Geometry

Scheduling Office Hours

• In Person: Old Fashioned office hour appointment meeting
• Zoom: Request a zoom meeting at a time that works for us
• Asynchronous: Discussion group in canvas with Screencasts. Student(s) can post questions and I can post an answer via video

Required Text

Note (August 4, 2020): We will be updating the required text for the 2020-2021 year. Info will be posted as it becomes available
Trigonometry 4th Quarter Supplemental Text (Download Here)

Course Description

This course follows generally the description of the traditional geometry course but also includes more proof (direct and indirect; in two-column, flow, and paragraph form). Within the context of Geometry, the Accelerated course includes more challenging algebraic applications, such as solving quadratic equations. It also includes an introduction to analytic geometry and trigonometry, helping to prepare students for Precalculus.

Screencasts

Screencasts are designed to introduce topics outside of class in order to allow more efficient use of class time. Screencast solutions are designed to walk you through the problem solving process on specific problems in order to help you further develop your own problem solving skills. Some screencasts will include online quizzes (see Homework)

Class Expectations

The moment the unbelievable happens, it becomes ordinary

Struggle is a feature of education, not a bug.

Don't let the fear of looking stupid hold you back

Pay attention to what you are learning today. The grade will take care of itself.

• Problem solving in class is like piloting a flight simulator. You can learn from mistakes without consequences.
• If you don't know or remember something, look it up (except on an assessment of course). Use the resources you have such as iPads, books, notes, classmates, etc.
• Self-Advocate - Do not be afraid to ask questions! You might be surprised how many of your classmates might also be struggling with the same content.
• Be cooperative with not only the teacher but with each other. A positive learning environment depends upon everyone. This means respect each other's feelings, physical space, and property.
• When working in groups, maintain your "table voices".
• The question "Will this be on the test?" will only be answered during the last five minutes of any class period.
• Bring to class everyday:
  1. Your iPad (please make sure it is charged or at least above 30%) since the text is digital. It is recommended though not required that you do your written work on your iPad. It will also help if you keep a pair of ear buds handy as well for the (rare) occasions when I ask you to watch a screencast in class.
  2. Paper and pencil (you never know if you’re going to need them even if you prefer to do your writing on your iPad)
  3. Your graphing calculator (TI 83 or higher)
  4. Desmos app for the iPad is recommended. While you can use the web version this app is free and runs more quickly.
  5. A Compass
  6. A measuring straight edge (ruler or protractor)
• Warm ups: Be ready to do a warm up problem every day. Warm up problems will be given to you as class begins and you will be expected to begin working on it at the bell without prompting.
• Cell phones: Cell phones that are out in class will be confiscated for the duration of the school day. Chronic offenses on this policy will be referred to the Dean’s Office.
• iPad Usage: All iPad apps are to be cleared upon entering class.> Students are to have their iPads flat on your desk when in use. Non-academic use of iPads is not allowed. On first offense, the iPad will be confiscated for the duration of the period. Repeated offenses on this policy will be referred to the Dean's Office.
• Board Review: Be prepared every day for problem solving on the board. Students may be selected at random for board presentation of classwork/homework problems. If you are called you may 'draft' one classmate to accompany you to the board for assistance but you must remain at the board to answer questions that students may have about your work until the board review session is over.
• Absences: It is your responsibility to find out the assignments and tests missed while absent. Weekly assignments will be posted on the homework site. See me in the event of any long-term absence.
• Retreats: You will be given a reasonable amount of time, usually a week, to complete all homework assignments and assessments. It is your responsibility to inform me of this absence prior to the retreat. Consult with classmates or the homework site for assignments and tests. In such cases an individual due date for make-up assessments will be posted on PowerSchool.

Standards Based Grading

Students will be graded by assessment of skills (or Standards) specific to each section covered in the text. While the cumulative grade in the class is the quantitative average of each assessment, the midterm, and final exam scores, the assessment of each standard is by rubric and is not point based. This is meant to measure student proficiency throughout the semester in a way that allows the student improvement and enduring understanding to be reflected in their grade. Midterm and Final Exams will also be standards based and scored on student performance on the standards covered on the exam. The rubric is as follows:

Grade		Definition
10	–	Student has shown mastery of this skill (note: work must be without mistakes of any kind in order to receive this grade)
9.5	–	Student has shown mastery of this skill but work contains minor arithmetic mistakes
9	–	Student has shown strong understanding of this standard
8	–	Student has shown proficiency having taken correctly worked significant steps toward a solution to the problem
7	–	Student has shown base level competency with incomplete or incorrect solutions showing significant gaps in understanding
6	–	Student has not shown competence with incomplete or incorrect solutions requiring review of fundamental concepts, demonstrating some recognition of concepts or procedures
5	–	Student has demonstrated no understanding of the concepts associated with the standard