Algebra 1 Syllabus Information
Voice Mail: (517) 267-2157
School E-mail: doran@lansingcatholic.org
Prep Hour: 8th Period (2:11 - 3:00 p.m.)
Textbook: Algebra 1 Michigan Edition (C) 2008
McDougal Littell Publishing,
By Larson, Boswell, Kanold, & Stiff
ISBN: 9780618888030 or 0618888039
Online Textbook Resouces (activation code: 2393872-230): http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/algebra_1_2007_na/book_home.htm?state=MI
Course Description:
- Stuents in Algebra 1 will simplify and evaluate numerical and variable expressions, determine function types, solve linear, exponential, quadratic, polynomial, square root, and rational equations and inequalities algebraically and graphically. Students will develop problem solving skills for algebraic and wored math problems as well as create tables, graphs, and equations of functions. Students will learn to appropriately use a graphing calculator to investigate algebra. Additionally, this course will prepare students for future math courses, and encourages cooperation, good daily work, as well as note taking and study skills.
- Students can expect 20-30 minutes of homework each night from this course.
- Successful completion of this course will leave students prepared for the study of Geometry and Algebra 2.
Required Materials:
- Pencils
- Blue/Red Pens
- 3-Ring Binder for only Algebra 1
- 4 Binder Divider Tabs
- Lined Filler Paper
- Graphing Calculator
Recommended Graphing Calculator:
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Classroom Expectations:
- Responsibility
- Being in control of your own behavior
- Having your work finished on time
- Consideration
- Treating others the way that you want ot be treated
- Showing kindness and respect
- Honesty
- Being truthful to others and yourself
- Doing what is right regardless of who is around
Tardy/Absent students: Students are considered tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings. Students who have been absent should ask a classmate or immediately check with me at the beginning of class to receive the materials that were missed. It is the student's responsibility to collect and turn in his/her missing work and get notes from a classmate. Students have as many days as they were absent to make up any work that was missed. Tests, homework, or assignments missed, because of unexcused absences or suspension, may not be made up. (These are school wide policies.)
Daily Procedures: I expect that students bring their book, three-ring binder, homework, paper, pencil, pen, calculator or other necessary materials to class daily. I also expect students to be in their seat when the bell rings. Students are not allowed to get up from their seat or talk with out permission. Sleeping in class will also not be tolerated. Any behavior that interferes negatively with the educational environment is unacceptable. Persistent action of any of the previous behaviors will result in phone calls and/or e-mails to guardians before further action, such as detention, is taken. Cheating will NOT be tolerated in my classroom and will be dealt with according to the student handbook. My expectations, and the rules outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Manual will be strictly enforced in my classroom.
Extra Help: If a student is struggling with a topic or concept, I expect the student to ask questions in class or ask for extra help if he/she feels it is necessary. I am very willing to stay after or come in early to help a student. It is the student's responsibility to ask and show up for extra help.
Passes: Going to the bathroom, drinking fountain, locker, office, etc… should be taken care of in the five minutes between classes, lunch, or at the beginning or end of the school day. Each student may be given two passes per quarter. Other than these two passes, passes will NOT be given out during my class except for extreme emergencies.
Warm-ups: Everyday there will be a warm-up question. Students are to write the date, copy the entire problem onto a sheet of notebook paper, and answer the question or solve the problem showing all work and writing their responses in complete sentences. Responses to problems should be placed in their three-ring binder. Binders will be collected every test day for grading and returned that day. The concepts covered in the warm-up questions will vary day to day from basic math skills to Algebra to Geometry. The objective is to prepare students for the MME, ACT, and SAT tests, and to increase students’ problem solving skills, reasoning ability, writing skills, and communication in mathematics.
Notes: are to be taken each day in class and put in the three-ring binder. Binders will be collected every test day for grading and returned that day. Occasionally, notes will be randomly spot-checked on non-test days for a grade. Students will receive a grade based on the amount, quality, and organization of notes taken since the last note check, and their ability to save old homework assignments and tests. Students should spend at least 10 minutes each night reviewing and reworking problems from their notes.
Homework: is to be completed daily and individually unless otherwise specified. It is to be neatly labeled with name, date, hour, and page and problem numbers. Homework is to only be done in pencil or black pen. When students grade homework in class, it must be graded with a blue or red ink pen. Points will be deducted for each missing name, date or assignment, not using pencil/black pen, or not correcting in blue/red ink. Points will also be deducted if work is not shown. Late work will only be accepted in the case of an excused absence. Students are to save their old homework in the three-ring binder organized by date.
Tests are typically given after every chapter in the textbook. The frequency of tests depends on the amount of time spent on each section. The percentage that students score on the test is the total number of points students receive for their grade. Students are to save their old tests in the three-ring binder organized by date. (Any test may be retaken for a retake score of up to 65%. Students must retake tests before a set deadline near the end of each quarter.)