2026-27 Algebra II Syllabus - Johnston
Please take a few minutes to review the course syllabus. Upon completion, please indicate that you have read and agree to the terms. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at jajohnston@bfcsaz.com to discuss them. I look forward to having your child in math this year and am hopeful that they complete the year with a greater understanding, appreciation, and hunger for math!
Jeremy Johnston, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Room 130 (P.0, P.5), Room 125 (P.2)
jajohnston@bfcsaz.com
Course Description
Algebra II/Trigonometry expands on Algebra I concepts and teaches students how to graph linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, solve equations, and factor advanced polynomials. Imaginary and complex numbers, probability, and sequences and series are also covered in the course. Concepts for trigonometry are developed and reinforced, and students are introduced to logarithmic and exponential functions.
Communication
All grades will be posted in PowerSchool. Lesson plans will be posted on my website. Please check these websites regularly. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me.
Attendance Policy
Your daily attendance is vital to your success in this class. Please be sure to communicate with your teacher regarding absences and complete all missed work.
Required Supplies and Texts for Class
Students are required to have supplies that are used for this class only. Please ensure that your student has the following materials and is prepared for class.
Lined notebook
Graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus strongly preferred)
Pencils
Graphing paper
Colored pens
2+ Expo Markers
Binder (to store guided notes)
Technology Requirement: You will need to bring a handheld graphing calculator to class every day. Your instructor will use a TI-84, but any graphing calculator is acceptable. If you plan to take an AP math course, you will want an AP approved calculator for future use. The list of AP-approved calculators can be found at https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-policies-guidelines/calculator-policies
Grading Policy
Grade Weights:
Discussion 15%
Classwork/Homework 15%
Quizzes 30%
Tests 40%
Semester Grades:
Semester 80%
Final Exam 20%
Classroom Expectations
Your student is expected to:
Arrive to class in a timely manner
Bring required supplies everyday
Be in their seat – working on the task at hand when the bell rings
Be respectful of others and their property
Be respectful of those who are speaking
Participate fully
Complete work that is missed
Attend Conference or Tutoring when struggling
Come to class with a positive attitude
Cell phones should be off and in your backpack at all times
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is not just an educational matter but a moral one as well. A major aspect of a classical education is instruction on growing in character and our goal of becoming a virtuous person. With this in mind, BFHS takes very seriously the willful misrepresentation of another’s work as their own. This includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism (intentional or unintentional), cheating on exams, and copying the work of other students. Every effort will be made by the teacher to discern intentional plagiarism from unintentional plagiarism. In the case of the latter, remediation will take place between student and teacher in order to review how to properly cite others’ work. This is not a punitive measure, rather an opportunity for the student to understand and correct his/her citation skills. On the other hand, intentional plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with severely including a zero on the assignment, suspension, removal from extra-curricular activities or leadership positions held in the school, and in the case of repeat offenders, expulsion. See BFHS Parent Handbook for more information.
Discussion
The term class discssion is a bit of a misnomer. A more accurate term might be “Student Engagement” or “Scholarship.” One of the greatest gifts we can bequeath to our students is the skillset that will set them up for success in their future academic endeavors. Consequently, this grade consists not only of participating in classroom discussions, but also: coming to class prepared, listening attentively to the teacher and other students when they are speaking, having a good attitude, being on task, asking quality questions, delivering quality and thoughtful answers, etc. When a student employs these techniques and is incentivized to do so, their academic skill set improves and thus they experience success.
Students should participate so they can learn from each other. We know that active involvement in learning increases what is remembered, how well it is assimilated, and how the learning is used in new situations. In making statements to peers about their own thoughts on a class topic, students must articulate those thoughts and also submit them to (hopefully constructive) examination by others. In listening to their peers, students hear many different ways of interpreting and applying class material, and thus are able to integrate many examples of how to use the information. Especially in a course that stresses interaction, repetition, application of material, and accuracy, extensive participation and discussion in class is an essential element of students’ learning.
What is a Class Discussion Grade?
Having required materials for class
Frequency AND Quality of participation and discussion
Preparedness for classroom activities
Comments/Questions are relevant
Group dynamic is improved by student’s presence
Engaged in classroom activities and able to give cogent answers when called upon
Shows an interest in and respect for others’ contributions
Comments and possible disagreements with the teacher or students are handled with maturity and sensitivity
Required works are complete and neat
What a Class Discussion Grade IS NOT
Raising hand in an attempt to answer every question whether or not there is a quality contribution
Interjecting in class discussion purely to be “seen” or “counted”
Talking incessantly, rambling, or making unnecessary comments
What takes away from Class Discussion Grades?
Coming to class ill prepared
Being disrespectful to students or staff
Disrupting the learning environment by actions or talking out of turn
Belittling the opinions of others
Not participating in the activities as they are happening and thus being unable to answer questions when called upon or move to the next step when the group moves
Discouraging or disrupting others who are attempting to participate
Not taking notes (as necessary)
Not completing work as assigned
The Discussion grade will be graded weekly based on criteria above. Students can earn up to 10 points weekly. Students cannot make up points that they lose during the week due to their failure to meet the above criteria. Excused absences will not result in deducted points. If a student has a full week of excused absences they will be exempted from the participation grade for that week.
Absent & Late Work
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the due date provided by the teacher.
Late work is not accepted. Students are responsible for any material covered during an excused absence and have two days to make up any work missed. Any incomplete work not made up within the designated time will merit no credit. Long-term assignments are to be turned in on the due date, regardless of student attendance, unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.
Homework
Students should anticipate homework every night, including weekends. Homework assignments will be explained in class and should be documented in the student’s agenda. Homework will also be listed on the class website for your convenience. Note that the teacher will place assignments on the website for up to a week in advance, daily homework requirements will depend on the amount of content covered in class. All homework will be done in a notebook and will be graded based on completion. Every problem must be attempted and all work shown to receive full credit. Homework will be recorded based on the following 4 point scale:
4 points - All problems attempted, complete work shown and organized
3 points - Most of the problems attempted, work is shown and organized
2 points - Over 50% of the problems are attempted and work is shown, or complete but work is not organized
1 point - Some problems are attempted and work shown, or problems missing and not organized
0 points - No homework or no work shown
The teacher reserves the right to make changes according to the overall pace of the class.
Test Retakes
All math courses will not offer test corrections. Instead, students will have the opportunity to retake tests after meeting required conditions, including mandatory tutoring. More information about the retake process will be provided by the teachers during the first week of school.
Digital Citizenship
Please be mindful of the three pillars of digital responsibility:
Copyright and fair use
Give proper credit when you use the work of others.
Online safety
Protect your own and others’ private information online.
Communicate kindly and responsibly online.
Communication
Use clear and effective language when communicating digitally (such as email).
Students will be notified by the instructor of any changes in course requirements or policies.