Algebra 1 Part A Syllabus

 Class Description:  This course is designed to cover the first half of Algebra I. Algebra I is the fundamental language of math. The objective of this course is to teach students algebraic skills and how to use those skills in today's changing world. Students should also gain an understanding of the mathematical order in the world that God created. In Algebra I students will study patterns, relations, and functions. They will represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols. Students will use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships and analyze change in various contexts. Some of the main topics of study include: order of operations in simplifying expressions, solving equations with coefficients, operations with powers and parenthesis, polynomials, complex fraction simplification, and solving systems of equations, word problems, factoring, and quadratic equations.

 Class Rules:

1.        Be on time to class.

2.        Be prepared for class with textbook, assigned work, paper and a pencil.

3.        Be respectful to the teacher and fellow students.

4.       Be positive and participate.

5.       When given time to work in class, make good use of this time.

6.      No food, drinks or gum in the classroom.

Course of Study: 

1st Quarter  The Language and Tools of Algebra,  Solving Linear Equations

2nd Quarter Functions and Patterns, Analyzing Linear Equations

3rd Quarter Solving Systems of Linear Equations

4th Quarter Solving Linear Inequalities

Time will be taken at each step of the way to re-emphasize any skills necessary for mastering the mathematical topics listed above.

 

Materials needed: Algebra – Glencoe McGraw-Hill

                             3 ring-binder

Notebook paper (wide or college ruled) No paper torn from a spiral notebook will be accepted.

                             Pencil (No work will be accepted in pen)  

There will be no opportunities for extra-credit in this class.  It is expected that a student will do his/her best throughout the year and the grade they receive will reflect this.

 

Grading:     

Tests           50%

Tests will always be announced to the class verbally, posted on the assignment board, and posted to the website lesson plans page in plenty of advance time.  At least one day of review will be planned in advance of each test.

Homework    20%  

Students MUST SHOW THEIR WORK!   The homework assignment is posted for each day on the website (usually several days in advance).  Homework is due before the second bell rings for class to begin and will be counted late otherwise!!  Homework will be graded and returned usually within two class meetings.  Late homework will have 25 points deducted automatically in addition to any points missed.  Each day that an assignment is late will result in an additional 25 point deduction with a grade of "0" resulting after four late days.  Homework missed because of an unexcused absence will result in an automatic "0".  No credit is given for correction of homework but it is strongly suggested that a student review the problems missed and correct them.  All homework should be kept neatly in a 3-ring binder.

Quizzes, In Class Review Sheets and Binder Checks  20%  

Quizzes and In Class Review sheets will be used to reinforce the concepts we are covering.  These will be unannounced and will cover the current material. This may also include binder checks to assure that students are keeping all homework neatly organized in their binder.  Note-taking and organization will be an important part of this class.  Students are expected to keep their notes neatly organized in their binder.

Class Preparation and Participation     10%

Students will begin each class with 5 points for preparation and participation (for a total of 25 points each week).  Students who do not come prepared for class with all required materials or who continually disrupt class will receive a zero for the daily class preparation and participation grade.  Discipline in the classroom will be directly related to the measures set forth in the student handbook.  Please read these pages carefully.  This grade will be posted on Friday of each week.


Missed classes:  If a student has an excused absence, the student will be allowed time to make up any missed work.  The student and teacher will discuss a schedule for the work to be done depending on the length of the absence.  All homework is posted on the teacher’s website and a student should make every effort to keep up even if they miss class.  For example:  If a student has an excused absence but is not too sick to work, it would be a good idea to follow the homework listing on the website and keep up as much as possible.

Grades will be posted regularly to Edline.  Parents:  Please check your child’s grades. 

          My goal as a teacher is to help students learn.  If a student does not understand an assignment or a topic please let me know.  I will be in my classroom or on hall duty by 7:30 each morning.  I will be happy to set up a time for some one-on-one assistance during a study hall or other available time.  You must not get behind.  Your homework must be turned in on time.  You can do it and I expect you to!