Fundamentals of Mathematics

Placement Information

Placement Process
One critical factor for restful learning is the proper placement of students. If you are unsure which level is the best fit for your student, reach out to the instructor you are considering. Once registered, anticipate contact regarding placement evaluations from instructors by May 15th and throughout the summer. Students must be registered to enter the placement process. Early placement exams may allow time for tutoring or additional review based on the outcomes. See more about placement evaluations in our Student-Parent Handbook.

Math Placement Process
For registered students, please anticipate contact regarding placement evaluations from instructors by May 15th and throughout the summer. Students must be registered in a math course to receive a placement assessment. Math classes have a detailed and specific placement process.
Read more about the math placement process here.

Watch the math placement process video with our department chair, Dr. Fransell Riley, here.

See the Math Scope and Sequence here.

In Fundamentals, students begin a gradual trek toward algebra. At Schole, this trek occurs over a two-year period: Fundamentals and Pre-Algebra. Fundamentals can be thought of as beginning Pre-Algebra. It is a bridge between Arithmetic and Algebra. Students learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide with negative numbers; including negative fractions. They extend their understanding of ratios to proportions and learn to identify proportional relationships. They then begin their transition from concrete thinking to abstract thinking by learning how to handle variables in algebraic expressions (combining like terms). Their ability to solve equations grows to include 2- and 3-step equations and 2-step inequalities.

Their understanding of percentages and ratios is expanded to include the probability of simple and compound events. Geometry plays a larger role in Fundamentals than in prior courses. Students learn to classify angles, identify and solve similar figures, and calculate the area and circumference of circles. They will also calculate the volume and surface area of composite 3d figures.

They will complete portfolio projects that deepen their understanding of the concepts, appreciate the role of mathematics in God’s creation, and lead them to explore real-world applications of mathematics. Throughout the course, students will be led to see mathematics as a tool to solve problems. They will practice different problem-solving strategies: Eliminate Possibilities, Work Backwards, and Unit Analysis.

Experience
The teaching of a new concept opens with a brief review of previously covered content. This review connects the previous lesson to the current lesson. The premise of the current lesson is presented via a question or idea. The students now have a puzzle or idea that they want to explore. As we delve deeper into answering the question at hand, we begin to discover the new mathematical concept. We use our prior knowledge and intuition to uncover a new truth about mathematics. Once this truth has been uncovered, we begin to work examples; first as a class and then as individuals or in groups. As our understanding of the concept deepens, we extend our knowledge base to include specific cases or situations that lead to minor adjustments in the truth that we have uncovered – thus expanding the truth. We use a variety of methods to uncover new truths. The most frequent method is a Socratic-style discussion that the entire class participates in. A discussion takes place that reveals the relevance of this truth in our mathematical studies or our daily lives (real-life application).

Watch a Math Classroom Experience with Joelle Riethmiller.

Delivery
Each teacher has a unique presentation style in delivering the aforementioned experience. Sometimes the teacher leads the discussion using questions; following the example set by Socrates.. Sometimes a problem is presented and the students take the lead in finding a solution based on extending previous knowledge. Sometimes students participate in a hands-on activity to discover new truths. Sometimes a short lecture or presentation is required, however, we aim to minimize lecturing, especially before high school.

Methodology
Students continue to study the new truth and deepen their understanding of it via homework, classwork, projects, and assessments. Since our classes do not meet 5 days per week, students must spend time studying the concepts outside of class. This also helps students grow in their ability to think and work math concepts independently which is required for future math classes. For this reason, we ask that parents minimize the assistance that students are given on assignments. If a student receives an A on an assignment, it should be a true indication of their independent ability as the teacher interprets this A as independent mastery.

Review assignments or classroom review activities are utilized to assist students with opportunities to retain or improve their mastery. Assessments are directly or indirectly cumulative and serve as an opportunity to deepen their learning. Assessments are not meant to be a regurgitation of previous homework assignments.

Preparedness
Students who are adequately prepared to take this course will have mastered (can work independently without prompting):

Absolute Value
Multiply and Divide MultiDigit Whole Number Divisors
Divide Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Convert between Percent, Fraction, and Decimal
Find the percent of a number and unit rates
Graph on the Coordinate Plane
Solve one-step equations,
Calculate mean, median, and mode
Calculate Surface Area and Volume of Composite Figures

Required Materials:
Books and supplies are not included in the purchase of the course.

