1) Come prepared for class.  Bring a pen or pencil, notebook (many teachers prefer a three ring binder instead of a spiral notebook), your textbook, homework, and a calculator.
 

2) Be attentive in class.  Take notes, participate in class discussions, try the sample problems, ask questions when you don't understand something.
 

3) Be organized.  Keep notes, homework assignments in order in your binder.  When doing problems, show all work neatly.
 

4) Do homework conscientiously.  Just as it takes practice to become a good athlete or a good musician, it takes practice to learn to do math well.  Homework is time for you to practice on your own the concepts that were discussed in class.  You can find out what skills you don't know how to do and your teacher can help you correct your mistakes the next day in class when you review your homework.  Homework is given in all classes and counts 10% to 25% of your grade.
 

5) Study for quizzes and tests. To study math, you need to DO PROBLEMS.  You need to do problems that you know answers to so that you know whether you are getting them right.  If you had a review worksheet, do the problems again.  Don't just "look over" your original work.  Do the problem from the beginning.  Do problems from your homework and previous quizzes - especially problems you had incorrect.
 

6) Get help from your teacher if you are having difficulty.  All teachers are available after school for help.  There is a 3:30 late bus for students staying after school.  You may also be available to make arrangements to come before school or during the school day.  If you are in sports, coaches will permit you to be late to practice with a note from your teacher.  Don't wait until the day before the test to get help!