Algebra ~

Mrs. Bienvenu ~ mbienvenu@psdschools.org

You can expect from me

Support   ~~     Fairness          ~~     Phoenix P.R.I.D.E        ~~          Communication

My expectations of you – Have Phoenix P.R.I.D.E

Purpose

●        Give 100% Effort

●        Focus on Learning

●        Be an active member of our classroom

●        Support the learning of everyone

●        Learning Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills through the math content

Respect

●        Communicate politely to EVERYONE in class

●        Follow Directions

●        Appropriate Body Language

Individual Responsibility

●        Ready to learn with correct materials (see below)

●        Do your BEST

●        Own YOUR behavior and responsibilities

●        Demonstrate SLANT in class

●        Complete practice on time

●        Take advantage of opportunities to reassess non-mastered material

●        ALWAYS show your work

Determination

●        Ask Questions

●        Offer answers

●        Take Risks

●        Collaborate with others

●        Stay on task

●        Advocate for yourself and your learning!

●        Focus on process

Empathy

●        Respect and Celebrate differences

●        Share ideas

●        See the best in others

●        Listen and seek to understand

Grading

Grading is based on the Colorado Academic Standards. Student grades will come from quizzes, Weekly Reviews, and unit assessments. Students will be given additional practice each night that corresponds to the day's lesson. These assignments will not impact your grade, but it is crucial that students complete them to keep up in class and show success on the Weekly Reviews. To be recommended for moving on to the following high school math course, Geometry, a student must maintain an 80% or above mastery of content.  The grading scale is listed below:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 59-50

Assessments

Assessments will be in the form of formative quizzes and unit assessments. All assessments may be re-taken for full credit. Re-take opportunities will be provided for students during advisory times or before/after school by appointment. To re-take an assessment, you must demonstrate understanding of your mistakes as evidenced by test corrections.

Materials Needed

●        Planner

●        Pencils

●        Colored Pencils or Markers

●        Highlighter(s)

●        Tape or Glue Sticks

●        Calculator

●        Composition Book – graph paper version recommended

●        Computer

How to Be Successful in Algebra

Algebra is a rigorous course teaching the essential standards of 8th grade and high school Algebra 1. This involves compacting standards and a faster pace of learning. This level of rigor requires a great deal of responsibility from students. 

-Additional Practice

Complete additional practice on time and show all work. These practice opportunities are essential to further develop your understanding of the standards and fully participate in subsequent class activities. Additional practice will be provided on a regular basis Monday – Thursday. This should be an extension of what is learned in class and shouldn’t be unfamiliar material. While not unfamiliar, you may be asked to apply a familiar concept in an unfamiliar context. Be prepared for a challenge (but it is one I know you can meet!) The purpose is to practice and apply the expected standards.

           Weekly Reviews

Weekly Reviews will be assigned consistently on Fridays and done in class with cooperative learning groups. These are essential to retain previously learned concepts. All Weekly Reviews will be due the following Monday if not completed in class.

Additional Practice is the responsibility of the student. If it is not complete, students’ understanding of the material can be greatly affected. Lack of understanding can result in parent notification, repeat of the course, time made-up outside of class, etc. Our goal is to create a foundation for future years of math and this practice will help prepare students for success in years to come.

-Resources

Use the resources to help you study and problem solve. You have access to the following:

●         THE LEARNING PAGE! Our class learning page will have daily assignments, notes, helpful videos, and more.  It is the student’s responsibility to use this consistently and wisely.

●         INB – Class Notes

●         Previous Homework (Friday Showcases)

●         YouTube

●         Your peers!

-Have a GROWTH Mindset                                                                                            

Every mistake you make is progress.

Don’t let failure be an ending. Make it a beginning.                                                                                                                                                                      

I can learn anything, I can know anything, I can be anything.

Don’t give up until you are proud!

-Participate and Ask Questions in Class

We work daily in our cooperative learning groups and students will be equipped with tools and conversation starters to communicate effectively with peers and the whole class. It is essential that students talk about math in order to increase their growth!

I have read the expectations for Ms. Bienvenu’s class and understand my responsibilities. I also have a clear understanding of how to be successful in math this year.

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