| This class is a traditional first year Algebra
course. We are using Merrill/Glencoe’s Algebra I textbook (published
2001), in two volumes. The first book covers Chapters 1 through 7, which
is roughly first semester. The second book covers Chapters 7 through 13,
which is roughly second semester.
This class is the same course as the high school’s Algebra 1A-2A course.
Students completing this course with a satisfactory grade will have 1
high school credit (equivalent to one year of high school math) put on
their high school transcript.
This year, students will have a chance to learn how to use a TI-73
Graphing Calculator. We will have a calculator available for their use
in the classroom. Students will not be able to take one home, however,
nor will they be allowed to use a graphing calculator on a test or quiz.
Students will find having their own scientific calculator very
helpful in Algebra, and they will be able to use it on quizzes and
tests.
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Supplies Needed:
3-ring binder exclusively for math (at least 1 inch,
preferably 1˝ inch)
pencils for doing homework
pen for correcting assignments
loose leaf notebook paper (NOT spiral)
ruler
Scientific Calculator strongly recommended, but not required
1. Students will be expected to do homework. As part of the
homework, students will write out the problem, show their work, and
show the final answer. Homework must be written in pencil. Each
homework assignment is worth 5 points, homework counts for
approximately 35% of the students grade.
2. Students will be expected to keep a math notebook. This notebook
will be collected and graded during every chapter test. All the
homework assignments, class notes, reading notes, quizzes and tests
need to be part of this notebook. Students will keep track of their
progress by means of an “Evaluation Sheet” which lists the
assignments for each chapter, as well as the quizzes and tests. This
Sheet will be given to students at the start of every chapter, and
needs to be kept in the notebook in front of each chapter. The math
notebook is worth 10 points each chapter. We will spend some time in
class talking about how to organize the notebook.
3. Late assignments: Late assignments for each chapter will be
accepted for partial credit until the day of the chapter test. If a
student has excused absences, they have extra time to turn in the
assignment for full credit (for example a student who is absent for
2 days will have 2 extra days to turn in the assignment). Notes from
home will not excuse late papers.
4. Tests: Students will have chapter tests worth 100 points at the
end of every chapter. Generally, they will be every 2-3 weeks.
Students are allowed to use their calculators and their notebooks
(no textbooks) on all quizzes and tests. I do this to encourage
students to take complete notes.
Welcome to my class! I look forward to a successful year with you.
Every student in Algebra is required to keep a separate math
notebook. This notebook will be graded during every chapter test.
It will be worth 10 points each chapter. The notebook must be a
3-ring binder, and needs to be at least 1-inch thick. (You
may wish a slightly larger one, however). Spiral binders are not
acceptable. All materials from each semester need to be kept in
the binder. If you choose to do so, you may empty the binder out
at the end of each semester.
Your grade will be based on, but is not limited to, the following:
- Reading notes: part of your homework assignment for each
night is to read the section for the next day's lesson. You
are not expected to teach yourself the material, rather, I expect
you to skim the reading, taking notes on any definitions, or
vocabulary words. Anything in bold face that is highlighted
yellow, or in a beige definition box may be considered required
notes.
- Class notes: you are expected to take notes daily in
class. As part of your notes, you will have a title, the
lesson, and some examples.
- Organization: I expect to be able to find things easily in
your notebook. Many students use dividers to separate notes
from homework, some use them to separate individual chapters.
Others just use the Evaluation Sheets as dividers. Either way
is fine, but be consistent, and put the Evaluation Sheet at the
start of each chapter, followed by the assignments in the order
they are given.
- Evaluation Sheets need to be filled out with your scores.
- All pages need to be securely fastened in your binder.
Ripped out or loose pages will each lose you a point.
- Your textbook must have a cover on it. You will lose 5
points from your notebook grade each time you don't have a cover on
your text.
- You must have every chapter from the current semester in your
notebook. Each missing chapter will mean 1 point off your
notebook grade. There are usually 6 chapters per semester.
- Homework assignments should be unwrinkled and tidy. You
should keep your homework in your notebook at all times. There
is no reason to remove it. I ESPECIALLY don't want you putting
it in your math textbook. That is not good for the binding of
the textbook, and it also results in rumpled or lost assignments.
All assignments must be clearly labeled with the section they cover,
and must be written in pencil.
Most students find these rules very simple and get perfect scores on
their notebooks all year. You will find, after the first few
chapters, that it is easy to keep a math notebook, and helps you to stay
organized. It is important that we learn to organize our thoughts
and our work, and it is my intent to help you learn these skills.
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Algebra Homework
Calendar
Homework assignments are now being displayed in each student's
individual grade record. (Click on the "Grades" link, then
enter your ID number and password - if you don't have these, ask any
teacher).
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