit of study.
Tests and quizzes comprise 40% of each marking period grade.
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Homework
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Homework assignments vary based on teacher discretion.
All homework assignments are expected to be handed in on the day they are due.
Homework will consist of work to review the day’s lesson and reinforce previous knowledge.
All students have access to the online platform for the Go Math textbook and various resources associated with the series.
Homework assignments comprise 20% of each marking period grade.
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Class Participation
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Class Participation
- In math class, all students are expected to participate in small group and class discussions.
- In addition, students are expected to come to class prepared with their materials and ready to work at the start of each class.
Class participation comprises 20% of each marking period grade.
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All Math classes are part of the school-wide Word Generation Vocabulary curriculum. In Math, we utilize the new academic terms and utilize data and statistics to examine an aspect of the topic with a mathematical lens. That information will be used by students later in the week to support their positions in both debate and written responses.
Each year students participate in Mathematics contests. We have conducted an annual I.S. 73 Math Olympics for the past 14 years where students from each class compete in teams of five to answer “out of the box” math questions. We also send six teams to compete in the Pi5 Citywide Invitational Math Tournament.