This course will be different compared to other courses students have taken. The focus in this course lies in students investigating, hypothesizing, analyzing, testing, drawing conclusions and communicating their findings with a huge emphasis on developing problem solving skills. Through investigations, students will gain understanding from hands-on learning experiences rather than rote memorization of facts and theorems. Students will be expected to develop study habits and learning strategies that work best for them as individuals. It is the student's responsibility to develop learning strategies that work best for them. Students are expected to monitor their learning process which is an instrumental life skill that must be harnessed alongside curricular content. Therefore, instilling the ability to think critically regarding students' own learning strategies along with making necessary adjustments in order to master the content offered in this course is an important main goal.

1. ATTENDANCE: It is expected that students will be in class except during illness and unavoidable emergencies. Students must be seated and ready to begin class work when the bell rings. The district's guidelines for absences and tardiness will be followed. Please keep in mind that missing class, even when excused, puts the student at a disadvantage.

**Before the start of every class, students will immediately go to their assigned seats. On the board in the same location every single day, there will be a morning assignment/bell ringer. DO NOT wait for the bell to ring. The bell does not start the class. Mr. Ali does not start the class. YOU START THE CLASS. **

2. CLASS MATERIALS: Each student is expected to report to class adequately prepared to participate. This includes bringing to class:

• textbook
• pencil with eraser
• notebook
• pen
• a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus CE is highly recommended for future math courses as well)
• protractor
• ruler
• compass (the ones from the NW Bookstore are the best)
• Chromebook (when advised by teacher)

3. CLASS EXPECTATIONS

* Your success in any class increases significantly when you are willing to work hard, persist constantly and try your best. Attendance is critical to your success.

* Ask questions! This is huge- you MUST ask questions if you do not understand material and/or if your curiosity is aroused by what we cover in class.

* Take good notes that will help you understand. If you need help, please ask!

* Make an honest effort to complete the coursework, with a goal of understanding material, not just completing it.

* Do NOT be afraid of math. Develop an "I can" attitude, have an open mind and ask questions!

* Cell phones, Ipods, headphones should be put away in backpacks or the like during class. NO EXCEPTIONS!

* Any kind of insubordination WILL NOT be tolerated. This includes talking back, offensive language, and any form of disrespect in the classroom.

* Respect yourself, others, and the space around you. Treat each person as you wish to be treated—with courtesy and respect!

* Responsibility for any missed material and assignments lies on you.

* Please bring all required materials to class every day.

* Ask questions! Questions are welcomed and will help me help you!

*ABSOLUTELY NO PHONES ALLOWED UNLESS SPECIFIED BY THE TEACHER! CONSEQUENCES WILL BE ISSUED.

4. MAKEUP PROCEDURES

• * Tests should be made up in the Testing Center the day you get back to class.
• * Students can make up quizzes or tests before school, during lunch or study hall, or after school.
• * If a quiz or test is not made-up, the student will receive a grade of I for "incomplete." It is the responsibility of the student to make-up the missed assignment or else they will get an incomplete for the course until the assignment is completed.
• * Late work must be completed in x days after the original due date, where x is the number of days you are absent. For examples, if you are sick for 2 days, you have 2 extra days to complete any missing assignments, including quizzes and tests.
• *Unexcused absences will be issued a zero for that assessment.

*Homework will be assigned regularly and you are expected to complete it. The purpose of homework is to provide practice of the concepts covered in class. Be prepared for entrance and exit slips which may be given at any time.

Homework must be signed off by at least one parent daily.

* THERE ARE NO RETAKES!!

Your grade will be determined based on total points according to the following scale:

90.0 – 100% A

80.0 – 89.9% B

70.0 – 79.9% C

60.0 – 69.9% D

Less than 60.0% F

6. EXTRA HELP: If you experience any difficulty in class, you are strongly encourage tutor at Literacy Center (IRC). If you need further assistance, make an appointment to meet with me during office hours.

7. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students are expected to review and conform to the district's statement on academic integrity. A copy appears in the Student Handbook. Academic integrity violations result in a grade of zero for the test or assignment, and in some cases, a mandatory conference with parents/guardians. A copy of the academic integrity report will be placed in the student's temporary school files, which may result in loss of eligibility for the National Honor Society or other prestigious memberships, awards and scholarships.

8. ASSESSMENTS:

There will be announced tests given throughout each grading period, each based primarily on the learning targets. Other assessments, such as quizzes, exit slips, homework quizzes will also be given routinely throughout the grading period; some may be unannounced.

9. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

Students are expected to review and conform to the statement on academic dishonesty which appears in the Student Handbook.

10. TUTORS

Students are encouraged to obtain extra help in the Literacy Center. Math teachers as well as peer tutors are available before school (starting at 7:20) and throughout the school day to help you.

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PARENTS: I welcome any opportunity to discuss your son or daughter's progress in my class. Please feel free to call (847) 626-2735 or email me at syeali@d219.org at anytime.