Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapters 6 & 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12

Course Description
This proofed-based course consists of all the topics generally included in a Euclidean Geometry course such as geometric definitions and symbols, angles, triangles and congruencies, geometric inequalities, parallel lines in a plane, quadrilaterals, triangle similarity, areas of polygons, and circles, volumes and surface areas of solids, and some geometry in three dimensions. It emphasizes the logic and abstract reasoning necessary to do paragraph proofs, formal two column proofs, and indirect proofs.

Students at this level are typically able to understand and analyze complex situations with guidance, respond well to criticism, sometimes apply concepts to model situations, almost always answer word problems of a type previously studied, know what she/he doesn’t know, have some metacognitive abilities, recall previous skills and topics, demonstrate proficiency with minimal review, understand alternative solutions when presented, understand and use several related models, be self-motivated in seeking extra help, complete homework in a reasonable amount of time, complete tests in the allotted time, and read the text to reinforce the lesson.

Geometry is quite different from Algebra 1 in two significant ways. First, geometry is far more visual, and students with good spatial sense typically find this aspect of the course is easier for them. Secondly, geometry is the first course in which students are exposed to mathematical proof. Most students find that this is the most difficult part of the course for them. This, coupled with the transition to the high school setting, can present a challenge for even very capable students. A combination of support from home and support in school can serve to make a significant difference in student achievement.

Some suggestions to help support your student at home:

• Read over the expectations sheet with your student. If your student can't find it, you can view a copy here.
• Read over the Tips for Success sheet with your student. If your student can't find it, you can view a copy here. There are many pieces of good advice for your student here.
• Several years ago, we noticed that without substantial reinforcement, our geometry students were forgetting the skills they had learned in Algebra 1. As a result, we make sure to assign geometry problems that use these skills. We also will be giving quizzes on these skills, especially during the first semester. There will be minimal class time spent reviewing this material, as students at this level are expected to retain the skills learned in previous courses. There are , however, review sheets with answers available so that students can practice. The link to the review material is here.
  
• All students now have school-based email accounts. I have established a conference for this class, where I will post class notes from the Activboard, as well as test and quiz dates are they are announced. Please understand that I don't consider this to be a substitute for students taking their own notes!! I believe that for most students, taking good notes is an important part of the learning process, but I understand that a student may miss writing something down, or they may want to check the accuracy of their notes. I also hope it will be helpful to students who have to miss class. Please do be sure to encourage your student to take advantage of these posted notes!
• If your student is saying that he/she does not know what the homework is, or when tests are, please know that assignment sheets are handed out at the beginning of each chapter, and posted on my course home page. Dates of tests and quizzes can be found on the calendar in the class conference. Tests and quizzes are always announced several days in advance, so that students may have ample time to find me for extra help.
• Extra review material is available for each chapter. (The link is here.) Please note that this review material is NOT comprehensive - the best way for your student to prepare for a test or quiz is to review and redo lots of the homework problems. There is more advice about studying for tests in the Tips for Success document.
• Encourage your student to come to see me if he/she is struggling or has concerns about his/her grade. I am at school almost every morning by 7:00 and most afternoons (except Wednesdays). I also try to be available during the school day whenever possible. Most students only need one or two help sessions to get on the right track. I have also found that once a student comes to see me even once, they are more likely to ask questions in class or to come by with "quick" questions or for more substantial help. As a result, not only does the grade improve, but also the student's feelings about making the effort. Please know that if you or your student sends me an email after school hours, I may not receive it until the next day.
• Extra help is also available in the Math Resource Center (MARC). The MARC is staffed every period of the day (except D Block) by a math teacher whose reason for being there is to assist students. So, if your student has a free block when I am teaching another class, please encourage him/her to take advantage of the MARC.
• If your student is feeling overwhelmed, or having difficulty earning a satisfactory grade, please schedule an appointment for us to sit down. The most productive meetings do include the student. This may seem intimidating to the student, byt he/she will walk away with a better understanding of the concerns and what he/she can do to improve.

Students who attend class, study, remain organized, and turn assignments in on time will not only learn master the material in the course, but will also become better problem solvers. Many students entering this course have been successful in previous math classes without having had to expend much effort. They easily mastered the concepts, and had no reason to develop good math study skills. I do appreciate this, and I am happy to assist students with developing these skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know how my student is doing in your class?
There is of course, a report card issued at the end of each quarter. In addition, I will also email a progress report at the middle of each quarter, regardless of how your student is doing. In addition, I try to post course grades every week or two. At the beginning of each year I will send you information on how to access these grades. Once you have the information, the link for grades is here. If I have any particular concerns, I will do my best to let you know as soon as possible.

How can my student improve his/her grade in your class?
See above, especially the Tips for Success document. Doing independent work every day is the best way to improve. Many students rush through the homework just to "get it done." When they spend more time doing the problems thoughtfully and completely, they usually see better results. In addition, taking the time to get one-on-one instruction, either to go over old tests and/or to get additional help on problem solving and study skills will generally boost a student's confidence and help him/her to improve his/her performance in the class.

What course should my student take next year?
Most students will take CP1 Algebra 2 next year. In addition to grades on geometry assessments, I will also look carefully at the grades that your student achieves on the algebra review quizzes. There will also be an algebra placement exam given in mid-February. We have found that using these algebra assessments is very useful in predicting success in Algebra 2. I will be happy to discuss course selections in March, when students are signing up for courses.

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