Algebra 1

Course Overview

Algebra 1 is a high school level course that covers equations and inequalities, linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and radicals, polynomials, and quadratics.  Critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, mathematical vocabulary and application are interwoven throughout.

Although I will be giving some direct instruction, students will do inquiry-based learning to develop as critical thinkers.  Inquiry-based learning is a form of active learning that starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios that the students investigate and problem solve in order to derive an understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts. Unlike traditional direct instruction that relies on the teacher presenting facts and their own knowledge about the subject, inquiry-based learning involves the teacher as a facilitator rather than a lecturer.  Students can benefit from a balance of direct instruction and inquiry-based learning.

Course Syllabus

Textbooks

• SpringBoard Algebra 1 (primary)

• Algebra 1 by Paul A. Foerster (secondary)

• Prentice-Hall Algebra 1 (secondary)

Supplies

• Either a spiral notebook containing binder paper, or a 3 ring binder containing binder paper.  An example of a spiral notebook can be found on amazon.com here. An example of a 3 ring binder (soft cover) can be found on amazon.com here.

• Pencils. Students should come to class prepared with at least two sharpened pencils and a working eraser. 

• Scientific Calculator. A graphing calculator is NOT necessary. A basic scientific calculator is sufficient. There are calculators available in the classroom.

• Correcting pens.  Red, green, purple, or orange (not black or blue). These are to be used to correct assignments.

• Straight Edge or Ruler. There are rulers available in the classroom.

Units of Study  

To pass the class, students must score a 3 or 4 on at least five of the seven curriculum units.

• Equations and Inequalities

• Functions (Domain/Range) 

• Linear Functions

• Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Exponents and Radicals

• Polynomials

• Quadratics

Assignments

• Assigned every day in class and are due the next day we have class. 

• Spend an average of 45-60 minutes of uninterrupted time per assignment.

• Stop if spending more than 60 minutes of uninterrupted time.

• Posted on the whiteboard in the classroom and in Google Classroom.

• You are responsible for completing assignments that are assigned on days you were absent.

• An assignment will be marked as incomplete if any of the following criteria is not met.

  1. You must show you work. Only writing down the answer for a problem that must be solved using multiple steps will not be accepted.

  2. The assignment is in a spiral notebook or in a 3 ring binder.  Assignments will not be accepted if done in the SpringBoard textbook or on loose sheets of paper that are not in a spiral notebook or 3 ring binder. No exceptions.

  3. The following header is written at the top of the assignment.

Your Name Example: Alexanna Smith

HW# HW4

Lesson number SpringBoard 2-1

Page number(s) p.18

• 4. The assignment is self-corrected using the posted answer key in Google Classroom by using a colored pen to check off correct answers.  Incorrectly solved problems must be circled with a colored pen and an attempt to correct the problem should be made.

  5. The assignment is in sequential order (HW1 followed by HW2, etc...) in a spiral notebook or 3 ring binder.

  6. The assignment is displayed on the top of your desk when I arrive at your desk.  I do not have time to wait for you to retrieve your assignment when I arrive at your desk.

Math Warm Ups

• Given most days, warm ups typically consist of 1-4 problems on a sheet that you immediately pick up at the entrance to the classroom before going to your desk.

• You are given about 5 minutes to complete while I go around checking for completed assignments.

• Problems will be for either material that was covered on a previous assignment or for prerequisite material for today's lesson.

• Math Warms Up sheets will include the answers to the problems on sheet so that you can self-correct.  Scores are not entered in PowerSchool for Math Warm Ups. They are meant for you to self-assess your mastery of the material.

Exams

• Every 3 - 4 weeks.

• Calculators may not be borrowed from other students during exams.

• Absolutely no cheating or talking during exams.

• Up to 2 retakes are allowed for an exam. 

• Students should take a retake if they earn a 1 or 2 on a test or retake.

• Students can take a retake if they earn a 3 to try to earn a 4.

