This is a college preparatory course which meets the University of California entrance requirements when a grade of B or better is earned.*
Text: Algebra 1. Publisher: Prentice Hall Replacement: $100.00
Length: 2 semesters
Credit: 5 units per semester
Instructor: Mr. Weissman
Contents:
- Student Materials
- Course Description
- Course Goals and Objectives
- Tutors and Tutorial Time
- Student Resources
- Assessments
- Homework Policy
- Make-Up Work
- Classroom Behavior
- Motto of the Classroom
- Grading Policy
Student Materials
- A graphing calculator, TI-83 or TI-84 recommended ( there will be several units that require a graphing calculator in order for students to complete the work)
- Composition book with a 4 x 4 quad grid (available in student store for $3.00)
- Two sharpened pencils (no ink pens or erasable ink will be accepted)
- Colored pencils
- Good eraser
- 6" protractor/ruler with both centimeters and inch rulings on it
- Compass
- 8.5" x 11" or 8" x 10.5" binder paper (spiral notebook paper, torn out or rings not accepted)
- Graph paper
- 1 pack 3.5" x 5" notecards for formulas
Throughout the year, you will need to purchase poster board and/or other materials that are necessary for projects.
Course Description
Algebra offers students many opportunities to explore the mathematical relationships between known and unknown quantities and provides students with an understanding of the concepts needed to succeed in more advanced mathematics. The course is designed for students to become actively engaged in learning meaningful mathematics through the use of manipulatives, technology, group discussions, investigations and exploratory activities, and projects involving open-ended problem solving.
Course Goals and Objectives
This course offers a problem-solving approach with hands-on materials and technology. Students will be expected to use a graphing calculator. Group and class participation are an integral part of the course and will be required as well as written reports of reasoning used and results achieved. Problem-solving strategies will be developed through the study of discrete mathematics. Communication and critical thinking will be improved through the study of real-world applications and an across-the-curriculum approach to learning mathematics.
Tutors and Tutorial Time
It is expected that each student understand that academic success is critical to future success. Therefore, tutorial time may be necessary for some students (especially if their grade drops below a B). Students may be asked to attend 30-minute tutorial sessions before or after school several days a week to improve learning and test grades as needed. In addition, parents may wish to engage a good private math tutor. Finally, student study groups are extremely beneficial to all students in the group. Parents are encouraged to have a home math study-group session for approximately four students at least once a month.
Student Resources
In the math department, we expect students to take an active role in their learning and not to rely only on teacher lectures. There are several resources available to our students: the textbook, study guidebook, collaboration with other students, other math textbooks, the Internet, and teacher and tutorial assistance.
Assessments
Students will be expected to take and pass a final exam at the end of each semester of which the fianal of the last semester will be conprehensive. In addition, a national assessment will be given some time between early May and the end of the school year, if deemed appropriate by the State of California or by the school or district. Finally, tests and quizzes will be given throughout each unit during the school year. Additional types of assessment required will include projects, group participation, oral and/or written reports regarding the development and solution of various mathematical topics or problems, journal writing, homework exercises, and classroom participation.
Breakdown
- Tests and quizzes = 50%
- Benchmark tests =20%
- Projects and presentations = 5%
- Journal = 10%
- Homework = 10%
- Participation = 5%
Homework Policy
Homework will be given on a daily and/or long-term basis. It may be given as an individual assignment or it may require collaboration with other students in the class.
Each assignment will be graded on the basis of 10 points (5 points for turning in the assignment and 5 points for completeness). To receive full credit, work must be shown and exercises must be checked and corrected (in colored pencil or pen).
No credit will be given for late work (even though no credit will be given, it is important to turn in late work for corrections and comments).
Students are often asked to develop and present group solutions to open-ended questions. Therefore, students will often need to make contact with their group members either in person or by telephone.
In addition, when a student is absent he/she is responsible ON A DAILY BASIS for contacting a group member or classmate for the class notes, class work missed, and the homework assignment. This policy allows each student to return to class with a minimum of work missed and/or misunderstood. Further, this policy supports the expectations for academic success.
