7th Grade Block

Teacher: Kim Johnson

Extra Help: Tuesdays Room 403 from 3 to 4 of Extra Help Here or by appointment.

Curriculum Overview

Unit Title and Essential Questions	Key Topics / Concepts
Integers: To add, subtract, multiply and divide integers How do you identify and graph integers, find opposites, and find the absolute value of an integer? How do you compare and order integers?	Integers & Absolute Value, Adding Integers, Subtracting Integers, Multiplying Integers, Divide Integers
Rational Numbers: To add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers Why do I need mathematical operations? How do mathematical operations relate to each other? How do I know which mathematical operation (+, -, x, ÷, exponents, etc.) to use? How do I know which computational method (mental math, estimation, paper and pencil, and calculator) to use?	Rational Numbers, Add Rational Numbers, Subtracting Rational Numbers, Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers
Expressions and Equations: To solve two-step equations Why do we use equations to solve problems? Why do you perform operations on both sides of an equation? How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically? How do the properties contribute to algebraic understanding?	Algebraic Expressions, Adding and Subtracting Linear Expressions, Solving Equations Using Addition or Subtraction, Solving Equations Using Multiplication or Division, Solving Two-Step Equations
Ratios and Proportions: How do you use proportionality to solve ratio problems?	Ratios and Rates, Proportions, Writing Proportions, Solving Proportions, Slope, Direct Variation, Scale Drawings/Models
Circles and Area: To find perimeters and areas of composite two-dimensional figures How do you write and use the equation of a circle?	Circumference, Composite Perimeter, Circle Area, Composite Area
Surface Area and Volume: To solve real-world problems involving surface areas and volumes of prisms, pyramids and cylinders How do you find the surface area of a prism or cylinder? How do you find the volume of a prism or cylinder?	Surface Area of Prisms, Surface Area of Pyramids, Surface Area of Cylinders, Volume of Prisms, Volume of Pyramids

Current Rubrics & Other Documents

Grading Policy for MATH
Kim Johnson & Amanada Graber
Email: kjohnson@innovationcharter.org
agraber@innovationcharter.org
Extra Help: Tuesday 3-4

All middle school students at Innovation Academy Charter School are assessed using a standards-based proficiency scale (see diagram below). The school year is divided into 2 academic semesters. Semester assessments are published to our x2 Aspen portal at the close of each semester (January and June). There are also 2 progress reports published to the x2 Aspen portal each semester. This grading policy outlines how students will be assessed in this course.

In this course, students will be assessed in the following 4 strands: (Italics are explanations on report cards.)

Comprehension: Following processes and performs calculations with accuracy. Mostly quizzes/tests will make up this grade with a few take home graded assignments that will be announced ahead of time (for example - skill drills). There will be approximately one quiz per week and students will be given strategies to help them study and prepare for them.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Interprets and solves problems using a variety of strategies. Applies knowledge to real-world situations. Rubrics will make up a majority of this grade along with word problem based graded assignments.

Effective Communication: Clearly explains problem-solving process in writing and via class participation. Conversations in class as well as written explanations about the process of solving problems will make up this grade.

Self-Direction: Engages in class, takes initiative and responsibility, utilizes opportunities for revisions or retakes, seeks help when needed, and demonstrates independence. Completes assignments on time.

Homework: There will be homework almost every night. No student should spend more than a thirty focused uninterrupted minutes completing their homework. If an assignment is not completed by that time, parents should sign the homework sheet and indicate what problems the student may have been struggling with in order to receive full credit. HOMEWORK IS IMPORTANT TO HELP STUDENTS UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY NEED TO ASK QUESTIONS ON AND REINFORCE SKILLS WE LEARNED IN CLASS.

Revisions & Portfolios
Rubrics/Projects: May only be revised once (no multiple revisions for the same project), and some aspects of the project may not be revised (such as sections that were skipped, etc.). For this reason, it is strongly recommended that students attend extra help for assistance, if needed. This includes whether the projects are being revised for an increased grade as well as for the student’s portfolio.
Quizzes & Application Assignments:
Quizzes may not be revised, only retaken, at teacher discretion.
Quizzes may only be retaken once. The retake grade will replace the original grade.
Within 1 week of receiving the graded quiz, all of the following must be done.
Correct the mistakes on the original quiz
Demonstrate additional preparation for the skill(s) that were missed
Attend the designated retake session during lunch/recess.

Late Work
Major assignments (rubrics) will be accepted up to two calendar weeks after deadline. For the first week, self direction grade will be lowered. After that week, self direction will be zero. Late work requires a late work cover sheet.

X2 Aspen
Please utilize x2 to follow your child’s progress. If you have difficulty accessing this information or need your password reset, please contact the main office. If you would like to discuss you child’s progress, please do not hesitate to send me an email.

When checking grades on x2, you may encounter a code in place of a grade. Listed below is a brief explanation of what they mean:

Code
Explanation
Mi
The assignment is missing. This calculates as zero until the assignment is completed.
Ab
The child was absent and needs to make up the assignment. This calculates as zero until the assignment was completed. The child has extended time to make up the assignment.
Ex
Excused; The child was excused from the assignment.
R
The assignment has been received, but it has not been graded yet. This assignment has not been included in the overall average.

Useful Links

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