• Student must do the following before being allowed to take a retake:

  • Must redo and correctly solve problems missed on exam and turn pictures of the corrected problems to Google Classroom or turn in a hardcopy of the corrections.

  • Must come to Tutorial to go over any concepts not yet mastered or any problems not understood on the exam.

Grading

• Academic grades based entirely on exams on Units of Study listed above.

• Grades are a score from 1 to 4 according to a scoring rubric typically based on a raw percentage score. A typical scoring rubric score is as follows, but can vary for each exam.

  • 4 (Mastery - passing): 90% <= score <= 100%

  • 3 (Approaching - passing): 75% <= score < 90%

  • 2 (Developing - not passing): 60% <= score < 75%

  • 1 (Beginning - not passing): 0% <= score < 60%

• Grades are recorded in PowerSchool (not in Google Classroom)

• Missing assignments are recorded in PowerSchool (not in Google Classroom)

• Learning behavior grades based on the criteria listed in the Learning Behavior section below for what Learning Behaviors mean in math.

Learning Behaviors

In addition to academic standards, teachers evaluate students’ abilities to utilize non-academic skills. The Learning Behaviors Rubric (shown at the bottom of this page) helps teachers evaluate and communicate information about student growth in intangible aspects of learning such as perseverance, goal-setting, responsibility and collaboration.

In addition to the given LASD definitions and indicators in the LASD Behaviors Rubric shown at the bottom of this page, Learning Behaviors in math are measured as follows:

• LB.1 Adapt and Persevere. Working towards and earning proficient or mastery in math.

• LB.2 Make responsible decisions. Measured as described in the LASD Behaviors Rubric.

• LB.3 Be a Self-Directed Learner.  Turning in all applicable assignments. No missing assignments.

• LB.4 Collaborate with Peers and Adults. Going to tutorials when necessary.

• LB.5 Set Goals and Meet Them.  Self-monitoring any 1’s and 2’s earned and working toward proficiency. 

Absences

• The student is responsible for checking Google Classroom to make up for missed work (i.e., homework assigned, lesson covered, etc...).

• If a student is absent for an exam, a retake exam must be taken.

Expected Behaviors in Class

Before coming to class, students are expected to:

1. Come prepared with their math spiral notebook or 3 ring binder containing their completed and self-corrected assignment due,  their SpringBoard textbook, and sharpened pencils. 

2. Come to class with questions about concepts or problems they have not mastered.

3. Have used the bathrooms before coming to class when possible.

When entering the classroom, students must do the following in this order:

1. Wash their hands with disinfectant at the door. Masks are strongly encouraged.

2. Pick up math warmup from the Algebra tray on the cabinet near the door.

3. Go directly to their assigned desk (no socializing with others).

4. Immediately take out spiral notebook or 3 ring binder and display the assignment due that day on the corner of their desk for the teacher to spot check.  

5. Complete math warmup (~5 minutes). Self-correct their warmup with provided answers.

Note: Students should attempt math warm up first on their own, but they can seek help (quietly) from another student. Teacher will ask if any students want to see the worked out solution for a warm up problem after time is up.

6. Get out their SpringBoard textbook when prompted to start the next lesson.

When in class, students are expected to:

1. Contribute to a positive learning environment by being courteous to others and open to the ideas and opinions of others.

2. Be attentive at all times while in class.

3. Be an active, contributing member of the class.

4. Not interrupt the teacher or student whose turn is to talk.

5. Raise their hand when they have a question. 

6. Respect school property  (Ex., chromebook, calculators, desks) and the property of others.

7. Do not eat or drink inside the classroom.

Before being dismissed from class, students are expected to:

1. Clean up any trash, loose paper, etc... on or around their desk.

2. Return borrowed chromebooks and plug them in the laptop cart.

3. Wait for the teacher to dismiss them, even if the dismissal bell has rung.

Policies are subject to change based on teacher discretion of what is in the best interest of students.

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the syllabus.

Student First and Last Name: _____________________________

Student Signature: ________________________    Date: _____________

My student gave me the opportunity to read this syllabus.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________  Date: ______________