Occasionally, students will be given an assignment requiring the use of the Internet. If a student does not have access to the Internet at home, he/she can use the computers in the library or my classroom.
Make-Up Work
Only in the case of an excused absence will late work be accepted. If you have an excused absence, you have as many days as you are absent to make up assignments upon your return (for example, if you are absent for three days, you have three extra days to turn in all your make-up work). Note, I will not except late work for any other reason other than an excused absence.
Any student who has an excused absence on the day of a quiz must make up the quiz on the following Wednesday at lunch. Any student with an unexcused absence will not be allowed to make up the quiz. It is the responsibility of the student to see me for make up quizzes.
There will be no test make-ups for any absences (excused absences are no exception*).
A benchmark exam will be given for approximately each six-week period. If a student misses a test, a grade of zero will remain in the grade book until the benchmark exam has been taken. When a student misses more than one test during a six-week period, one only will be replaced by the benchmark exam. The others will remain a zero. Benchmark exams may be made up if the student is absent for an excused reason. However, if a student fails to make up the benchmark exam both the benchmark and any missed exam will remain a zero. If a student takes all of the exams, he/she may elect to to use the benchmark exam to replace one low score for the given six week period.
There is no make-up for group activities or discussions. Whether or not your absence is excused, you will not receive participation points for that day.
Note: Athletes with game conflicts must make prior arrangements for an alternate exam time for both unit tests and benchmark exams.
NOTE: Avoiding missing work is vital to securing the grade you desire! Missing work is the number one reason for receiving poor grades. (Remember that your grade can drop with the blink of an eye. However, it takes a long time to bring it up again.)
Classroom Behavior
Each student is required to behave in a manner that does not interfere in any way with the learning and well-being of all students (including himself or herself!).
All materials must be brought to class every day. Failure to bring required materials to class will result in zero participation points and referral to OCS for the remainder of the period
Each student is expected to be in class and in their seats with a sharpened pencil when the bell rings. (Sauntering into the class when the bell rings or socializing with friends out of their seat is considered tardy.)
Students are expected to be working on math during the entire class period (any assignments being worked on from another class will be thrown away).
No physical or verbal abuse will be permitted.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the classroom.
No putting on make-up; no talking or getting out of your seat while I or anyone else is talking.
ALL PIONEER RULES (in the Student Handbook and posted in the classroom) must be observed at all times. Among those rules are:
no radios, tape players, ear phones, CD players, beepers, telephones, etc., in class
no hats or sunglasses worn in the classroom
no non-emergency bathroom passes
no weapons, violence, gang symbols, tagging, etc.
no tobacco, drugs or alcohol on campus
Students not adhering to the classroom and Pioneer rules will be disciplined appropriately and according to Pioneer and District policies which could include the following:
1. Student conference
2. Detention
3. Parent phone call
4. On-campus suspension (OCS)
5. Parent conference
6. Referral to Assistant Principal in charge of discipline
* If a detention is missed, Saturday school may be assigned.
Motto of the Classroom
Respect Yourself, Respect Others, and Be Responsible for Your Actions!
Grading Policy
Both individual and group tests and quizzes will be given. The Pioneer High Academic Honesty Policy (in the Student Handbook) will be in effect at all times. Students may expect announced unit tests, unannounced pop quizzes, presentations, group work, written reports, projects, journal work, and homework. Occasionally extra-credit points may be earned for high-quality special problem solving solutions, a particularly fine presentation, or an extra project, offered according to teacher discretion.
Grades are based on a 10% grading scale:
90 - 100%= A
80 - 89.5% = B
70 - 79.5% = C
60 - 69.5% = D
59.5% and below = F
Note: a grade of D or F suggests that a student should repeat the course to gain a better foundation.
Note: a grade of C in this class will be accepted by the University of California if the student's other academic grades will produce a grade-point average of at least 3.0 when combined with the C grade.
algebra homework / algebra syllabus / department policies / what's happening / email Mr. Weissman / contact information