REVEAL Math Course 2 Student Bundle (Digital Subscription, Volume 1 and Volume 2 printed books)
- Required texts are not included in the purchase of the course.
Personal Size Dry-erase Board with Markers
Three-ring Binder
Loose-leaf Filler Notebook Paper
Loose-leaf Filler Graph Paper
5 Divider Tabs
Sharpened Pencils, Highlighter, Basic Set Colored Pencils/Crayons
Ruler with Customary and Metric Markings
Protractor
Additional materials and/or manipulatives may be requested by the instructor prior to a particular class session

Christina Royals began her journey as an educator in 2005 and holds a B.S in Middle Grades Education with certifications in ELA, Math, and Gifted as well as a Minor in Music. She has spent much of her career as a math instructor in a variety of instructional settings in Georgia. She is joining the Scholé Academy instructional team as a mathematics instructor and is excited to share her joy and passion for the content with young, eager learners. Christina feels it is a blessing and a “calling” to be allowed the opportunity to assist children with their academic progress. She enjoys showing even the most apprehensive students that math doesn’t have to be scary, and they CAN find success! When she isn’t engaged in math teaching, you can find her playing with her sprightly toddler, enjoying walks at parks, or reading in her hammock. She also loves crossword puzzles and math logic puzzles such as KenKen, Sudoku, and Suguru! (Expect to see those pop up during class sessions to challenge the students!) Christina was born, raised and continues to live in sunny Savannah, Georgia with her son and husband. Además, Christina habla español porque su marido es de la República Dominicana! [email protected]

Joelle Riethmiller believes true education impacts the body, mind, and soul of an individual through all subject areas and promotes personal and virtuous growth through life-long learning. Mrs. Riethmiller received a BS in Mathematics-Mathematics Secondary Education from Grove City College (1999). While teaching seventh and eighth grade mathematics in public school, she earned a M-ED in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University (2002). Mrs. Riethmiller chose to step away from the classroom in 2003 to focus her attention on her young and growing family. In 2007, she embarked on the home education journey with two of her three children. Continuing that journey, she is still experiencing the humbling beauty and depth of true and real life-long learning. She believes her 20 years of sacramental marriage, parenting and home educating her now four children, and her personal faith journey have cultivated a desire to seek truth, beauty, and goodness in all aspects of life.
Mrs. Riethmiller strives to ignite a love for learning and desire for virtue in her students that ex-tends beyond the study of mathematics. She is thrilled to participate in the Scholè Academy mission to cultivate student learning that endures. [email protected]

Quarter 1

Integer Operations
Operations with Negative Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Solve Percent Problems (percent proportion and percent equation)
Classify Numbers
Proportional Relationships (equations, tables, graphs)

The order in which topics are presented may vary according to instructor and course section.

Quarter 2

Add and Subtract and Factor Linear Expressions
Solve Two Step Equations (incl. with distribution and fractions)
Solve One-Step and Two-Step Inequalities
Simple motion problems (d=rt)
Clear fractions to rewrite equations without fractions

The order in which topics are presented may vary according to instructor and course section.

Quarter 3

Likelihood and Frequency of Simple Events
Theoretical & Experimental Probability of Simple and Compound Events
Biased and Unbiased Samples
Comparing Populations
Simulations and Prediction

The order in which topics are presented may vary according to instructor and course section.

Quarter 4

Vertical and Adjacent Angles
Complementary and Supplementary Angles
Scale Drawings and Similar Figures
Area and Circumference of Circles and Composite Figures
3D Figures
Volume of Prisms, Pyramids, and Composite Figures
Surface Area of Prisms, Pyramids, and Composite Figures

The order in which topics are presented may vary according to instructor and course section.

Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.

High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.

Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)

Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm

Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:

Visit zoom.us/download.
Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
Open and run the installer on your computer.
In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.

Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.

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First, read the available course descriptions, noting prerequisites, target grades, and course objectives. If you think your student is prepared for the course, go ahead and register. After registration, a placement assessment may be provided to students, depending on the course and the student’s previous enrollment with Scholé Academy. Registration is finalized when the student’s placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.

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Make sure they don't conflict with other activities in your schedule or other courses you are purchasing. Our system will not catch double-bookings!

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Our Assistant to the Principal will be in touch with you after your enrollment to help you with next steps, including any placement evaluations that may be required for your course selections.

This registration will be finalized when the student's placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.