 | MEET THE TEACHER: I have been teaching middle school math in the South Bronx for over six years. I grew up in the Castle Hill area of the Bronx and I now live upstate. I received my Bachelor's degree from St. John's University in Queens in Computer Science and my Master's degree in Math Education is from CCNY City College. -Ms. Roman |  |
Throughout grades 3-8 in New York State, math content is divided into the following 5 content strands: Number Sense, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement and Probability and Statistics. In the 6th grade, specifically, Number Sense includes reading and writing whole numbers to the trillions, number properties (commutative, associative, distributive, identity, zero and inverse), number sets (rational, irrational, integers, counting numbers, whole numbers), using the order of operations to solve multi-step problems including exponents and locating and ordering rational numbers (decimals, fractions and percents) on a number line. Algebra includes translating, substituting and solving multi-step problems, solving proportions and evaluating formulas. Geometry includes developing, determining and calculating formulas (area, volume, and circumference) for circles, triangles and quadrilaterals as well as proportional reasoning and relationships between circle parts (radius, diameter, circumference and sector of a circle). Measurement includes determining tools and references for capacity, estimating, and identifying equivalent metric and customary units. Lastly, Probability and Statistics includes reading and interpreting different graphs, recording collecting and interpreting data (mean median, mode, and range), listing outcomes and determining the outcomes of dependent and compound events.
Text: There is no assigned textbook.
Scholars will be issued New York Review Series Grade 6 Mathematics workbooks.
Scope and Sequence:
Marking Period 1
Ø Unit 1: Number Properties, Number Sets, Exponents and Order of Operations
Project: Confusing Calculators
Unit 1 Test 1: Number properties and Number Sets
Unit 1 Test 2: Order of Operations and Exponents
Ø Unit 2: Fractions, Decimals, Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Project: Pattern Block Project
Unit 2 Test: Fractions, Decimals, Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Marking Period 2Ø Unit 3: Percents
Project: Future Budget Plan
Unit 3 Test: Converting percents and solving ratio and percent proportions
Ø Unit 4: Algebra
Project: Correcting Ms. Roman (pending)
Unit 4 Test: Translating and solving 1 and 2 step equations and expressions
Marking Period 3
Ø Unit 5: GeometryProject: Geometry Comic Book (pending)
Unit 5 Test: Area, Perimeter, Volume and applying other formulas
Ø Unit 6: Measurement and Probability
Project: Average 6th Grader Project
Unit 6 Test: Converting capacity, mean, median, mode, range, graphs and outcomes
Marking Period 4
Ø Unit 7: Post-May Statistics
Project: Carnival Games Booth
Unit 7 Test: Comprehensive Final
Absences: Upon return from an absence, scholars must visit the absent center and collect work that was missed. Scholars have 2 nights to turn in makeup work to the appropriate bin in class. All assignments (classwork and homework) are expected to be complete when returned. Absence on a test day will result in scholar make-ups after school upon returning. Scholars who miss more than one test will not be allowed to make up the missing test(s). If a scholar is anticipating an absence on a test day, they are expected to make arrangements to take the test ahead of time. Each day absent, a scholar misses a daily quiz, classwork, homework, participation score, notes and project time. So please make sure absences are kept to a minimum and only occur when absolutely necessary.
Grading categories:
Daily quiz*
Classwork
Homework
Test/project
Participation
*the 3 lowest daily quiz scores will be dropped at the end of the marking period
Homework: will be assigned daily. The day before any unit test, scholars are expected to study for the test. Every Friday scholars will receive 1-2 short/extended response questions for homework. These are modeled after state test questions and it is very important that the scholars use their notes and knowledge to complete these to the best of their ability. Homework will not be assigned on half-days or during state testing or school-wide interim testing. A math homework packet will be distributed for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess.
Projects: are expected on the due date and will lose credit for each day late. Projects will be worked on during class time with explicit teacher directives. Any project that cannot be completed during class time will be expected to be completed for homework.
State Test: will be administered in May 2012 (check back for exact dates)
Expectations:
Ø Scholars are expected to come to class on time and be prepared to work. This means they should have all necessary materials including homework, sharpened pencils, erasers, binders and math workbook daily.
Ø Work should be completed in the best possible manner. This means it should be neat, legible, completed in pencil and stored in a folder.
Ø Scholars are responsible for all material that they miss due to absence including notes.
Ø Scholars are expected to participate in all classroom activities and to cooperate in lessons and discussions. This includes following directions, listening, setting up, cleaning up, and respecting one another.
Extra Help: will be offered on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 - 4:00 for marking periods 1 and 2 (additional times may be added for marking periods 3 and 4). Scholars can always check mathwithmsroman.educatorpages.com for additional review materials and announcements.
*Saturday Academy will be offered to select students for additional test preparation as the state test approaches. Students will be invited by invitation only. Dates and times pending.
Additional Information:
Ø In addition to regular progress reports, grades are available online throughout the school year at www.teacherease.com. Parents and students can register for the website by sending me an email at mroman7@schools.nyc.gov. Please include your name, scholar’s name and class in the email, you should receive a confirmation email from teacherease.com once registration is complete.
Ø A math carnival will take place in June for all scholars. All proceeds from the carnival will be used to benefit the math department. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering for the carnival or if you are available to chaperone any trips throughout the school year.