Math 8 is a year-long course that develops crucial skills for success in high school math courses.   Algebra 1 follows this Pre-Algebra course in series.  Concepts include patterns, integer operations, equation solving, factors, fractions, multi-step equations, ratios, right triangles, graphing, probability, polynomials, and functions. Each week in class, Teacher will initiate class with warm-up exercises, answer student-initiated questions from the homework, teach new concepts with guided practice, and assess student understanding of those concepts.   Teacher demonstrates an orderly method to attacking problems sometimes involving pneumonic devices, silly songs, audio cues, and stories to link steps together.  Creative problem solving is encouraged and students will have opportunities to share their methods, learning from Teacher and from each other.  Instructional strategies include hands-on activities, collaborative exercises and review games.  

Students should expect daily homework assignments, regular tests, and a final exam (each semester).  Parents should be prepared to provide their student with homework oversight and supervision while students complete take-home tests.  Parents and students should expect Teacher to provide instruction, identify skills that need further practice and those that are mastered, and support learning with regular feedback.  Parent-teacher-student communication is crucial to math skill progression.  This class is a safe place where students will be encouraged to take risks, work hard, and find success in math.