This document provides information about Mrs. Durst's 6th-8th grade math class, including her philosophy, required materials, types of assessments, use of math journals, daily routine, and late work policy. Homework is intended to practice concepts and prepare for tests. Grades come from homework, activities, journal quizzes, timed tests, and chapter tests. Students keep notes and examples in math journals. Each day includes a warm-up, lesson, and opportunity for partner work or tests. Late work results in a 20% grade reduction.

1. 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra
Mrs. Julie Durst
jdurst@stjstl.net
636-394-4100 ext. 281
http://ourmathclassroom.blogspot.com/
Philosophy
Completing Math homework is a valuable way for students to practice math
concepts taught in class. These practice problems are useful in preparing students for
math tests, which are essentially difficult to study for. Homework is ultimately a
practice tool.
Materials Required:
Math Book
Math journal [spiral notebook – for notes/examples]
Notebook paper [for warm-ups & homework assignments]
Pencils – erasers
Student Planners
Calculators [when Mrs. Durst allows them to be used]
Brain 
Assessments
Grades will come from a variety of assessments – homework, activity
assignments, journal quizzes, “timed tests”, and weekly/chapter tests. Tests will be
given at the end of 5-7 lessons/or chapter and each one is worth 100 points. Students
will be given the opportunity to earn 1/2 credit on incorrect test problems when they are
returned to them. ALL “corrected” tests will be sent home in Friday folders and
students can returned them signed by a parent to receive extra credit points, if they
choose.
Math Journals

2. Students will need to have a 3-subject spiral notebook that will be used as a
math journal throughout the school year. Lessons taught in class, including notes and
examples covered with each lesson, will be kept in students’ journals and must be
done in pencil. The journal serves as a useful tool when students are unsure how to
do a math problem while completing homework, especially when they are working on it
at home. A Journal Quiz will be given on test days – to help students with their
organization of the information given in class.
Daily Routine
When students arrive in the classroom, their assignment will be posted on the
Smartboard for them to write it in their planners. Once the assignment is written in
their planners, students will complete a quick Warm-up with a partner to get their
brains “thinking Math”. The Warm-Ups consists of 5 REVIEW questions and are done
with their partners. Daily lessons will then be taught through notes and examples,
giving the students multiple opportunities to ask questions during this time. During
some class periods, the students could have a “timed test” involving different
computation of integers or whole numbers. If a book assignment is due that day, the
students who have completed the assignment will have the opportunity to check over
the assignment with a partner before turning it in. Students will not be receiving an
answer sheet – they will simply compare answers with their partner – and again have
an opportunity to ask their partner questions about the book assignment AND/OR ask
Mrs. Durst if both students have questions. When students are finished checking the
assignment it will be turned in to be either “spot” graded or given a "completion" grade.
Late Work
If students do not have the assignment completed when it is time to check with a
partner, it will be counted late and 20% will be taken off of his/her grade. It will be the
student’s responsibility to get the late work turned in or they could lose their privilege of
going to recess.