Mathematics
Information regarding Mr. Heckmann’s Academic Algebra
Classes -2009-10
This
information is intended for students and parents for quick reference regarding
their child’s mathematics class. Mr. Heckmann’s home phone number is 724-935-3598. All students and parents are invited to
use this phone number and it is a listed number in the white pages!
Contacting Mr. Heckmann:
Parents are encouraged to either contact me at my home phone or email me
at sheckmann@northallegheny.org. Your
communication will get quicker attention to call me at home than by any
other means.
Grading Practices & Procedures: A Final grade for the course year
will be calculated on a total points basis.
Test questions are usually worth 3
points. Occasionally, questions which are not as common in nature to math tests
(extra credit, essay, etc) may be valued for either more of fewer points. Tests
are ALWAYS
announced in advance. When
appropriate, partial credit may
be given, dependent upon student demonstration of understanding of algebraic processes.
Quizzes may or may not be
announced. Quizzes are used as a method
of insuring the integrity and quality of student effort put forth in homework and class. Quiz questions are worth two points. Often Quiz questions may be repeated on tests
in order to gauge both student growth and attention to quiz review.
Homework philosophy:
Homework philosophy: Homework is intended to help the student
review and retain information and concepts covered in class each day. It is an essential practice that leads to
success if done with a reasonable amount of effort. In almost every case, an answer only is not enough,
even if a calculator is used to assist!!! The standard is to re-copy the
original problem and show, through a series of steps (as modeled in class early
in the year) the student’s attempt to solve the problem. If a student cannot complete the problem, it
is essential to see a “trail of their thoughts and practices” through the
partial sequence of each problem. Homework value begins at 3 points per
homework, turned in on the due date (most often the next day that class meets)
and will vary during the year, based on
the nature of the assignment. Over the
course of the year, the value of homework will be diminished for “points sake” in order to transition the student to standard
high school practices. No late homework is accepted unless in the case of
legitimate absence. (Please see below)
Homework Calendars:
Every student gets an
assignment calendar detailing homework assignments anticipated for the current month. The
calendar is also online at Mr. Heckmann’s website. When absent, the student should make every
reasonable attempt to complete as much homework as possible. Even if the assignment is changed in class
from that which is printed on the calendar, the student will receive credit for
a reasonable effort to complete the homework.
Extra Credit Guidelines:
Extra credit, available to students periodically throughout the nine
weeks, is offered either through an online activity or as part of a test or
assignment. Extra credit is viewed as an “insurance policy” for students who
wish to explore ideas further and/or challenge themselves throughout the grading
period; “it’s nice to have at the end of a 9 weeks if you have already earned
it but it is typically not offered to “save a grade” for those who have not worked
diligently throughout the grading period.
Course website- www.heckmannhome.net is my master
website. It can also be accessed by going to www.northallegheny.org ,click on school (CMS), then click
on staff,
then click on my name.
Online resources- The text book is accessible online. A
wealth of material associated with the Algebra
1 book (animations, online tutor software, etc) are available as
well. Through the teacher website, daily
assignments and additional resources are available. During the first few days of
school, students are given an orientation to website resources and are expected
to utilize them throughout the year. As new resources become available,
they will be linked to the website
Calculator: The
Class absences due to sickness or family emergency: While I am empathetic to sickness
and family emergencies, it must be recognized that when class is missed, the
student misses the interaction and dialogue between the instructor and other
students at that time. This dialogue
often provides insight, feedback and valuable information that cannot be
re-created for the individual student upon return. As a general
rule, one day of make up will be given for each day that a student is
out of class due to sickness or family emergency. Extenuating circumstances
will be considered at my discretion.
Class absence due to early
dismissals, athletic events, field trips, other academic obligations or
approved absences: While I am an advocate of a well rounded
education that includes both other disciplines and athletics, each student has
an obligation to my course with equal priority.
Acknowledging this, an absence from class due to any reason other than
sickness or a documented family emergency places the following responsibility
on the student:
Plan in
advance and work ahead to make your field trip, athletic event, or other
approved absence an enjoyable one where you do not have to worry about being
behind in you obligations. NOTE: IT IS
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS WITH LESS THAN A 70% OR STUDENTS WHO ARE
OTHERWISE STRUGGLING IN THE COURSE CONSIDER REMAINING IN CLASS IN LIEU OF THE
PLANNED ABSENCE.
Student Signature _______________________________________________________________________
(acknowledging reading and understanding of syllabus)
Parent
Signature ______________________________________________________________