60 Minutes on Sunday

Here is a report on where our jobs are going and why we have tax issues in the USA.

As we have been talking about in class, where will we be getting jobs in the future and what is our country going to look like if our corporate outsourcing continues? Good jobs will still require math!

sorry for the ad, I couldn't figure a way to remove it. If anyone knows Java, please let me know how it can be fixed.

Test Corrections (re-take)

Both Algebra and Geometry students have an opportunity to do a re-take on their last test because of the low performance  in both classes.  In order to take advantage of this opportunity, you will need to complete the following steps:

All need to be accomplished at school in a math classroom

1. On a separate sheet of paper, redo the incorrect problems on your test correctly.  When finished, you will meet with me and we will go over your test
2. You will complete a 'new' review assignment.  When finished, you will meet with me and we will go over the assignment. 
3. Retake the chapter test.  You may not do this step the same day as step 2.  This test will be averaged in with your first test, regardless of performance on retake.

Here is a great opportunity to raise your comprehension level while also raising your grade.  Please take advantage of it.  If you don't, please do not ask me for extra credit opportunities the last few weeks of the quarter or semester, because there won't be.

Any questions, please let me know.  These retakes need to be finished before spring break (March 11, 2011).

Mr Hanson 

Welcome "Back"

It has been a while since I last posted and a lot has happened.  We came 'back' from winter break, but I seemed to lose my "good back" and it was replaced with one that was less than desirable.  Finally, it is starting to get better and I am able to sit or stand through the majority of the day.  As for the end of the 1st semester, it has happened already and if there are any students that need to see me about makeup work, please do so ASAP

PowerSchoool Gradebook updated daily!

Couple items of note, with 1 week left before winter break.

1)  Currently, I am using an iPad as a classroom tool for the teacher.  The reason why I want to use it is for the powerteacher application which will allow me to update the gradebook while walking around the room.  Currently, I walk around the room with a sheet of paper and tally grades on that.  After about a week, I will mass update the gradebook, usually when there is an assessment given.  This has always been a cumbersome process, especially when someone is gone, and turns in late work.

I see the iOS application benefiting many people.  With timely updates (as in the minute I see the student's HW), the gradebook will reflect their scores (effort and completeness).  I will also be able to show if an assignment is missing, or when turned in was late.  This will allow anyone, parents, kids, or even case managers to see instantaneous updates which I feel can benefit all involved.  Without the application and the light wieght tech gadget, this process takes much more time.  Is it worth the price of the iPad, only time will tell.

2) 1 week to go before break.  All assignments are updated on the gradebook.  If you see any assignment missing or skipped, that means I don't have it and it will turn into a 0 by the end of the week.  Please turn them in.


Have a great week! 

Survey Monday

Geometry:  I know you do not have any assignment for Monday, but I am asking you to reflect on this past week and Monday, I will ask you to share your thoughts via a survey.  I am looking for feedback based on our week of online lessons.  Positives?  Negative?  How can I improve?  Do you feel that you learned the material better?  Did you perform better on your HW?  How was your overall performance this week compared to other weeks?  Did you like it?  Hate it?  Do you want more?  Less?

You have an opportunity to shape the direction of learning for the end of the 1st semester.  Look forward to hearing all of you.

Here is the link for your survey:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFotOEpRUm9mNndsQzF5Wl9HZGZGVHc6MQ

Wednesday & Thursday I will be attending SLATE

This week, we get to try something really cool.  I am attending a conference in the Wisconsin Dells about Technology in Education and we are going to get to try our lessons online, in class, while I am gone.

Algebra, you will have a quiz on Wednesday, and do an online lesson on Thursday.

Geometry, you will will be doing online learning both Wednesday and Thursday.  Make sure you check your answers from the previous HW, ask questions, and then get going on the next lesson.

When I get back on Friday, I would like to receive constructive feedback from all of you on what you have just done.  ENJOY!

Getting back into shape after break

Welcome back from our 5 day break.  Hopefully you feel a little rejuvenated, and are ready to give it your all for the next 3.5 weeks before our longer Winter Break.  I welcome the snow, because there is nothing worse (in my opinion) than a cold and rainy November/December.  Let's get skiing!!!

Algebra, your next assessment will be next week Wednesday.  Geometry, your next assessment will be Friday of this week.  It is longer than a quiz, and shorter than a test.

quiz < x < test


So let us call it a Quest.