SYLLABUS
Course Description:
The Foundations in Algebra course is the first in a two-course progression designed to prepare students for success in advanced mathematics courses by providing a foundation in algebra and probability. This course will build on the conceptual knowledge and skills students mastered in their middle level mathematics courses in the areas of algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, probability, data analysis, and proportional reasoning. The students who complete this two-course progression of Foundations in Algebra and Intermediate Algebra will be prepared for the state-mandated end-of-course assessment (Algebra 1 EOCEP) administered at the completion of Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra.
Course Content Standards:
https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards-learning/mathematics/standards/scccr-standards-for-mathematics-final-print-on-one-side/
Text:
David Dengler, Sandy B. Finocchi, William S. Hadley, and Mary Lou Metz. Carnegie Learning Algebra 1: Student Text Volume 1. (3rd Edition). Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Carnegie Learning, 2015. Print.
David Dengler, Sandy B. Finocchi, William S. Hadley, and Mary Lou Metz. Carnegie Learning Algebra 1: Student Text Volume 2. (3rd Edition). Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Carnegie Learning, 2015. Print.
Edward B. Burger, David J. Chard, Paul A. Kennedy, Steve Leinwand, Freddie Lee Renfro, Tom W. Roby, and Bert K.Waits. Holt McDougal Algebra 1. Orlando, FL: Holt McDougal/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012. Print.
Online Textbook and Resources:
http:// my.hrw.com
Username: student26577 Password: z6e7v
Materials:
Each student is expected to attend class with the following materials in their possession. These materials will need to be purchased by the student and/or parent. In the event the student and/or parent cannot provide the following materials, please inform the teacher and/or school for assistance or appropriate accommodations.
-Pencils (No.2 traditional or mechanical)
-Pens (Black and red)
The instructor will provide a spiral notebook to be use solely for the Foundations of Algebra course, and students must maintain possession and accountability of the notebook. If the notebook is lost or misplaced, students are responsible for purchasing a new notebook. Additionally, the following materials will be provided in-class for student use: Highlighters, Glue-sticks, Scissors, and Tape. If the student intentionally takes or loses these materials, they will be expected to replace the item.
Assessment/Calculation of Grades:
Student progress is assessed during each nine-week period over the semester. A student’s progress is reported as a grade based on the South Carolina grade reporting system:
90 to 100% = A 80 to 89% = B 70 to 79% = C 60 to 69% = D 0 to 59% = F
A student must earn a minimum grade of 60% in order to receive credit for this course.
Student progress is cumulatively assessed each nine weeks in the following areas:
Unit Tests and Projects 60%
Daily Grades: Quizzes
Classwork 40%
Homework
Quizzes and unit tests will be given for each unit. All unit tests will be announced at a minimum of two days before they are given. More detail concerning grading policies will be discussed in class.
Major Assessments:
Algebra 1 CP is a “Power of M” class.
-What is The Power of M?
It is a program designed to assist students in mastering the standards and objectives of a course through targeted assessment and remediation.
-How does it work?
Students who fail to make a 70 on any major assessment will remediate with their teacher and then retake the assessment. Additional cycles of remediation and retesting may continue until the student scores the minimum grade of 70. The grade book will reflect a score of 1 until the test mastery score is achieved. Major assessments are weighted 60% in Power of M courses, while minor assessments are weighted 40%.
-How will the program be supported?
The after school tutoring program is a key component to the program’s success as students will need to remediate with their teacher outside of class. The after-school buses will allow every student the opportunity to receive extra help. A program coordinator will proctor any assessment after school at the teacher’s request.
-What if a student refuses to remediate after failing a major assessment?
The teacher will contact the parent to make them aware of the opportunity for remediation. If the student still refuses to come to remediation, a student/parent conference will be held with the student’s administrator. If the student still refuses to come to remediation, the student will be assigned to ISS until the required work is completed satisfactorily.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor. All homework assignments will be graded for completion and quality of work. Assignments will be posted in the classroom and will be due the following day unless stated otherwise. In the case of an absence, it is your responsibility to find out from the instructor the missed assignment and understand the missed material.
