Algebra: Carnegie Learning Course Syllabus
Instructor: Karen Kinney 360.473.0889
Location: Room 305 (Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays) unless otherwise noted Lab Room 302 (Wednesdays & Fridays) unless otherwise noted
Textbooks: Carnegie Learning Algebra 1–Student Text Each student will receive this write-in text book which will be kept in the classroom. Students will remove the daily lesson from the book and may take home the single lesson for completion or as a study resource. Carnegie Learning Algebra 1– Assignments Students will NOT receive this book but will receive individual assignments as determined by the instructor. Carnegie Learning Algebra 1 – Homework Helper Each student will receive a thin booklet titled Homework Helper. This book is to be kept at home as a study resource. For each lesson a one page summary of instruction is given followed by approximately 5 practice problems. The solutions for these problems are found in the back of the book. The problems from this book are not required but are a great resource for studying and preparing for exams.
Course Description The first semester of Algebra will cover basic use of variables including writing and solving equations as well as their relationships with graphs, ordered pairs and tables. Setting up rates, ratios and percents is also covered during the first semester.
The second semester of Algebra will delve into systems of equations, quadratics and advanced manipulations of algebraic expressions.
Carnegie Learning curriculum approaches instruction through discovery learning from the student text and skill practice and mastery through computer software.
Classroom Procedures Class will meet under two situations. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays we will meet in the classroom and work from the student text. Students are expected to have their materials and lesson ready within the first few minutes of class. Students’ texts are stored in the rear of the room and are to be kept in the room at all times. Students will tear out the daily lesson on which they will be able to write and participate in the lesson. Lessons from students’ texts will not be collected, however the student will be expected to have classwork completed and available to use for studying. Most lessons will be followed by a short assignment handed out by the instructor. Students may complete this assignment in class if time allows and/or taken home to complete. Students will evaluate their own assignment upon completion. Assignment grades will be recorded and used as a tool for the student to gauge his or her understanding of concepts.
On Wednesdays and Fridays we will meet in a computer lab. The Carnegie curriculum includes individual-paced software for practice and mastery of skills. Students are expected to stay up-to-date with the pacing schedule for computer units. Students will be able to access their account from any computer with internet access. Grading Students’ grades will be determined entirely on unit tests. There will be approximately six unit tests per-semester. Prior to each test students will be given a practice test and a note card. Students may write anything on the note card: hints, example problems, diagrams, etc. The note card may be used during the test. If students would like to improve their grade on a test they have the option of re-taking a test. In order to re-take a test the student must first arrange with the instructor a time for additional instruction and revision the original test. The student will earn the higher grade of the two tests.
All tests will be averaged at the end of the semester to determine the student’s final grade. Letter grades will be assigned to percentages as follows:
A 100% - 94% A- 93% - 90% B+ 89% - 87% B 86% - 84% B- 83% - 80% C+ 79% - 77% C 76% - 74% C- 73% - 70% D+ 69% - 67% D 66% - 60% F 59% - 0%
Achievement Expectations Student’s placement in Algebra 1 indicates that he or she has shown the intellectual ability to be successful with the algebra curriculum. This does not mean it will be easy. Students will be expected to study, revise work, ask for additional instruction and make adaptations for their learning style. The instructor is available and willing to assist in all of these endeavors.
Students will be expected to re-take any test in which he or she scores lower than 70%. This standard is to ensure competency in Algebra content as well as establish the skills for future units.
Materials Please have the following tools daily:
Behavior Expectation Students are expected to show respect and responsibility to self, others, materials and the school environment. We are all humans and will make mistakes however each of us has the ability to rectify a wayward scenario and if not, we will spend this school year improving on this skill as well!
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