Tips for Taking Notes in Math Class

Taking notes in math is very different from taking notes in science or social studies. Because it has lots of equations and diagrams and few words, its difficult to understand the material once you get home. Here are a few tips on how to be a good math note taker:

Tip 1: What is the topic?

Write down the "title" of the lesson. If you don't know, ask the teacher.

Tip 2: Summarize the process:

Write down the math problem and each step in the solution using math symbols.

                    Listen to the teachers explanation and summarize
                    what he/she is saying

Next to each step write down "in your own words" exactly what you are doing.

Tip 3: Write down a "question mark" next to anything you don't understand.

Ask the teacher to explain the parts where you have written your "question marks". Don't just "let it go" thinking that you will figure it out later. Many times, it doesn't happen.

Tip 4: Overview:

When you get home, before you start your homework, "highlight in color" the titles you have written in your notes. The highlighted information will help to give you the "big picture" of what you are doing.

          Tip 5: Be organized

                    Keep your notes in a well maintained note book for MATH ONLY.
                    You should be able to find what you are looking for months later.

Tip 6: Dont fall behind!

Being absent or tardy will cause you to miss important notes and explanations.

You need to catch up asap.

(Source: TI website)

What Do you Need to Graduate?

Students ask me all the time what they need to get a regents diploma. So I am posting for you below the NY State requirements for a Regents Diploma, Advanced Regents Diploma and a Local Diploma. Read it carefully and understand early on what it takes to graduate.

Summary of Diploma Requirements for Students Who

Enter Grade 9 after 2008

Regents Diploma

Total Number of Units of Credit:  22

English Language Arts - 4 units
Social Studies - 4 units - (including 1 unit of American history, ½ unit of Participation In Government, and ½ unit of Economics)
Mathematics - 3 units - (may include Integrated Algebra, Geometry, or Algebra 2/Trigonometry)
Science - 3 units - (including at least one course in life science, one in physical science, and third in either life sciences or physical science)
Health - ½ unit
The Arts - 1 unit - (including dance, music, theatre, and/or visual arts)
Languages Other Than English** - 1 unit
Physical Education - 2 units
Sequence Courses or Electives - 3½ units
Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST): A commencement-level course in technology education may be used as the third unit of credit in science or mathematics, but not both. Also, students may meet the learning standards in technology either in a technology education course or through an integrated course combining technology with mathematics and/or science.

Examinations:  5

Students must pass Regents examinations as follows:

• Comprehensive English
• Global History and Geography
• United States History and Government
• One (1) in Mathematics (Integrated Algebra, Geometry or Algebra 2/Trigonometry); and
• One (1) in Science.

Alternative Assessments approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 100.2(f) of Part 100 may be used in place of the required State assessments.

Local Additions to State Requirements for the Diploma
School districts may establish diploma requirements in addition to those required by Part 100 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.

** A student identified as having a disability which adversely affects the ability to learn a language may be exempted from the LOTE requirements if the student’s individualized education program states that such requirements are not appropriate.

Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation

Total Number of Units of Credit:  22

English Language Arts - 4 units
Social Studies - 4 units  (including 1 unit of American history, ½ unit of Participation In Government, and ½ unit of economics)  
Mathematics - 3 units (including Integrated Algebra, Geometry or Algebra 2/Trigonometry);
Science - 3 units (including at least one course in life science, one in physical science, and a third in either life sciences or physical science)
Health - ½ unit
The Arts - 1 unit (including dance, music, theatre, or visual arts)
Languages Other Than English** - 1 unit (plus an additional 2 LOTE units or a five- unit sequence in Career and Technical Education, or a five-unit sequence in the Arts).
Physical Education - 2 units
Sequence Courses or Electives - 3½ units
Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST): A commencement-level course in technology education may be used as the third unit of credit in science or mathematics, but not both. Also, students may meet the learning standards in technology either in a technology education course or through an integrated course combining technology with mathematics and/or science.

Examinations: 7, 8, or 9

Students must pass Regents examinations as follows:

• Comprehensive English
• United States History and Government
• Global History and Geography
• Three (3)  in Mathematics (Integrated Algebra  and Geometry, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry)
• Two (2) in Science (at least one in life science and at least one in physical science); and
• Language Other Than English (unless exempt through IEP or using a five-unit sequence substitution provision)

Alternative Assessments approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 100.2(f) of Part 100 may be used in place of the required State assessments.

** A student identified as having a disability which adversely affects the ability to learn a language may be exempted from the LOTE requirements if the student’s individualized education program states that such requirements are not appropriate.

Local Diploma

The following local diploma options are available for students who first enter grade 9 in September 2008:   

• Students with disabilities who score 55-64 on any of the required Regents examinations may earn a local diploma.
• Students with disabilities who fail one or more Regents Examinations and who pass the corresponding Regents Competency Test (RCT) will receive a local diploma.
• Students who successfully appeal two Regents Examinations scores within three points of the 65 passing score and who meet the other requirements of the appeals process specified in CR 100.5(d)(7) will earn a local diploma.