Algebra 1 HE
2022-2023
Bret Harte Middle School
Ms. Kalman
Course Description
Algebra 1 is also referred to as Algebra HE (high school equivalent) since students will receive high school credit for successfully completing the course. Students who take high school equivalent math courses in middle school must earn a grade of C- or better for each semester of the course to receive high school credit for the course. Ten credits and the semester grade earned by the student will appear on the student’s high school transcript. Middle school students enrolled in a high school equivalent course who do not receive a C- grade or higher will not receive high school credit for the high school equivalent course, the grade will not go onto the high school transcript, and the student should retake the course the following year.
Students use the Springboard curriculum to gain an understanding of the properties of real numbers; formalize the language of functions; explore the behavior of functions numerically, graphically, analytically, and verbally; write expressions, equations, and inequalities; communicate mathematics understanding.
Instructional Resources Used in This Course
SpringBoard Algebra 1
math websites such as Khan Academy and IXL
supplement handouts and worksheets
Students should bring the math textbook to class with them every day to fill in the notes.
Contact Information
email: kkalman@sjusd.org
phone: (408)535-6000 extension 50228
Students should take advantage of Tutorial (1st 20 minutes of 5th period) on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to ask questions and get individual help. Tutorial on Monday and Wednesday will be used for Second Step, a Social Emotional Learning curriculum. Khan Academy and IXL are also valuable online tools for students to use to get extra practice and instruction with the Algebra topics we will cover this year. If students need additional help beyond Tutorial, students can make an appointment with me to get extra help before school, at lunch or after school. Email is the best way to contact me.
Units
Unit 1: Equations and Inequalities
Unit 2: Functions
Unit 3: Linear Concepts
Unit 4: Geometry (Course 3) & Exponents, Radicals, and Polynomials
Unit 5: Quadratic Functions
Unit 6: Probability and Statistics
Absences
Whenever a student misses an assignment or assessment due to an excused absence or unexcused absence, the student shall be given full credit for subsequent satisfactory completion of the assignment or assessment. The student will have as many days as they were absent to make up their work and assessments. After this time, the assignment(s) will be considered late and missing.
It is the student’s responsibility to turn in their work when absent. Students who are absent are responsible for obtaining and making up work that they have missed. Homework assignments can be obtained from a study buddy or the class Canvas page. Any missed test or quiz should be made up as soon as possible after returning to school. Please make an appointment with the teacher to make up any missed assessments.
Late Work
Students may turn in a missed assignment as late work up to 2 days after the due date. A late assignment is given a maximum of 67% of the score.
Grading
A+ 100-97%
A 96-93%
A- 92-90%
B+ 89-87%
B 86-83%
B- 82-80%
C+ 79-77%
C 76-73%
C- 72-70%
D+ 69-67%
D 66-63%
D- 62-60%
F 59-0%
On Canvas, an excused means it does not count against the grade, a blank score means that score has not been entered yet, and a missing assignment means it still needs to be turned in (late or absent). SJUSD Uniform Grading Policy regarding a minimum score of 50% applies only to classwork and homework. Grades will be posted in a timely manner and no later than the end of the grading period.
Course Activities
classwork (10% of grade): Students should participate actively and appropriately in class. Students are accountable for daily warm-ups and notes, as well as individual and group activities, assignments and discussions.
homework (20% of grade): Homework will be assigned daily and is due at the start of the next class. Homework must be completed in pencil and include the assignment description. Homework will be checked for completeness and effort (including showing all work). Students are also expected to do graphing homework on graph paper and correct homework in red pen.
assessments (70% of grade): Assessments include quizzes, tests, and semester final exams.
Retakes
If a student scores less than 70% on a unit test, they may take one retake. Retakes will be given approximately 1 week after the test has been returned to the students. Students will need to make an appointment to take a retake. A maximum of 70% of the score of the unit test will be given for a retake. The retake will be a different version of the original assessment. Retakes will not be given for semester final exams.
Academic Honesty
The Governing Board believes that grades serve a valuable instructional purpose by helping students and parents/guardians understand performance expectations and identifying the student's areas of strength and those areas needing improvement. Work submitted that is not based on the student’s skills or knowledge cannot be used to assess a student’s knowledge and will not be accepted as part of the grade. A student will receive a failing grade on an assignment for academic dishonesty.
Developing a Positive Learning Climate
Students are encouraged to follow all school rules and the school Bronco Attitude while in class and on campus to make the school environment a positive learning climate for all. The school Bronco HR2 Attitude Matrix is posted in the classroom and summarized below. Students who show outstanding Bronco Attitude will be rewarded with praise and/or with Bronco Bucks that can be entered in a school drawing for a prize.
Bronco Attitude
Honesty - complete your own work
Respect – listen when others are speaking
Responsibility – be prepared and on time for class
Classroom Rules
Be in your assigned seat or place with materials ready when the bell rings.
Gum, food, and drinks are not allowed in class. Water is allowed.
Follow directions and listen to the person in charge.
Respect others and their property by keeping your hands and feet to yourself.
Do your own work and believe in yourself.
Breaking these rules and/or disruptive behavior will result in signing of the student’s conduct card. After signing three times, the card goes home to a parent/guardian to be signed. After signing five times, the students will receive a referral. Referrals may also be an immediate consequence for inappropriate behavior. Good behavior will result in obtaining Bronco Bucks or Good Job Jar tickets for the weekly drawing for various prizes.
Course Supplies
SpringBoard Algebra 1 textbook
SJUSD issued Chromebook or personal device (when requested)
spiral graph paper notebook for notes and homework
RED correcting pens
#2 pencils with erasers (ALL work must be done in pencil)
2 dry erase markers
highlighter and ruler
a section in a binder or folder for handouts and worksheets
scientific calculator (recommended, but provided in class)
planner or homework assignment notebook