Philosophies
Mathematical Practices
Common Core Standards highlight practices that increase mathematical understanding and ability to work.
1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Homework
Homework is an opportunity for independent practice. It also provides practice in perseverance in solving difficult problems. If your child is taking more than 45 minutes a night to complete homework, please let me know. In addition, please let your child work independently. You may provide some guidance, but if significant help is needed, please let me know so I have an accurate understanding of their comprehension.
Learning vs. Grades
Recent research has suggested that learning is a gradual process, with mistakes and hard work being part of the process. We believe this at ACMS, and therefore we view grades as ongoing and able to be changed. If your child has a late assignment, s/he should do the work and turn it in as soon as possible. If your child gets a low score on an assessment, corrections may be done to show growth and understanding. While re-doing the original assignment or assessment may not always be possible, another opportunity to show learning is!
Work Ethic and Self-Advocacy
Math is often seen as a chore or a subject that one is "good" or "bad" at, and I aim to change this mindset! I expect my students to work hard and have fun. I want students to develop a sense of perseverance and growth mindset, and therefore self-advocacy is a necessity. If your child is not understanding a concept or a grade, please encourage them to contact me to discuss it. I am open to emails OR in person conversations in class or after school. If they are uncomfortable or nervous, please have them copy you on an email or come with them to a meeting with me.
EVERY child is capable of some level of self-advocacy at this age! Let's work together to find a level that is comfortable for them.
EVERY child is capable of some level of self-advocacy at this age! Let's work together to find a level that is comfortable for them.
Work - Learning Connection
Math is a subject that requires regular practice and connection to past ideas. Therefore, it is VERY important that students complete their homework and classwork. This regular, repeated work is necessary for children to learn concepts for the long term. 6th grade math has more abstract concepts and skills, and students may notice they have to work harder on assignments and learning. As teachers, we see a direct correlation between effort on daily work and assessment scores!