FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions!

Classroom expectations, policies, and procedures are meant to make the learning environment run as smoothly as possible. Remember that your actions should positively enhance and never disrupt the learning of your classmates. If you have any questions, please ask Mrs. Durham! If you need clarification, please ask Mrs. Durham! In general, if you aren’t sure about something, please ask Mrs. Durham.

Does homework count for a grade?

The purpose of homework is for practice and feedback and the purpose of a grade is to represent what you actually know. In other words, a 90% should mean that you have mastered 90% of the material you have been taught rather than saying that you know 70% of the material, always complete your homework, and brought in some boxes of tissues at one point during the year. For that reason, homework does not get calculated into your grade, however, it is still recorded in the gradebook to communicate to you, your parents, and the teacher how much practice and work you are putting in. Homework is incredibly important. You cannot improve your skills without practicing and then analyzing what you have done well and what you still need to work on. That means you need to check your answers! It is expected that you complete your homework when assigned and check your answers on Google Classroom.

What should I do if I am absent?

If you are absent, the first thing you should do is check the class calendar or Google Classroom to see what you missed. You are always responsible for your learning. That means that if you miss notes, activities, or assignments you are responsible for making those up. I post the assignments, answer keys, and filled in notes on Google Classroom and the class calendar. You can either copy these down or print them at school. The notes should be reviewed and the assignment should be attempted before returning to class. That way you know what questions you might have for me. When you come back to class, you can pick up materials in the Absent Bin located on the counter as you walk in the door. If you ever have a planned absence, it is important that you let Mrs. Durham know in advance! It is expected that you check Google Classroom prior to returning from your absence.

Where can I find extra copies of worksheets?

Any extra hard copies of worksheets will be stored in the absent bin in the folder labeled with the section number. For example, if you lost the assignment for 1.1 – Solving Equations, you can find another one located in the Algebra 1 Absent Bin in the folder labeled 1.1 (until my printed copies run out). You can also print extra copies from Google Classroom.

If I am struggling, how can I get extra help?

Go see Mrs. Durham. It is best to communicate immediately and get the extra help you need right away! Mrs. Durham is available before school every day in Room 2384 and during seminar on Blue days. Mrs. Durham is also available after school when it is scheduled with the student. It is always best practice to let Mrs. Durham know that you plan to get help before school. If Mrs. Durham is unavailable, you can watch her videos! These videos are linked to each lesson on Google Classroom and the class calendar. You can also check out the Algebra 1 YouTube Channel to see all videos.

Can I retake this?

It depends. In general, the answer is no. In Algebra 1 we know that learning doesn’t happen at the same pace for all students, but all students should continue to work on improving their mathematical abilities. And your grade should reflect that growth. For that reason, we have a grade replacement system. Quiz grades can be replaced with subscores from the chapter assessments. And chapter assessment grades can be replaced with subscores from the semester final. There is a lot of opportunity for growth and improvement.

Can I use a calculator?

It depends. Sometimes we use them and sometimes we don’t. However, it is expected that you have a calculator. For Algebra 1 you must have at least a scientific calculator with you during class. We recommend a TI-30 or higher. We will also do some work with graphing calculators, so if you would like to purchase one of those now you can. For those, we recommend a TI-84 or TI-Nspire CX. Otherwise we will have graphing calculators in class for you to use when we need them.

Does this count for a grade?

It doesn’t matter. We design activities and assignments that are going to support your learning, therefore, if you want to be successful you should complete it whether or not it counts for a grade. Remember, a grade represents what you know, so the only grades that “count” must communicate the demonstration of your knowledge. If Mrs. Durham asks you to do something, you are expected to do it.

What happens if I am absent the day of a test?

Make it up in the Testing Center and communicate with Mrs. Durham about your plans! Per school policy, you have 2 seminar periods to take a missing assessment once you have returned from the absence. If you are absent before the assessment, you are still expected to take the assessment on the planned day. Again, communicate, communicate, communicate. If you have concerns, tell Mrs. Durham. She’s nice.

What are we doing today?

Check the board! The agenda is written on the board every day along with class learning objectives and the homework. If you are absent and want to know what we did that day, check the class calendar.

Who can help me if Mrs. Durham is unavailable?

Dr. Crismon, Mrs. Hong, Mrs. Turley, Mrs. Monsen, Mr. Calandrelli and Mrs. Rocco all teach Algebra 1 and they are happy to help you if Mrs. Durham is unavailable! If you are at home and get stuck, please watch the videos on the Algebra 1 YouTube Channel or google it. The power of the Internet is real...use it. If you Google “solving linear equations” you get 84,200,000 hits. One of those results has to be decent, right?

What am I expected to do at the beginning of class?

READ THE BOARD. READ THE BOARD. READ THE BOARD. For real. When you walk in, read the board and then do what it says. If it says, “Get out a calculator, pencil, and your homework.” Do it! If it says, “Tell your partner what you did this weekend.” Do it! If it says, “Complete the problem below.” Do it! And do it right away, not 3 minutes after the bell rings.

What am I expected to do at the end of class?

· Put away all of Mrs. Durham’s materials that were used during class in the appropriate spot. If you are not sure where that is, ask her.

· Write down your homework. You can find it written on the front board.

· Put away all of your materials (notes, assignments, handouts) in your binder. Do not just shove them in the black hole that is your backpack. That is not effective.

· Hang out near your desk. Not the door.

· When the bell rings, please please please push in your chair before walking calmly out of class.

Can I use my cellphone in class?

Nope. How about as a calculator? Nope...that’s why you have a calculator. How about for kahoot and other online activities? Nope...that’s what your MacBook is for. How about if my Mom texts me? How would you know if you didn’t have your phone out???? In general, the answer is no. Mrs. Durham has the right to take any device that is not being used appropriately in class.

Can I go to the bathroom or get a drink or leave class for any other reason I can think of?

If you are not in class, you are not learning. Every time you leave you are missing important information. Try to minimize the amount of time you spend out of class. Of course, you know your own needs. So, if you really need to leave class for some reason, communicate that with Mrs. Durham and she will let you know the best time to leave class.