Dr. Branan's Algebra I:  Concepts and Connections

Resources

Locust Grove High School 

Algebra: Concepts and Connections 

& Algebra: Concepts and Connections Support 

 Syllabus 2026-2027 

Instructor:       Dr. Julie Branan julie.branan@henry.k12.ga.us

Course Description: 

Algebra: Concepts and Connections is the first course in a sequence of three high school courses designed to ensure career and college readiness. Students will apply their algebraic and geometric reasoning skills to make sense of problems involving algebra, geometry, bivariate data, and statistics. This course focuses on algebraic, quantitative, geometric, graphical, and statistical reasoning. In this course, students will continue to enhance their algebraic reasoning skills when analyzing and applying a deep understanding of linear functions, sums and products of rational and irrational numbers, systems of linear inequalities, distance, midpoint, slope, area, perimeter, nonlinear equations and functions, quadratic expressions, equations and functions, exponential expressions, equations, and functions, and statistical reasoning. High school course content standards are listed by big ideas including Data and Statistical Reasoning, Probabilistic Reasoning, Functional and Graphical Reasoning, Patterning and Algebraic Reasoning, and Geometric and Spatial Reasoning.

Algebra: Concepts and Connections Support is a co-requisite course for students who will receive additional support for success in Algebra: Concepts and Connections.  Concepts and Connections Support is concurrent with enrollment in Algebra: Concepts and Connections. 

A solid understanding of algebra concepts is critical for success in future mathematics courses, including geometry and calculus. In addition, algebra knowledge and skills are essential for post-secondary success as well as for producing a skilled workforce for scientific and technical careers. Algebra requires proficiency with multiple representations, including symbols, equations, and graphs, as well as the ability to reason logically, both of which play crucial roles in advanced mathematics courses. 

Class Supplies Needed: 

● Pack of White Copy Paper (turned into teacher) 

● Box of Tissues (turned into teacher) 

● Pack of Pencils (turned into teacher) 

Student Supplies Needed: 

● Notebook Paper

● Pencils & Erasers 

● Highlighter 

● Dry Erase Marker

● Calculator - See more information below 

Algebra Concepts and Connections Course Content: 

Unit 1 - Modeling Linear Functions 

Unit 2 - Analyzing Linear Inequalities 

Unit 3 - Investigating Rational and Irrational Numbers 

Unit 4 - Modeling and Analyzing Quadratic Functions 

Unit 5 - Modeling and Analyzing Exponential Expressions & Equations 

Unit 6 - Analyzing Exponential Functions 

Unit 7 - Investigating Data 

Unit 8 - Algebraic Connections to Geometric Concepts 

Unit 9 - Review, Enrich, and Accelerate 

Grading Policies: 

This class requires a mixture of bookwork and computer work. All bookwork must be completed, and your work must be shown to receive full credit. 

Practice Work 40% | Assessment Tasks 40% | Semester Summative Assessment Tasks (EOC) 20% 

    Students will earn 2 grades:

• Algebra: Concepts and Connections

  • Tests - Quizzes - Progress Learning - Classwork 

• Algebra: Concepts and Connections Support

  • Warm-ups - Delta Math - Vocabulary - Skills Review - Classwork 

Homework, Practice Work, and Notes: 

Students are responsible for taking notes during class and completing practice problems assigned. Homework is also periodically assigned. All work must be shown for each problem. Practice work and homework may be checked either for accuracy or completion at the teacher’s discretion. Evidence of app use will result in no credit.

• Classwork/Practice work must be turned in by the due date.

• Corrections for all Classwork/Practice work must be completed by the correction due date.

Calculators: 

Please note that calculators will be provided in class. The students will be issued a TI-84 Plus CE Python by HCBOE to use in the classroom. TI-84 Plus CE Python

You may also choose to purchase the TI-36X Pro. The calculator has features that make things easier for students (fraction button, simplifying radicals and fractions, etc). This calculator can be used throughout Algebra Concepts & Connections, Geometry, and Algebra 2. 

Assessments: 

Students MUST complete all assessments on their HCS-issued Chromebooks.

• BUG (Bring Up Your Grade) sheets must be completed by the due date. Late BUG sheets will not be accepted.

• Students must show their work to receive full credit on the BUG sheet.

Personal Electronic Devices Policy:(page 52, 2026/ 2027 Districtwide K-12 Student and Parent Handbook)     

Personal Electronic Devices: Students are prohibited from using personal electronic devices or accessories during the instructional school day. A personal electronic device refers to any device utilized to access the Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular telephone signals, or to capture images or video. This includes but is not limited to cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and gaming devices.  This also includes the use of accessories. Personal electronic device accessories include any wired or wireless accessory or wearable technology that connects to a device and any other accessory commonly used in conjunction with a personal electronic device.    Although students may possess a personal electronic device, it should not be turned on or utilized for any function. The above-specified devices should be turned off, placed out of sight, and not used during instructional days. This includes established school day hours and at off-campus activities during the school day. 

Attendance | Make-Up Work: 

Attendance is extremely important. You miss valuable class discussions that help you master the standards being taught during this time. It is the responsibility of the student to learn, obtain, and complete the work missed. Check Google Classroom, email the teacher, or ask a classmate for the notes & missed work. You are allowed 7 days to make up the missed work. Class time will not be spent completing makeup work. 

• OSS = If a student receives out-of-school suspension, they will have the opportunity to complete their missing work. Students have the same number of days to complete work as their OSS.

• ISS = If a student receives in-school suspension, their work will be sent to ISS to be completed. The expectation is the student will complete the work while in ISS. They will not be given extra time to complete missing work once they return to class. 

Restroom | Hall Passes: 

One student will be allowed out of class at a time to maximize class time and minimize class disruptions. Students will receive 5 passes per class per semester to utilize to go to the restroom/hall pass. Students need to make sure to use their passes appropriately and wisely. Students will be given a hall pass that they must keep on them at all times and return. 

Classroom Participation Behavior Guidelines: 

1- Follow directions the first time they are given. 

2- Take advantage of the entire learning period. Be seated and prepared to work at the bell. 

3- Cell phones and Personal Electronic Devices are prohibited. Please see the Cellphone and Personal Electronic Devices Policy.

4- Technology is for educational purposes only. No games during class. 

5- Math materials and pencils should be brought to class daily. 

6- Being tardy and/or delays interfere with learning and instruction. Be on time. 

7- Be respectful to everyone in the room. 

8- Keep your personal workspace neat. Clean up around your desk before leaving class each day. 

9- We do not allow eating in my room during class time. You will not be allowed to eat during class. 

Consequences: 

Please see the student handbook for a detailed description.

Branan Foundations of Algebra & Algebra Concepts and Connections Syllabus Agreement 

Please read and discuss the syllabus with your student and return this page only by                                       Monday, August 11th, indicating that you have done so. Keep the syllabus for your records. 

OR Complete the Branan Syllabus Acknowledgement Google Form

Student Name: ______________________________    

I have read and discussed the Foundations of Algebra & Algebra Concepts and Connections Syllabus with my child. We understand that the instructors have the right to make changes, additions, and deletions to the course expectations and guidelines throughout the course of the year. 

Students and parents will be made aware of any changes via classroom communication (IC Messenger, E-mail). I understand that if I have any questions or concerns, I may contact Ms. Jump or Dr. Branan to discuss them at their earliest convenience. 

_____________________________________ __________________                   Student Signature                                                                   Date 

_____________________________________ __________________                            Parent Signature                                                                   Date

Parent Information:

Name _____________________________________________

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