Algebra 1B
Mr. Mike Doran
Office: Room 113 Office phone: (517) 267-2157
Office hours: 2:11-3:00 p.m. E-mail: doran@lansingcatholic.org
Textbook: Algebra 1 Michigan Edition: (C) 2008
McDougal Littell Publishing
By Larson, Boswell, Kanold, & Stiff
The Course:
· The purpose of Algebra 1B is to study Algebra 1. This course is the second of two courses (Algebra 1A & Algebra 1B) that cover the Algebra 1 curriculum at a reduced pace over two the span of two school years.
· 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 Divider tabs
· 4 Binder Divider tabs
· Lined filler paper
· Graphing calculator
Recommended Graphing Calculator:
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Classroom Expectations:
· Responsibility
o Being in control of your own behavior
o Having your homework finished on time
· Consideration
o Treating others the way that you want to be treated
o Showing kindness and respect
· Honesty
o Being truthful to others and yourself
o 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 check my webpage, 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/hers missing work and get class 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 without permission. Sleeping in class will 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 will be dealt with according to the student handbook. My expectations and rules outlined in the Student Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced in my classroom.
Passes: Each student may be given two passes per quarter. Other than these two passes, passes will NOT be given out during my class; 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.
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 school or come in early to help a student. It is the student’s responsibility to ask and show up. I will make myself available as much as possible to help students.
Skyward Grades:
· Grades will be updated weekly at a minimum by Mr. Doran
· Any grade marked as an “*” has not been graded.
· Any grade marked as a “0” has not been turned in.
· If you have questions about Skyward grades online, ask your student first before contacting Mr. Doran
Semester Grades:
Semester Grade = [(0.4)*(1st quarter grade)] + [(0.4)*(2nd quarter grade)] + [(0.2)*(exam grade)]
· 40% 1st Quarter
· 40% 2nd Quarter
· 20% Exam Grade
Assignments & Points:
· Warm-up 1 pt.
· Weekly Homework 3-5 pts.
· Activity/Project 50 pts.
· Quiz 10-25 pts.
· Test 100 pts.
· Overall grades are determined by total points. (Total points may differ from quarter to quarter depending on the number of days and amount of content covered.
· Tests, homework, or assignments missed, because of unexcused absences or suspension, may not be made up. (This is a school wide policy).
Assignment Types:
Homework:
Homework will be assigned daily and corrected. It is in the student’s best interest that they complete the homework to the best of their ability, otherwise students risk falling behind, which in turn typically results in low quiz and test grades. The homework corrected will be graded up to 5 points per assignment based on completion of assignment, work shown and answers. Late work will only be accepted in the case of an excused absence.
Quizzes:
Quizzes are a method for both you as the student and me as the instructor, to check comprehension without the full weight of a test. Students may not use their notes, homework, book, or each other on the quizzes. The quiz will be collected and most will be graded out of 10 points possible based on the number of problems correct.
Tests:
Tests are typically given after each chapter in the textbook. The percentage that students score on the test is the total number of points students receive for their grade. Tests occur approximately once every week to two weeks depending on the length of the chapter and the amount of time spent on each section. (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 a quarter.)