Mr. Altman's Mastery & Homework
Homework The Homework score is based entirely on effort. The scale is 0 to 9 which includes 2 points for taking notes and 7 points for working problems. Notes and problems need to be on separate paper. Notes are taken in-class and/or from the book. Notes need to include Section #, Topic, Key words, definitions, and examples. I will randomly select 10 to 15 assignments to be graded each quarter. Mastery Plan At FIHS, teachers take an extra step to try and eliminate any gaps that may exist in a student's skills. This is important for all subjects, but especially so in Math where having a learning gap in one chapter can impair learning and grades in all subsequent chapters. Any test grade below 80% activates a student's opportunity to eliminate the gap, while improving their knowledge and test grade. This year I won't be using a Mastery Test, but rather will be examining a Mastery Portfolio consisting of your notes and rework problems. What are rework problems? The day before a test I will re-assign a subset of previously assigned homework problems. Reworking these problems the night before a test will hone your skills and improve your confidence. EVERY STUDENT SHOULD REWORK THESE PROBLEMS THE NIGHT BEFORE A TEST. New for this year, rework problems submitted during the test period will be graded only on completeness! Whereas, rework problems submitted later will be graded for both correctness and completeness. If you score below an 80% on a test, you have up to 2 weeks after the test is returned to submit your Mastery Portfolio after school. If the portfolio is accepted, your original test grade will be averaged with an 80%; the result will be your new test grade.