Classroom Rules, Format, and Grading

ALGEBRA 2 Mr. M. Smith – room 327

Phone: 524-6000 ext. 370

Email: msmith@laschools.us

Website: https://sites.google.com/a/laschools.k12.mi.us/mr-smith/

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Students will be in their assigned seats with all necessary materials BEFORE the bell rings.

2. Students will have respect for everyone.

3. Students WILL FOLLOW TEACHER DIRECTIONS regarding the activities, procedures, and behaviors that take place during class. At a minimum, students will remain quiet when teaching is taking place, and during quizzes and tests.

4. The use of cell phones in class is not allowed. Your cell phone will be confiscated if you are using it during class.

In addition, all school policies and student code of conduct rules apply. Failure to follow the above rules may result in a warning, being held after class, parental contact, office referral, and/or removal from the classroom. Please remember that the purpose of these rules is to enable the teacher to teach and students to learn.

CLASS FORMAT

  • We will be spending either 1 or 2 days on each lesson. We’ll likely cover Chapters 1 through 9 of the textbook.

  • You will be expected to PAY ATTENTION and COMPLETE EACH ASSIGNMENT daily. They will be reasonable in length and usually require 30-45 minutes to complete. Class time will be available to get started on assignments most days.

  • You will be given a quarterly schedule of assignments, tests, and quizzes ahead of time so you can plan ahead.

  • We will first go over the previous day’s assignment, then cover the new material. Any extra time during class will be used to work on the assignment and for individual extra help.

  • Homework spot checks will be done each day, along with 2 regular quizzes and 3 or 4 homework quizzes per chapter.

  • A test will be given at the end of each chapter. Some may be cumulative, and/or open book, and/or take-home.

  • You will need a calculator. A regular scientific one is ok, but a graphing one like the TI-84 is preferable.

Also be aware that IF YOU ARE ABSENT, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MISSED MATERIAL AND ASSIGNMENTS.

As most of you know, I am available and happy to help you if you are having difficulty understanding the material. I can help you before and after school, during most of my prep periods (7th hour), and by arrangement. You may even call me at home for help. In addition, your textbook offers online resources at connected.mcgraw-hill.com. Another helpful website is khanacademy.org. Each contains resources including videos explaining most of the covered concepts. Please don’t wait until you are completely lost to get help.

GRADES

I understand that Algebra 2 can be a challenging class for some students, and I intend to reflect that in the grading system. Grades will be based on a total point system using a combination of chapter tests, quizzes, homework scores, and other assignments. In addition, extra-credit assignments, such as the end-of-chapter vocabulary, will be available. There will be a built-in curve on all tests, and partial credit can be earned by showing necessary steps of work on problems. You can check your grade online anytime. They will be determined by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible and using the following percent scale.

95 to 100 A 73 to 77 C

90 to 94 A- 70 to 72 C-

88 to 89 B+ 68 to 69 D+

83 to 87 B 63 to 67 D

80 to 82 B- 60 to 62 D-

78 to 79 C+ 0 to 59 E

Weighted percents for each quarter along with the semester exam score are used in calculating semester grades. Each quarter grade is worth 40% while the semester grade is worth 20% (40% + 40% + 20% = 100%).

If you make an honest effort, I have confidence that you can do well in Algebra 2. I will do my best to make the class as high quality and interesting as possible, but am always open to student suggestions on improving the class. Please let me know if you have any constructive ideas.

I have read and understand the Classroom Rules, Format, and Grading for Mr. Smith’s Algebra 2 class.

Parent signature: __________________________________________ Date: __________________________

Student signature: _________________________________________ Date: __________________________

Students will earn 10 points extra-credit applied to your 1st quarter grade by having this signed above. You may also earn 5 points extra-credit by covering your relatively new textbook. Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns. You may call, email, or visit in person.