No late homework will be accepted. In the case of an excused absence, the homework grade will be excused. In the case of an unexcused absence or incomplete homework, the student will receive a grade of zero.
Make-Up Policy:
Any missed work (classwork or projects) from an excused absence, must be made up within 5 school days. Arrangements are to be made with the instructor upon the student’s return to class.
If a test has been announced prior to the student’s absence, the student should be prepared to take the test on the first day they return. All missed tests are to be made up before school or after school. It is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher, to make necessary arrangements for make-up work.
Attendance/Tardy Policy:
To receive credit, students may not miss more than 10 days in this class. Refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for more details.
Tardiness will not be tolerated. The class will start when the bell rings. No exceptions. Please arrive on time and be ready to work. If a student arrives late, they will not be allowed into the classroom without a pass from the attendance office. The tardy policy for the 2017-2018 school year is outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook.
Classroom Expectations and Behavior:
Students are expected to follow all J.L. Mann Academy rules, regulations and policies, while in the classroom.
- Eating and chewing gum will not be allowed in the classroom. Students may have a drink in the classroom, as long as the drink has a screw top closure or secured lid.
-Cell Phone / Smart Phone / Tablet use during instruction is prohibited.
-Students will be seated prior to the tardy bell and ready for daily instruction.
-Students will not use foul or slang language in the classroom.
-Students will assist one another and ask questions as necessary in a respectful manner.
-When requesting help or asking questions, students will raise their hand and not talk until called upon.
-Students are asked to use the restroom in between classes or at lunch. If a student needs to use the restroom during class, they are expected to raise their hand and request permission to go to the restroom. Students will take a hall pass and return to class in a quiet and timely manner.
Students are expected to help create and maintain a productive and safe classroom environment. All students are expected to be:
-Respectful to the instructor and their peers
-Attentive and prepared
-Helpful to one another
-Enthusiastic while working
-Determined and motivated to succeed
All students are unique, but the instructor will expect all students to achieve and strive for success.
Students are expected to be attentive and respectful at all times in the classroom environment. At any time that a student is not being attentive, the teacher will correct the student, and at the teacher’s discretion, will take appropriate actions to create a focused and informative environment (i.e. Change a student’s seat, have a parent / student conference). If a student is disruptive or disrespectful to other students or the teacher, at any time, the course of action will be as follows:
1st Offense Verbal Correction
2nd Offense Verbal Correction and Parent Contact
3rd Offense Teacher Detention and Parent Conference
4th or more Offense Student sent to Administrator for further action
Any major disruptions will result in office referrals and/or removal from class.
Electronic Devices:
Students may use their electronic devices in between classes and during lunch. Once the bell has rung to begin class, no student may use their device unless they have been given permission, by the instructor, to do so as part of a lesson or activity. If a student uses their device in class without the permission of the instructor, the student will be corrected and/or disciplined as set forth by the Greenville County School District and J.L. Mann administration.
Daily Routine:
The instructor will develop an instructional plan for each lesson and/or class period. Most days will be structured to promote routines for the students’ benefit. Generally, the daily routine will be:
1. Warm-Up/Beginning Activity: To activate learning, connect previous knowledge, and prepare the students for the current days lesson (Homework, if assigned, will be check during this time)
2. Introduction to Lesson: To introduce, inform, and direct the student in exploring new knowledge and concepts
3. Directed/Guided Instruction: To reinforce knowledge and concepts with teacher guidance
4. Independent Practice and Exploration: To further explore skills and concepts and promote student confidence in the material being covered
5. Reflection/Planning Ahead: To solidify the knowledge and concepts, as well as assign homework and keep students informed of future lessons
Extra Help:
There will be extra help available Thursday afternoons until 4:30. Students will be informed in class if the instructor is unable to provide extra help on specific days. Other help times and tutoring sessions are available, but must be discussed with and approved by the instructor.
Transportation will be provided for bus riders on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays with prior coordination with the instructor.
Communication:
Parents and students are encouraged to contact the teacher with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact me during school hours, but please allow at least twenty-four (24) hours for responses.
Mr. P.M. (Mac) Jones
Phones: 864-355-4795
Email: pajones@greenville.k12.sc.us