Course Description/Overview
This Algebra class will prepare students for the high school Geometry and Algebra II courses. The course is designed to integrate algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. Some concepts we will work on this year include: probability, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of algebraic equations and expressions; linear equations; lines, slopes and distances; polynomials; systems of equations and inequalities; parabolas and quadratic equations; and functions.
The class will be primarily self-paced, with some guidelines and direction from me. Students will be expected to take ownership in their learning, and use the available resources to learn the material and meet weekly learning expectations. I will work with small groups as needed to facilitate progress.
Each quarter will begin with a pre-test and conclude with a benchmark assessment. In between, students will spend the majority of class time working through chapter-based topics on the ALEKS online math program. When students complete a chapter, they will take the chapter test, then move on to the next chapter.
Rules and Expectations:
1. Be in class on time and ready to work. Excessive tardies will result in parent contact and office referral
2. Stay on task, and work quietly so others can focus.
3. NO PHONES in class for any reason (unless otherwise stated by me). Phones will be confiscated and turned into the office if they are out without permission.
*PARENTS* If you text your son or daughter during class, they will be expected to ignore it until class is over. If it is an emergency, please contact the office.
4. Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
Materials needed for class:
1. Pencils
2. 3-ring binder
3. Loose leaf notebook paper
4. Tab dividers
5. Calculator (TI 30 XIIS)
6. Headphones
Please have your supplies ready to go by Wednesday, 8/22.
Grades:
Class participation: 20%
Every day, students will be scored in 4 categories: Coming to class prepared, Time on task, Work produced, and behavior. Students will receive 2 points for each category if they meet the expectation, or 1 point if they don’t. The percentage of points earned vs. points possible will be entered into the gradebook at the end of each week.
Quarterly progress: 30%
At the end of each quarter, students are expected to have finished either 25% of the total ALEKS topics (referred to as the ALEKS Pie), or the chapters associated with that quarter’s benchmark assessment.
Chapter tests: 40%
Because this is the largest portion of the grade, stipulated second chances are available. Anyone can retake a chapter test, but students who score lower than 70% will be expected to do so.
Benchmark assessments: 10%
All students will take a benchmark assessment as their final at the end of each quarter. Benchmarks will be included in the grade to encourage students to give their best effort. However, because students may be in different places at this time, the benchmarks will carry the least weight in the overall grade, and will not be retaken.