Course Description:
Algebra aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations and inequalities and systems; extending these skills to solving quadratic and exponential functions; exploring functions, including sequences, graphically, numerically, symbolically and verbally; and using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to distributions of data. On a daily basis, students in Algebra use problem solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking.
Students learn in collaboration with others, sharing information, expertise, and ideas. The course is well balanced between procedural fluency (algorithms and basic skills), deep conceptual understanding, strategic competence (problem solving), and adaptive reasoning (extension and transference). The lessons in the course meet all of the content standards of Appendix A of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Three Pillars of the CPM Program:
Students learn ideas more deeply when they discuss ideas with classmates
Students learn ideas more usefully for other arenas when they learn by attacking problems-ideally from the real world.
Students learn ideas more permanently when they are required to engage and re-engage with the ideas for months or even years.
During Class:
Students are expected to be respectful and show good character in class.
Students are expected to come to class with all work completed by the beginning of class the day that the assignment is due.
Students are expected to come to class on time with *all necessary materials and be ready to work.
*Pencil, math book, binder with paper and graph paper. Spiral bound graphing notebook is recommended.
Students are expected to see the instructor if they have any questions or need any additional assistance.
Bringing a water bottle filled with water to drink during class is encouraged.