Algebra I

Algebra I Course

This course is designed for the college-bound students who plan to pursue further training in math-related fields. This course is a traditional study of mathematics with a good blend of integration. The lessons will be integrating algebra with geometry and probability. The students will be using technology with the study of traditional mathematical concepts. Real life situations will be visited and students will be expected to communicate solutions verbally and in written form.

Algebra I Syllabus

Materials

Textbook (McDougal Littell Algebra I (2008))
3-Ring Binder to keep organized
5 Tab Dividers
Notebook Paper
Pencils and/or Pens
Calculator (Scientific or Graphing: TI-83+ or TI-84+ is recommended but not required)

Standards Based Grading

The purpose of standards-based grading is to improve student achievement by focusing instruction and the alignment of curriculum with the essential standards. Standards-based grading measures the mastery of the learning objectives, or how well students understand the material in class. It is based on a specific set of standards that students need to meet for each grade/content level. Marks are not a comparison of one student to another, but rather a way to measure how well students are doing on grade-level/course level standards. A standards based approach allows parents and students to understand more clearly what is expected of students and how to help them be successful in their educational program.

A standards-based approach:

• Indicates what students know and are able to do.

• Scores indicate a student’s progress toward the attainment of a standard.

• Clearly communicates expectations ahead of time.

• Is based on complex tasks, as opposed to rote memory.

• Emphasizes the more recent evidence of learning.

Grading/Grading Scale

Grading: During the semester, you will be assessed on two main categories: formative assessments and summative assessments. Formative assessments are used as learning tools to measure the students understanding on specific concepts or standards that will include assignments such as homework, warm-ups, warm-up quizzes, participation, and chapter quizzes. Summative assessments include assignments that are a cumulative measure of a students understanding of several concepts and will be in the form of chapter tests or application based projects.

Grading Scale: A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0

A– = 3.7 B– = 2.7 C– = 1.7 D– = 0.7

B+ = 3.3 C+ = 2.3 D+ = 1.3 E = 0.3

Academic Dishonesty, which includes all forms of cheating, will not be tolerated. Students caught cheating on homework, quizzes, or tests will receive a zero and a referral.

Homework Expectations

I believe that the value of homework assignments is to further enhance a student’s knowledge of the material being taught. Students should complete their homework every day to learn as much as possible from class. If a student chooses not to complete their homework, it doesn't mean they aren't learning, it just simply means they are not learning to the best of their abilities, which can be viewed as a failure on their part.

· Homework should be expected on a daily basis. These assignments are learning tools for the student and a means of regular assessment for the teacher.

· Homework will be collected the day of either a quiz and/or test along with student’s concept check worksheet.

· Homework MUST be completed on time and work shown. If answers are just written down, and/or if caught coping answers, NO CREDIT will be given. After the chapter test, no homework will be accepted from the current chapter.

· Homework will be graded on a four point scale.

o 4 points if on time and all work/steps are shown.

o 3 points if on time and mostly complete.

o 1 to 2 points if little or no work is shown to complete problems.

Nichole Perior