Hillsdale Middle School Mathematics

I’m Marc Whitaker, eighth grade mathematics teacher at Hillsdale Middle School. My formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics with a Supplemental Authorization in Physics from San Diego State University, and a Master of Science in Educational Technology from National University. I began my teaching career at Emerald Middle School in 1986 and moved to Hillsdale in 1995. I’m currently the treasurer for the Cajon Valley Education Association.

Parent handout for algebra students.

Algebra Readiness Student Handout

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really seat students according to their grades?

Yes and no. The front row is reserved for the students in the top ten at the time I make the seating chart. The rest of the class is seated in a largely random manner. It is possible to know who has the highest grades by looking at the at the front, but it is not possible to know who has the lowest by looking at the back.

Do students really grade other students’ tests?

Sometimes they do, sometimes I grade them, and sometimes students grade their own tests. Research and common sense tell us that students do better if they get meaningful feedback on their tests and assignments. When we grade tests in class, I don’t post solutions, I begin with a blank test and work every problem in detail while students watch and follow along. Having to check a test keeps them with me, and when we are done, every student has seen every question solved, and should know what mistakes he made and why. While I am sensitive to the students’ privacy, I can’t be certain that every student will grade his own tests accurately, so I need an independent check.

Is extra credit available to raise grades?

Yes, I do give out extra credit, but not at the end of a grading period. It’s been my experience that students will count on raising their grades at the end rather than keeping their grades up throughout the year. You can expect an extra credit review assignment before winter and spring break.

Why must students work with a partner who has the same letter grade?

When students work with a partner on a test or project, each should be able to contribute. The student who hasn’t been working shouldn’t ride the coattails of the harder working student. It’s simply unfair for the better student to provide all the help and receive little herself.

Have a question about my classes? Wonder why I do things the way I do? Send me an email with your question. If I don’t have a good answer for you, I need to think about it, and perhaps change!