The goal of this initial class, Week 1, is simply to introduce and learn the format and interactive program which will be used for this 4 week course.  (For returning students, we will jump right into the first topics listed on the syllabus.)  New students will interact, be able to ask questions and gain experience using my interactive program.  I will introduce all aspects of my one hour per week class period; fact fluency, computational fluency and the specific targeted pre-algebra skills for a particular class, and then explain how students can use their interactive math program to practice what they learn between scheduled classes. The following 3 weeks are detailed in "Class Experience."  Subsequent courses, usully 8 week courses, are being developed and listed that will eventually cover all 5 strands of mathematics: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Numbers and Base Ten- Whole Numbers and Decimals, Numbers and Base Ten-Fractions, Measurement and Data, and Geometry.  This course can stand alone, provide extra support or be a part of sequential learning, depending on the need or desire. Conceptualization of math topics is always key, producing an outcome of understanding, efficiency and accuracy with computation, using standard algorithms.  Mathematical problem-solving strategies will be taught as well. This course will primarily focus and pre-algebra concepts necessary for 5th graders.

Homework Offered
Homework will be assigned weekly and I will monitor students between classes, and even communicate with them through the program itself while they are working.  I will designate mid-weekly class check-ins.  Generally speaking, homework that is assigned on a Monday, for example, would not be due until the following Monday.  However, this can be flexible when circumstances require it. Assignments will be differentiated, and there are always ways to remediate, practice grade level concepts, or move ahead.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
The student will be assessed by the completion of their assigned online work.  Grading is instantaneous and visible by the teacher, as well as by the parents. Missed problems will be explained instantaneously via the program.  I can also monitor student work remotely as they work and offer suggestions in real time.  This aspect does not require video conferencing.  It is done through my digital math platform, a simply awesome feature. That time would be arranged via email and a determined time to watch the student work could be established. There will be no waiting from class to class to see progress. Misconceptions that may result will provide teacher/student dialog in the next class.  Again, the classwork will be differentiated.  Students who need more time on a concept will receive it. Those who need challenge can move ahead if desired.  I will monitor all aspects of success and struggle and parents will be able to see their student's progress as well.  Students will be required to strive for an 80% on each learning target that has been taught and then assigned.  This demonstrates a baseline of mastery of the concept for the teacher. If desired, students can move beyond 80% as the questions often become more rigorous.  A diagnostic aspect of my program will allow me to see areas of strength and weakness and communicate with parents regarding specific points of need or challenge.
Grades Offered

IXL math, which is online, will provide a place for my students to practive and develop skill.