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Mr. Howard
Foothill High School
Algebra II
bhoward@pleasantonusd.net
Welcome to Mr. Howard's Algebra II class at Foothill High School! This will be a year full of mathematical exploration and discovery! Student will be refining their real world problem solving skills by using a problem-based curriculum in class.
COURSE GOALS:
Most importantly, students will be able to think critically, problem solve, work in groups, teach and learn from peers, and make connections to the real world in mathematics. In addition, this course will be based on the following topics of mathematics:
Quadratic Functions, Equations, and Relations
Polynomial Functions, Expressions, Equations
Radical Functions, Expressions, and Equations
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions and Equations
Trigonometric Functions
Statistics
MATERIALS:
Pencil & Paper (lined and graphed)
Notebook and binder
A whiteboard marker
A scientific calculator Ti-30X IISA and a Ti-83+ graphing calculator or similar (TI-84)
RESOURCES:
Textbook: Amplify Desmos Math California
Class Website: bit.ly/bhowmath
Khan Academy Video Lectures: https://www.khanacademy.org:
Online math review and practice: Delta Math
Online Graphing Calculator: https://www.desmos.com
Free online graphing calculator for iPhones or Computers
Exam Policy:
Work must be shown to justify answers. All work and steps must be shown to earn full credit.
Tests will not be curved.
There are 7 Units and 1-2 Assessments per unit with 1 retake allowed per assessment but the most recent score will be entered. So it's important to go over the test with me and make corrections before retaking. Each is about 7 questions, worth 4 points each.
Grading Policy:
Letter grades for progress reports, quarter grades and semester grades will be assigned by the following scale. Grades will not be rounded.
A 90-100%
B 80-89.9%
C 70-79.9%
D 60-69.9%
F 0-59.9%
Categories:
25% - Assignments
30% - Quizzes
45% - Unit Assessments
Extra Credit:
No extra credit will be available but retakes are available for some assessments.
Absence & Late Work Policy:
It is the responsibility of students to be aware of due dates, especially when absent from class. Pay attention to the Google Classroom and the Class Calendar. You need to complete all missed assignments and obtain copies of notes and warm-ups for the days you were absent.
In accordance with the PUSD and Foothill Attendance Policy,
For excused absences (such as illness): students will receive up to full credit earned for an assignment if it is turned in within the same number of class periods that the student was absent. Ex. if you are sick for 2 days, you have 2 class periods to turn in the assignment.
Although some assignments can technically be completed outside of class, students who are absent or tardy still miss valuable instruction, collaboration, and guided practice that cannot be fully recreated independently. For unexcused absences: students will receive up to half credit earned for an assignment if it is turned in within the same number of class periods that the student was absent.
If you receive an unexcused tardy, one point will be deducted for the daily assignment due to missing discussion and collaboration that occurs during the warm-up.
Late work beyond the absence policy listed above is not accepted.
If you miss an assessment, you will be expected to make it up the day you return during the class period. If you’ve had an extended absence (3 days or more) and want to ask for a test extension, you must EMAIL Mr. Howard to discuss it, otherwise I will assume you are ready the day you get back.
CLASS RULES:
As students, you are expected to come to class on time, prepared, and ready to learn.
Respect yourself, your peers, and staff members at all times. Hateful language or behavior will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate referral to administration.
Only one student at a time may leave the classroom. You must ask Ms. Bisagno to leave, and then sign out/in using the Minga kiosk.
Eating, drinking, and gum chewing is allowed in the classroom, so long as it is not obnoxious (no fast food, sunflower seeds, or anything else distracting), and all trash/crumbs get thrown away.
NO CELL PHONES, EARBUDS, SMART GLASSES OR SMART WATCHES. PERIOD. Cell Phones must be turned OFF and put into the cell phone caddy immediately upon entering the classroom.
Although chromebooks/laptops will be used occasionally, you must have been given explicit instruction from Ms. Bisagno to use it before taking it out of your backpack.
Show your work! This is a math class- you’re expected to show EVERY step on EVERY problem neatly. If you don’t show work, don’t expect credit (or for me or anyone else to be able to look at your work and help you!)
“How Do I Succeed In This Class?”
Take Responsibility for Your Own Learning. If you are confused or do not understand something, please do not hesitate to ask questions either in class or during Access. You are the person who is best able to judge how well you understand the material. If you need help, you need to ask!
Participate. Participation is absolutely essential to being successful in this course. Yes, you sit in groups for a reason, you are expected to work with your peers daily. Knowing the math in your head is one thing, being able to explain it to someone else is next level.
Practice, Practice, Practice! Practice will be assigned every single night. It is your responsibility to check (not copy) the answers. This will provide immediate feedback as to whether or not you understand the material. If you do not get a problem correct on the first try, you should attempt the problem at least two more times. If you are still unable to come up with the correct solution, get help-- ask a friend, google it, use the website links for videos, or ask me!
And last but not least… COME TO CLASS. This is an in-person school, not a hybrid or online school: daily attendance is essential for your success. The learning in this class happens through direct instruction, in-class practice, regular collaboration, and feedback that cannot be fully replicated outside of the classroom.
Be familiar with and follow all school and district policies:
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