FAQ's

How is this class different from regular math?

Most math classes you've encountered so far have repeated the same basic skills each year. You may learn a few new
things, but nothing major.  Because this isn't regular math, we will have to combine 7th grade math, 8th grade math,
and some pre-algebra skills all in one year.  Neatness and showing all steps are now requirements in order to receive full
credit.   I follow a pretty strict "no work, no credit" rule.  You will be given more notes than you were probably EVER
given in math before.  I don't want you to get home after a hard day at school and go "AAAUUUGGHH!!!! I can't remember
how to do this!!!"  Trust me - it happens to the best students! You may have to STUDY for the first time - but if you TRUST ME,
I'll show you how to set up your notes and homework to make that easy also.  

Why are you being so tough on us?

Advanced math is designed for those students who want to take every math the high school has to offer (all the way to AP Calculus!).  Most advanced students are placed in their FIRST high school math course while in 8th grade - Algebra I.   Algebra I is a high schoool course, you will receive a credit for it, and you will take the Algebra I state test (which you have to pass to graduate).  
~~~~Scary stuff, huh?~~~~
Well, that's just the point - I don't WANT you to be scared.  I want you to be able to succeed in all your future math courses with as few difficulties as possible.  Because I've taught at the high school level,  I know what they expect from you mathematically.  My job is to get you ready for those courses.  For some, it will be a difficult transition from last year to the expectations I have this year IF you don't TRUST ME! I won't "baby" you, but I will do whatever I can to make sure you have all the skills you need to succeed in any math class.  We start with how to take notes, how to grade/correct your homework, how to use homework as a study tool, how to neatly show all our steps, and that it is always ok to ask for help!  

How did I get in here?

There are several factors for advanced math - your past MCT scores, your score on the Orleans-Hannah test, your grades, etc.  Standards are set in ALL categories that must be met to be placed in advanced math.  CONGRATS!  

Math has always been easy.  Now, it takes a few examples for me to catch on.
Is something wrong with me or with you?

Neither.  I know that your first reaction is to freak out because you don't immediately understand.  EVERY  advanced student faces that fear at one time or another.  But like I say in class - trust me and trust yourself.  Remember that I'm not going to "run off" and leave you behind, but this is something new your brain has to adjust to.  Think of it this way -  your brain builds "bridges of knowledge" everytime you learn something new.  Some bridges are easy to build while some take a bit longer.  But you have to trust that the bridge will be there even if you have to wait a few minutes for your brain to go, "Ohh!!! I get it!"  .  

My textbook says "Pre-Algebra", so why do you call it Advanced Math?

Well, there is no "Advanced Math" curriculum.  We do a little of this and a little of that.  It's supposed to be more challenging than regular math, but not quite as advanced as pre-algebra.  The book we use SAYS pre-algebra, but it's exactly what we need to make the class work.  Not too hard, but definitely not easy.

Hey - we're doing stuff in here that my brother does in Algebra II!!!

Ok - you caught me.  Sometimes I will "sneak" material in from a higher level math class.   Sometimes you guys are on a roll and I'll throw something in. Also, I just like to give you something to brag about.  Math is the great equalizer - it may be your only defense against  an older brother or sister!  But use it wisely!!! (I know - I sound like Yoda sometimes!)

Will I automatically be placed in Algebra I next year?

Not every advanced student will make it into Algebra I.  Even though you were placed in here by the standards I mentioned above, your brain may not be ready for Algebra I at the end of the year.  We set up another set of standards (similar to those to qualify for this class) to place you into pre-algebra or Algebra I in 8th grade.  Does it mean you're stupid? Absolutely not!!! Just like the rest of you, your brain has a lot of maturing to do.  Even after my class, it may not be ready to handle what Algebra I has to offer.  Think of it this way - if you're a great t-ball player, should they put you on the high school baseball team?  NO!  You're great at what you're doing, but you're just not ready for that yet.  

How will I know if I need to go back to regular math?

It's different for every student.  Chapters 1 and 2 are the easiest in the course.  If you have major problems with those two chapters, it will be very difficult as time goes by.  Because we build on everything we learn, you can't just "fake it" if you don't know something.  But please talk to me before you drop - we may just have to change your study habits.

I want to take all the math at the high school, but what if I'm placed in pre-algebra
next year?

It's still not a problem.  The high school is on a block schedule, so you have 8 opportunities to take all your classes ( Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Cal/Trig, AP Calculus, and maybe AP Stats). Pre-algebra in 8th grade will begin as a review of what you did in advanced math, but you will learn a lot of new stuff!

Why are you so... uh... um... (how do I put this nicely?)....weird??

I wish I knew...  In school, I was pretty shy and I was not really "out there".  When I got to college, I had a math professor who make me feel like a total idiot.  I'd always been successful at math and he almost destroyed my self-esteem.  But instead of being crushed, I got REALLY mad. Who did this guy think he was?  What right did he have to make make me feel stupid?  I decided to teach students to be confident and realize that with effort, they could do whatever they wanted.   Sometimes I have to make a fool out of myself to help you learn stuff and I'm totally ok with that.  I may be weird, but at least it comes with a purpose.