The Math Department is proud to share some exciting news for the 2019-20 school year.
As part of our commitment to create a stimulating and respectful learning environment which ensures individual students become autonomous leaders in their pursuit of a well-rounded, multi-faceted education grounded in innovation, aspiration, and imagination, a group of our teachers has participated in training this summer that will help us meet the needs of each and every one of our students, equipping them with the core habits and skills to succeed beyond our school walls.
We know that having the ability to take ownership of your learning—setting goals and deeply understanding how you learn best—is key to success in life. We also know that every student is different and needs the right support to become a confident, self-directed learner. At Ridgewood, we want our students to understand how what they’re learning in school each day is linked to their own personal goals, and we want them to graduate with a long-term goal and plan rooted in their passions and interests—willing and able to advocate for themselves as they navigate their way through life.
In line with this vision, our teachers will have dedicated time each week to work one-on-one with students to support their learning goals. Students will be able to choose how they learn content and will then apply their knowledge to real-world situations as we expand project-based learning.
Some of the tools we will be using to support competency based learning will be Summit Learning Platform, Mathxlforschool, and Mathspace.
Grading Policy
In the gradebook you will notice some differences in the terminology:
- Exceeds
- Advanced
- Proficient
- Not Met
Grade Breakdown
Habits of Success (30%)
- Learning habits that will lead to building an understanding of mathematics & will develop skills that will benefit students for lifelong success.
- Will be graded based on a rubric every three weeks; an average of all scores will be used for the grade.
- Rubric
21st Century Skills (20%)
- Students will work on developing their skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and in delivering presentations.
- Assessment will be done through projects and will be graded based on various rubrics
- Rubrics
Math Concepts (50%)
Student must be at least Proficient in all competencies to complete the class.
- Delivered through the Summit Learning platform with the combination of “Focus Areas” and “Concept Skills”
- Students will develop understanding of their mathematical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving skills
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I be able to monitor my child’s progress in the class?
Grades will still be updated in Skyward, but you can also access Summit Learning to check their progress in the “Math Concepts” as well.
If the students can progress at their own pace, then what happens if they finish the course early?
If students finish all of the requirements for the course, then they are able to move on to the next course in the progression. Or, if they are in a regular class, they may continue with extra material to receive honors credit.
What can my child do to improve their Habits of Success?
Students will be given a rubric with ways to display these habits, feedback on what they can do to improve, and will be given many opportunities throughout the year to show progress in these habits.
What happens if my child falls behind?
We have set up remediation opportunities in rebel period and after school support time.
What is Summit Learning?
Here a few resources if you’d like to learn more:
- Visit the Summit Learning website.
- Watch this video of students and teachers talking about Summit Learning Platform.
Why does my child need to show at least Proficient in all the math competencies?
Simply going through the motions of school, getting by with “C” and “D” grades, and moving ahead to the next course after nine months of school, is no longer an option for students. Some students take more time to master concepts and skills, and competency based learning gives students the flexibility and support to ensure all students can be successful in both college and careers.
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Lasky (STEM Division Head) at elasky@ridgenet.org or by phone at 708-697-6311.