The Honors Math program at Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic School begins in the fifth grade. It is not a separate curriculum. It is, rather, a program which makes provision for the acceleration of the existing curriculum. The program will enable students to perform on a level beyond the designated chronological grade equivalent. The students in this program are identified in grade four (4), and begin formal instruction in grade five (5). The program allows for the enrichment of mathematical studies for those students capable of advanced instruction and pace.
As prescribed by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, students in the Honors Math program are identified using the scores from the Terra Nova test. Students must achieve a 90 percentile or higher in Math, and an 85 percentile or higher in Reading. They must have a CSI (Cognitive Skills Index) of 125. They must have achieved an 85% or higher on their last level test and a trimester report card grade of 90 in Math. In addition, the student must have satisfactory performance in the classroom and homework assignments.
Students may be withdrawn from the Honors Math program due to weak achievement. This decision is made in consultation with the administration and the Honors Math instructor. In the event that a student is removed from the Honors Math program, the student and his/her family will be informed by letter.
The textbooks used are the Envision series grades -- 5, Big Ideas Math levels 1 and 2 grades 6 -- 7 and Prentice Hall Algebra 1/Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core grade 8.
STUDY SKILLS~~~Students should review class notes, review and then rework previously completed homework problems, and review and rework quiz problems and pay attention to feedback to make connections for ongoing problem understanding. This should be done consistently each night and should not be rushed.
DAILY HOMEWORK~~~Completion of homework is an essential part of the program. Homework is given every night and includes study habit development. There is a direct correlation between completed assignments and academic success. It helps to develop good work habits, personal responsibility, time management and independent success. It also develops critical thinking skills and helps students synthesize new materials.
COPYBOOK NOTES~~Taking notes helps to develop listening skills, focuses the student on the lesson and gives a clear and accurate record of the lesson for future reference and learning. Students should:
As prescribed by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, students in the Honors Math program are identified using the scores from the Terra Nova test. Students must achieve a 90 percentile or higher in Math, and an 85 percentile or higher in Reading. They must have a CSI (Cognitive Skills Index) of 125. They must have achieved an 85% or higher on their last level test and a trimester report card grade of 90 in Math. In addition, the student must have satisfactory performance in the classroom and homework assignments.
Students may be withdrawn from the Honors Math program due to weak achievement. This decision is made in consultation with the administration and the Honors Math instructor. In the event that a student is removed from the Honors Math program, the student and his/her family will be informed by letter.
The textbooks used are the Envision series grades -- 5, Big Ideas Math levels 1 and 2 grades 6 -- 7 and Prentice Hall Algebra 1/Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core grade 8.
STUDY SKILLS~~~Students should review class notes, review and then rework previously completed homework problems, and review and rework quiz problems and pay attention to feedback to make connections for ongoing problem understanding. This should be done consistently each night and should not be rushed.
DAILY HOMEWORK~~~Completion of homework is an essential part of the program. Homework is given every night and includes study habit development. There is a direct correlation between completed assignments and academic success. It helps to develop good work habits, personal responsibility, time management and independent success. It also develops critical thinking skills and helps students synthesize new materials.
COPYBOOK NOTES~~Taking notes helps to develop listening skills, focuses the student on the lesson and gives a clear and accurate record of the lesson for future reference and learning. Students should:
- write the date and title of the lesson;
- write the math problem and each step of the solution;
- write in YOUR own words (NOTE MAPPING);
- place a question mark if you do not understand a concept;
- highlight the titles of each lesson to give the big picture;
- review notes and sample problems when starting homework;
- write down all key words, ideas and formulas