2018-2019 Algebra 1A & 1B Syllabus
Mrs. Jamie Scordino
Room 1214
E-mail: scordinoj@issaquah.wednet.edu
Welcome (or welcome back for some of you) to Algebra! Our class will be challenging, but I’ll do my best to make it interesting, engaging, and meaningful to you. My goal is to inspire you to appreciate and enjoy the awesomeness of mathematics.
I will make this class as close to grade level algebra standards as possible using appropriate scaffolding. I will utilize differentiation, task analysis, and other research based techniques for students having difficulty with the algebra content. There may be times that we need to skip a topic and may not get through all of the material set out in the Algebra standards. Significant modifications can be made, but it may not prepare them for geometry at the end of their algebra curriculum. I often note this in Skyward with the statement "modified content/assignment". You should speak with me directly if you are having concerns about your child's progress, ability to master algebra content standards, or to know more about the modifications your child is needing to continue to make progress in the curriculum.
Please refer to this syllabus for (1) Class Expectations, (2) required materials, (3) grading categories and explanations, (4) OneNote, (5) academic integrity, (6) attendance policies, and (7) extra help options.
Class Expectations
- Respect is paramount in our classroom- towards the teacher, peers, ideas, and opinions. I will give you the utmost respect and I expect the same from my students.
- Students are expected to behave in a manner that respects the learning environment.
- Students are expected to be prepared at the beginning of class (seated on time with materials and ready to participate).
- Cell phones will be allowed during approved times. However, if not approved phones must remain in backpacks or at a charging station.
- Students are expected to be engaged in the task at hand.
- Students are expected to participate in discussions and other class activities.
- Students are expected to begin working on the bell work which will be clearly displayed each day when they come into the classroom.
- Believe in a growth mindset. We will work as a class all year on how to build and develop confidence in math, as well as understanding how our outlook will impact performance. I will be here to help you along the way.
Required Materials
- Composition notebook (2)
- Pencils (You will go through more than you think)
- Crayons/Colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue sticks (You will go through more than you think)
- Highlighters
- Calculator: You will be assigned a calculator that you will be responsible for throughout the year. You will sign out this calculator during the first week of school.
Textbook: enVision Algebra 1
Grading Categories
- Tests 40%
- Quizzes 20%
- Analysis (Problem Solving) 10%
- Assignments 20%
- Final Exam 10%
- Daily Work 0%
Assessments (Tests & Quizzes)
- There will be one test and at least one quiz per unit being taught. You are allowed one retake per test except for the final exam (unless other accommodations are required based on an IEP or 504).
- You may earn up to 100% on the retake.
- The retake is to be completed within two weeks of the quiz/test being given back or with communication with the teacher if your IEP or 504 requires other accommodations.
- You must work with the teacher or show the teacher how you have reviewed and relearned the material to be better prepared on the retake.
- Scheduling retakes should be done with me in advance of showing up to take it.
- A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of the semester.
*If you miss an assessment due to absence, you will be expected to take the quiz/test ASAP upon your return. Please ensure that you plan ahead for this.
Analysis
- On MOST Fridays we will be completing a problem solving activity. You are graded according to a problem solving rubric that focuses on the core mathematical practices of the Common Core State Standards. The rubric may be altered based on the activity and most will require you to make a post on SeeSaw explaining your work.
- All of the activities will be posted to our flipgrid accounts.
Assignments (Classwork & Homework)
- These include any classwork and homework assignments that are given.
- Many assignments will be through IXL.com
- Assignments on IXL.com must earn the Smart Score indicated to earn credit. If the assignment is not completed to the Smart Score indicated and you have tried at least 20 questions, then you will receive a 50%. If the assignment has less than 20 attempted problems, then you will receive a 0%.
- You can meet with me any time for extra help on the IXL assignments to help you earn credit for the assignment.
Daily Work
- Students are expected to come in to class each day and complete the assigned bell work. It is posted in the same spot on the board every day. If students do not attempt the task or are distracting others rather than working, they will not earn credit for that day's bell work. Bell work grades will be posted once per week for the families to be aware of your work ethic. Please note that these scores will not be factored into your grade.
Final Exam
- Students will be required to complete a final exam that includes a calculation section and a problem solving section. The material covered on the final exam will be determined based on the amount of material covered during the semester.
Microsoft OneNote
This year I will be utilizing Microsoft OneNote as our classroom notebook.
Academic Honesty
- Credit will not be given for work that is not entirely your own.
- Collaboration is encouraged between students; discussing, coaching, and helping each other through the content. Copying other’s work is not collaboration
- Cheating is not tolerated. Copying other’s work, using notes or cell phones during a quiz/test, talking during a quiz/test, or looking at other’s papers will result in a zero on that particular task.
*Refer to the student handbook for more on Skyline’s academic honesty policy.
Absences & Tardies
- The minute class starts, students should be seated and ready, otherwise they will be considered tardy.
- Fifteen minutes after class starts, a student will be marked absent.
- If you leave class for more than 15 minutes during class, then you will be marked absent for that class. Repeated incidents will lead to an office referral.
- If you are absent the day(s) before a quiz or test, you will be expected to take the quiz or test on the assigned day. *See me for any extenuating circumstances.
- If you are absent the day of a quiz or test, you are expected to make it up the day of your return. *See me for any extenuating circumstances.
- Any missed assignments or work are your responsibility to complete. See me to discuss missing work.
Additional Help
- If you find yourself struggling, please talk with me. Students who receive individual instruction and seek out assistance when it is needed almost always end up doing better because of it.
- Students must contact Mrs. Scordino in advance to arrange times for extra help. I cannot guarantee any days/times because of meetings and after school commitments. However, I will work with you to find a time to provide assistance with notice. This may include before school, during lunch, or after school.
Bottom Line
I am here to work with you and help you have success in my classroom. I am here to listen and support you. I ask that you remember that I am human; I will make some mistakes along the way-- we all will. I will own my mistakes and learn from them in the same way I will expect you to. Please be respectful of this. Communication is the best way to ensure that you are getting your needs met. Come see me before/after class or email me, so that I can help you.