Course Description 
Welcome to Leopard Math! This year we will concentrate on several critical 
areas of the Common Core State Standards for 8th grade mathematics, which 
include the number system, expressions and equations, functions, and 
geometry.  
 
Throughout the course, students will make sense of problems and persevere in 
solving them, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments 
and critique the reasoning of others, use appropriate tools strategically, and 
look for and make use of structure.  
 
8th Grade Course Objectives 
1. Leopard math students will formulate and reason about expressions and 
equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear 
equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations 
2. Leopard math students will grasp the concept of a function and use 
functions to describe quantitative relationships. 
3. Leopard math students will understand and apply the Pythagorean 
Theorem. 
 

Quarterly Skills 
1​st​ Q
​ uarter 
● The Number System​: Know that there are numbers that are not rational, 
and approximate them by rational numbers. 
● Expressions and Equations​: Work with radicals and integer exponents.  
2​nd​ Quarter 
● Expressions and Equations​: Understand the connections between 
proportional relationships, lines and linear equations. Analyze and solve 
linear equations. 
3​rd​ Quarter 
● Expressions and Equations: A ​ nalyze and solve linear pairs of 
simultaneous linear equations. 
● Functions​: Define, evaluate, and compare functions. Use functions to 
model relationships between quantities.  
4​th​ Quarter 
● Geometry:​ ​Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. 
● ACT Review and test-taking strategies 

 
 
 
 

  
  

 
Grading  
Student achievement will be assessed and reported using a four-point 
proficiency scale instead of the current percentage grade on specific 
standard, skills or topics.​ The simplified scale gives students, teachers, and 
parents a quicker and clearer reference to easily determine which standards 
have been mastered and which need further study. These levels of 
proficiency will then be translated or converted to an easily recognizable 
letter grade. 
  
How will Standards-Based Grading improve student learning? 
The foundation of Standards-Based Grading is in the practice of Formative 
Assessment, namely the process of regularly assessing and monitoring 
student achievement and modifying instructional strategies and approaches 
to support student learning. SBG encourages a shift in focus away from the 
accumulation of points needed to earn a certain grade to instead an 
awareness of what students know and are able to do in reference to each 
specific S​ tandard, Skill or Topic. C
​ ourse expectations are more specific and 
clear, assessed and monitored closely, and will now be directly reflected in 
the grades students earn. 

Assignments​ w
​ ill be given every class period. Assignments are to be completed on loose leaf paper and 
will be checked the following class period. All handwritten work (assignments, notes, quizzes, and tests) must 
be legible. ​Always include your name, date, period, and assignment title.  
Students on suspension, excused, or unexcused absences will be afforded the opportunity to make up work. 
However, you are responsible for requesting make-up assignments from the teacher.  

Quizzes w
​ ill be given each class period as exit tickets to check for understanding. You will be allowed to use 
your composition notebook while taking quizzes. However, no make-up quizzes will be allowed if you miss class.  

Pre- and Post-Tests​ ​will be given before and after a skill/concept is covered to help determine 
proficiency. You will not be allowed to use your composition notebook while taking tests. Tests will be 
announced the class period prior to the test date. Make-up tests will only be given during the ExCEL period.  

​ ill be given each quarter.

Final Exam / Project​ w Final Exams will be given before the end of every 
quarter. Final exams will include all skills/concepts taught during the quarter and composition notebooks will 
not be allowed. Final exams will be announced weeks prior to the exam date. Make-up exams will only be given 
during the ExCEL period. Project details will be provided at a later time.