Give your class a practice test at the beginning of the semester. Spend some time helping them gain skills they may have forgotten before you begin assigning homework. In this way you can ensure that students are all at the same level and avoid leaving anyone behind.
Create a lesson plan for your class to follow each day. You will feel prepared when you come into work and your class will be more likely to excel if their learning environment is well organized.
Incorporate a learning game to make math fun for your students. Write a problem on the board and allow students to compete to see who can correctly finish it first.
Establish a routine with your students. Even though high school students are almost adults, they will still benefit from a reliable schedule. For example, you could provide a review of the previous night's homework and a daily pop quiz, followed by the next lesson and a portion of time used to complete practice problems as a group.
Clearly explain your grading system at the beginning of the semester and inform students of their grades frequently. This should prevent them from pleading ignorance as an excuse for falling behind. A clear grading system will help you hold students accountable for their work.
Maintain rules. Establish rules at the beginning of the semester and make exceptions rarely. Some high school students enjoy testing limits and will take advantage of a teacher whom they feel is inconsistent and easily manipulated.
Command respect from your class. Do not tolerate disrespectful behavior directed at you or other students. Do not be afraid to discipline your math class by asking students to leave the room, see you after class, or report to the principal's office.
Provide students with the opportunity to meet with you after class. Since most high school math classes function by building on concepts learned throughout the semester, students may need to ask you clarifying questions about the day's lesson to avoid falling behind. The better your availability is to help them, the better they are likely to perform.
Consider allowing students to re-take tests. Some people may take longer to learn math skills than others, especially the higher-level math classes that are usually offered in high school. If students feel they can make mistakes without severe castigation, they may feel more motivated to succeed.