Algebra I

My name is Laura Anderson, and I am your algebra instructor. I absolutely love algebra, and I am super excited to work with you!

Contacting Me

I am a part time teacher and will be leaving campus before noon. If you have questions about your homework your best bet is to email me at landerson@selwynschool.com. I will check my email for messages until 5:00 pm. If you find you need help after 5:00, please come see me before class the following day as I am on campus at 8:00 am. I am the supervisor of your morning study-hall. This is a perfect time to get the help you need. If you are unable to meet me before class let me know as my schedule is flexible and I want to be sure you get the help you need.

Textbook

We will be using the Algebra I California Edition text published by Prentice Hall. We will also be using IXL and Google Sheets.

Grading

Here is how I intend to weight your grades.

·         Notebook/Quizzes/Labs 10%

·         Homework 40%

·         Tests 50%

Notebooks

You will be given a notebook containing my lecture notes. You will be responsible for filling in the blanks and working example problems with me. You may, of course, take any additional notes you feel will be helpful. At the end of the week (Thursday end of class) you will hand in your notebook to be graded. Your notes are a great resource when completing assignments or studying for exams. An additional benefit to taking notes, studies show that writing by hand is better for memory and learning.

Homework

Due to our short class period (50 minutes) you will be assigned daily homework. Daily assignments give you the opportunity to practice the concepts learned in class. This is an essential component of learning algebra.

I expect this to be turned in the day after assigned, unless I note an exception when assigning your work. Ten percent will be deducted from your assignment’s grade for each day your work is late. Late work will not be accepted after the chapter exam. If you are having problems completing your work on time, or extenuating circumstances prevent you from finishing an assignment, let me know and we can work out an alternative schedule. You shouldn’t have more than 30 minutes of math homework in the evening, so if you find it is taking you longer to complete your assignments, please let me know so I can adjust accordingly.

In addition, I will publish our weekly schedule on our school portal RenWeb. You can refer to RenWeb to view upcoming assignments and grades as I will typically update your account daily. Important note: I will publish your schedule for the week, but it may change as we adapt our pace to the needs of the class.

Exams

You will be given an exam at the end of each chapter. Prior to the exam, we will work through a unit review. Exams are an important way for me to evaluate how well you have learned the material.

Absences from Class

If possible, please schedule your appointments on Fridays and your vacations during school breaks. Being absent from class makes your learning new skills all that more challenging. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to complete your make-up work. For each day you miss class, you have one day to complete missing work. I am always available to run through the lessons with you. If you are planning a long absence from school let me know. I can prepare your work ahead of time so you do not fall behind.

Use of Online Resources

You have access to a vast array of online resources that will solve your algebra problems for you and even show you the steps required. I caution you against relying on these sites. It’s nice to be able to check your work or get help when you find yourself stuck, but overuse of these sites will hinder your learning. Algebra is a skill you need to complete your high school level math and science classes. Without the necessary skills, you are going to find a future full of challenges you are not equipped to meet. Using the sites to check your work or to get help when I am not available is perfectly acceptable. Using the sites to complete your assignments is not.

Class Structure

Class lectures will occur in class. I do have my lectures recorded if you have lingering questions, would like a review, or miss class. You can access all of these in your Google classroom.

Phone Use

Use of mobile phones is prohibited for all middle school students. If your parents need to reach you during class time, they can phone the front office and leave a message or text me (I will be giving them my cell number). If you bring a phone to school, it must remain in your locker. If you are caught using your cell phone, it will be given to the Head of Middle School (Mrs. Kinder) for the remainder of the day. Your parents will need to come in to retrieve your phone after school. You are allowed use of your cell phone after school.