Syllabus

2022 – 2023 Algebra 1 CP Course Syllabus

 Course Description

Algebra I is the first course for students entering the 9th grade who have mastered all state-mandated eighth-grade standards.  The SCCCR Mathematical Process Standards apply throughout the course and, along with content standards prescribe that students experience math as a coherent, useful, and logical subject. Algebra I is a required semester long course for high school graduation which includes an EOC, End-of-Course assessment, at the conclusion of the course. The EOC is cumulative and will assess the student’s knowledge of the Algebra I standards taught throughout the course. The EOC will account for 20% of the student’s final grade. Other aspects of the Algebra I course include cooperative and collaborative learning, mathematical modeling, use of scientific and graphing calculators, reading and writing strategies in math, student projects, student presentations, and performance assessments. The focus of this course is on linear functions. Students will complete this class with a basic understanding of Algebra 1 that will prepare them for all future math courses such as Geometry, Algebra 2 , Algebra 3 and Pre-Calculus. For a breakdown of unit topics covered throughout this course, please refer to the pacing guide at the bottom of the syllabus.

Instructional Philosophy

The Math Department believes that every student in our diverse student body, regardless of starting point, can learn. The focus begins at his or her current academic level and continues to guide him or her to the ultimate goal, successful completion of Algebra 1 and a solid foundation to build upon for future studies. Teaching strategies will include:  lectures, group work, projects, presentations, games, computer activities, writing assignments, and other strategies will be used to help instruct students. Students are expected to take part in the class by paying attention, asking and answering questions, and contributing to thoughtful classroom discussion. Assignments will be given every period and expected to be completed on time.

Power Standards

These standards are the basis for the items on end-of-course examination for Algebra 1.

• One-variable equations and inequalities will be used to model and solve problems about real-world scenarios.

• Multiple representations will be used to enhance and extend understanding of functional relationships in real world problems.

• Linear, quadratic, and exponential functions will be used to model the relationships between quantities in various real-world scenarios.

• Real-world problems whose constraints can be represented by a pair linear equations or inequalities will be solved by analyzing a system of two equations/inequalities in two unknowns.

• The laws of exponents will be used to simplify expressions and perform operations on polynomials and on numbers in scientific notation.

• Polynomial expressions will be rewritten in equivalent factored forms which play an important role in solving quadratic equations and analyzing quadratic functions.

• Quadratic equations and their related functions will be used to model and solve many mathematical and real-world problems.

• Exponential functions will be used to analyze and understand many real-world situations that grow or decay by a constant factor.

Course Goals, the Standards for Mathematical Practice, & Literacy Standards

These are the SCCCR Standards for Mathematical Practice. Upon completion of Algebra I, students should be able to

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

• Model with mathematics.

• Use appropriate tools strategically.

• Attend to precision.

• Look for and make use of structure.

Throughout the course, students will be required to show a mathematical literacy as associated with Algebra. The following are standards that will lead to a proficiency in mathematical literacy:

1. Write explanatory math text to convey ideas, concepts, and information, including graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

2. Read word problems and other types of math problems and create an equation or system that will help reach the appropriate conclusions.

Major Course Assignments

A variety of assessments will be used as evidence that each student has met the course standards. Students will take multiple assessments within each module in the curriculum to evaluate their knowledge of the material. Writing assignments will be utilized to allow the student an opportunity to connect math to the real world while also improving their reading and writing strategies in math. Below is a list of the topics that will be assessed using tests, projects, and writing assignments.

Module 1: Searching for Patterns

• Topic 1 - Quantities and Relationships

• Topic 2 - Sequences

• Topic 3 - Linear Regressions

Module 2: Exploring Constant Change

• Topic 1 - Linear Functions

• Topic 2 - Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities

• Topic 3 - Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Topic 4 - Functions Derived from Linear Relationships

Module 3: Investigating Growth and Decay

• Topic 1 - Introduction to Exponential Functions

• Topic 2 - Using Exponential Functions

Module 4: Maximizing and Minimizing

• Topic 1 - Introduction to Quadratic Functions

• Topic 2 - Solving Quadratic Equations

EOC Review

EOC

Course Assessment & Grading Plan

There are certain requirements that must be met to receive a passing grade in this course:

The quarterly grading system will be as follows:

• 60% of Grade – Major Assessments

  • Tests: Major tests will be announced in advance. Open ended, multiple choice, and matching questions will be utilized. For open ended questions, partial credit will be given for work that is partially correct.

  • Projects: Projects will be announced in advance. Projects are utilized to provide accurate assessment of the students’ knowledge of the material. Students will be given a grading rubric for all projects and will know what the expectations are.

• 40% of Grade – Minor Assessments(10%Homework;30%Quizzes)

  • Quizzes: Most quizzes will be announced in advance. However, be prepared for a quiz when you come to class by completing homework and asking questions in class.

  • Homework: Students are expected to complete all homework assignments. Homework is given to reinforce learning and to prepare you for class and is graded on completion.

  • Classwork: Grades for both completion and accuracy will be given on various in-class assignments. Students will know how the in-class assignment will be graded when it is assigned

The semester grading system will be as follows:

• 40% - 1st quarter grade

• 40% - 2nd quarter grade

• 20% - Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessment

Grading Scale

The South Carolina grading scale is as follows:

• A = 90 – 100

• B = 80 – 89

• C = 70 – 79

• D = 60 – 69

• F = below 60

Pacing Guide

The Algebra 1 course competencies are presented for a one-semester block course that meets the Common Core Algebra 1 standards. The Algebra 1 End-of-Course test will be given at the completion of the course, and will account for 20% of the student’s final grade.