7BOBO-dHHHHHH-,H-X-| - -Z(l`$xHH@Xe(HH @'X-  @l@/AXj-h- +-`.-9v -t!4 SDSETn  $-<-$-. -\ ABAB   N O w xUV  2--- -8 - To the parent(s) or guardian(s) of ____________________________: Please dont panic, this letter is not about your students performance. This letter is to let you know what is happening in the students math class. My name is Margaret Olson, one of the applied mathematics instructors at Stanwood High School. I will be your students teacher in the Applied Mathematics II course this year. As in many math courses, this class includes a wide variety of students. Those who are comfortable learning math, those who dislike math, those students who learn quickly and those who learn at a slower pace. To accomodate all types of students, we have decided to incorporate some new educational techniques so that every student has an equal chance to learn the material. 1. This course will consist of individualized instruction. Many people assume that this means the teacher gives the students the materials and sits down. The actual classroom situation includes 20 minutes of classroom instruction (what we work on depends on the students needs) and up to 30 minutes of individual work (with teacher assistance as needed). The most important idea is for the student to ask questions so that I can help them on what they need to learn. 2. Students complete packets. I have included the students information so that you can see the program in detail. If the student knows that materials for a unit and can pass a test with 80% competency, there is no need for them to relearn the information so they move on. If they do not know the information they complete some helpful learning activities with the teachers assistance. If they do not pass the test after doing some assignments, they do more as necessary until they have learned the materials for the unit. 3. Minimum competency. By the end of the course, we are required to teach to a certain unit or level. That means that the students have to get through 15 units to acheive a final grade. If your student does not complete the information by the end of the quarter or semester she/he will receive a No Credit (NC) grade. That does not mean they have failed, it allows them another semester to complete the materials. In this manner they have the opportunity to learn the materials, not skip it. Those students who learn at a faster rate have several options, what they choose to do depends on their needs as a student. To allow this course to run smoothly for everyone, we need to have very high expectations for classroom behavior and performance. 1. Students are graded on classroom participation and effort. If they work in class, the amount of homework will be minimal and the students have the opportunity to get assistance from the teacher or aide. Participation in class can affect the students grade by one full grade. See grading system page for full details. 2. Students are required to turn in specific work in their packets. This increases the ease of grading and allows for more rapid return of assignments. 3. Students do labs on Fridays which apply the math skills learned. They also have roll assignments (quizzes) on most days which include typical everyday math skills. Because of these activities, attendance is extremely important. If they are absent they receive 0 points for participation and effort for that day. Activities can be made up but this must be done on their own time. During the first unit, students will learn how the classroom system works. They need to be sure to ask questions. The idea behind this  program is to let students achieve to the best of their ability not slow them down. Students will receive progress reports every three weeks, please ask for these and sign them so you can see your students progress. Because each class is different alterations to the schedule or system may be needed. As these occur, I will include this information in the students progress reports. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (206)629-2167. Thank you for your time. Margaret OlsonDSET|(H-=T9 6*=T9DSET|(H-d996*=9