Syllabus

Algebra 1

Course Syllabus

Course Overview

In Algebra 1 students develop fluency creating, interpreting, and translating between various forms of linear, quadratic, and exponential equations and functions. They will interpret functions graphically, numerically, symbolically, and verbally and use them to model real-world phenomena. The SCCCR mathematical process standards apply throughout the course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful and logical subject.

General Information

Instructor: Dr. Lyons

Room: C-234 (Upstairs Grey Hallway)

Email: blyons@greenvilleschools.us

Phone: (864) 355-2692

Textbook: enVision Algebra 1 South Carolina by Savvas

Grading Information

Grades are cumulative through the end of each semester and will be based on demonstrated mastery of concepts and development of skills. Updated grade reports will be available through Backpack so students and parents may continually monitor academic progress. Report cards will be distributed every nine weeks.  Student performance will be assessed in two areas: major and minor. Each of these areas will be weighted and used to determine letter grades as follows.

Semester: Grading Scale:

   Quarter 1/3: 40%   A: 90 - 100

   Quarter 2/4: 40%   B: 80 - 89

   End-Of-Course Exam: 20%   C: 70 - 79

  D: 60 - 69

   Quarter grades below 50% are no longer floored at 50%.   F: 00 - 59

Major assignments (tests and projects) are worth 60% and minor assignments (quizzes and classwork) are worth 40%.

Missing/Incomplete/Failed Assignments

To receive full credit, assignments must be turned in before or on the due date. Assignments turned in after the due date without an excused absence can suffer a 10% late penalty. If students are absent, it is their responsibility to complete all missed assignments within five days of their return. Failed assignments can be retaken once within five days of when it was originally given and the student must attend at least one tutoring session. These assignments can be completed before school, after school, during lunch, during DOGs tutoring, or during RISE. If the student wishes to access missed assignments, finish incomplete assignments, or retake a failed assignment, they must contact the instructor via phone, email, or in-person.

Course Structure

2025 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Algebra 1 Standards

Algebra 1 features the following nine units:

1. Simplify Algebraic Expressions

2. Factor Algebraic Expressions

3. Solve Algebraic Equations and Inequalities

4. Functions

5. Linear Functions

6. Exponential Functions

7. Quadratic Functions and Absolute Value Functions

8. Systems of Equations

9. Data

MagicSchool Syllabus Statement

This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use. Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, includingMagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Generative AI Syllabus Statement

This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.

Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.

Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.

Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Discrete Mathematics

Policies & Procedures

Classroom Expectations

1. During lectures, students will remain quiet, seated, and engaged unless otherwise directed.

2. During collaboration, students will work on-task and work together with their peers.

3. During assessments, students will work silently and remain silent after finishing.                                                                                                                                                                                               

Abiding by these expectations ensures a safe and productive learning environment for all students.

Discipline Procedure

Failure to abide by the aforementioned expectations will result in the following actions. Steps may be skipped depending on the severity of the infraction.

Offense 1   Student conference Offense 3   Detention

Offense 2   Parent conference Offense 4   Referral

Attendance Policy

Students are afforded five absences per semester. Absences exceeding this amount must be excused by a parent or doctor. Failure to excuse absences exceeding five will result in a failing grade for the course.

Tardy Policy

Offenses 1 - 3 Warning/Conference Offenses 6 - 7 Referral & After-School Detention

Offenses 4 - 5 Lunch Detention Offenses 8+ Referral & ISS

Cell Phone Policy

Personal electronic devices cannot be used by students during the instruction day (8:45 - 3:45). This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, headphones, smart watches, computers, tablets, etc. While in class, they must remain out of sight and silent. Personal electronic devices are only allowed during lunch for educational purposes. 

Offense 1   Lunch Detention

Offense 2   ISS

Offense 3   OSS

Calculator Policy

Students are provided TI-84 Calculators for the duration of the course. They are permitted to use them during lectures, collaboration, and assessments. Because the calculators are property of Berea High School, they may only be used while in class and cannot be taken outside of the classroom. Damage to or loss of any calculator will result in a charge placed on the student’s account for the estimated value of the calculator (approximately $150). To use a calculator outside of class, students can use their Chromebooks to access desmos, a free online graphing and scientific calculator.