2017-2018 Course Syllabus

Algebra 1– 7Mrs. Burger

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Welcome back! This syllabus describes the expectations of all students and the grading policy used in the Algebra 1 course. In addition, I have included ways to reach me with any questions or concerns that you may have throughout the school year. Please feel free to contact me about your child’s education by emailing me at or by calling 684-4240 ext. 3211. I will respond back at my earliest convenience. I look forward to working with you this year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Burger

Course Description
This course includes basic concepts of symbols, terms, expressions, use of variables in solving practical problems in one variable, study of rational numbers, number theory, graphing, probability, and exponents. PREREQUISITE: Students with an average above 85% in Advanced Math 6and teacher recommendation. This course is 2 periods every day.
Course Content
Foundations for Algebra
Equations
Inequalities
Functions
Linear Functions
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Exponents and Polynomials
Factoring Polynomials
Data Analysis and Probability
Exponential and Radical Functions
Rational Functions and Equations

Curriculum Resources
Students will be using an online curriculum, Get More Math, for the majority of learning, including instruction, classwork, homework, quizzes, and tests. GMM is aligned with Common Core State Standards.

Expectations of Students

  1. Students will come to class prepared. Please bring the following to class:

Pencil

Textbook

Binder

Notebook/Folder

Agenda

Calculator--voluntary; calculators will be provided

  1. Students will come to class on time and be in their assigned seats working on the Bellringer by the tardy bell. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom during the first or last 10 minutes of class unless it is an emergency. A district hall pass is required to leave the room. No student is permitted to pack up or stand at the door until the end of instruction time or permission is granted by the teacher.
  2. Students will act in a respectful manner. They are expected to:
  • Show respect to all staff and students
  • Take responsibility for actions
  • Be honest and trustworthy
  • Listen to others with respect and attention
  • Treat school property and that of others with respect
  • No plagiarism or cheating will be tolerated
  1. Students will complete assigned work on time and in an appropriate manner. It is the student’s responsibility to write daily/upcoming assignments in his/her agenda.
  1. No food is permitted in the classroom. Water bottles (clear) are allowed.

Grading Policy

Students will be assigned homework most days! When a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to determine what work was missed. Students will be expected to complete any missed homework or assignment within the district guidelines (typically one week to complete; teacher discretion).**Due to the double period of Algebra 1, many students get their homework at least started in class, if not completed.

If an assignment is handed in late, it will be worth half credit, or 50%; any assignment turned in after a homework cut-off will not be accepted and will not receive credit. After a test is taken on a particular chapter, assignments from that chapter will no longer be accepted.

Homework will be graded on completeness and effort (showing work, writing out problem, etc.) most days. However, assignments will be checked periodically throughout the marking period based purely on accuracy. These homework assignments may be announced or unannounced. You can keep track of homework assignments through the Sapphire grade book or in your student’s agenda, etc. Assignments are posted regularly.

Any student that has an unexcused absence (failure to bring in an excuse within three days of returning from an absence) will receive a zero for the assignment missed. If the assignment is made up and turned in, the student will receive ½ credit.

Any student legallyabsent during a test will have one week to make it up. It is the responsibility of the student to find out what he/she missed while absent (test, homework, etc.). I encourage the students to make up assignments before school, during advisory or activity period, or after school to avoid missing crucial class time.

Quizzes will be given during each chapter and at the end of lessons. They may be announced or unannounced.

Tests are given at the end of most chapters/units and will be announced in advance. At times students will be offered the privilege to correct test mistakes to earn back half credit (teacher discretion).

Any student caught cheating on an assignment (test, homework, project, etc.) will receive a zero for the assignment.

Extra Credit will NOT be offered; however, there may be opportunities to earn bonus points on quizzes, tests, bellringers, etc. throughout the year.

To move on to the next course (Honors Geometry), a student must earn an 80% as an average of the 4 marking periods and the final exam. Teacher recommendation is considered as well.

The Keystone exam will be given in the month of May. This test is a state-mandated graduation requirement. Any student who fails this test will complete the course again (there are very few exceptions to this rule) and complete a Keystone remediation course for the next school year before taking the test again. Any student who passes the Keystone will not have to repeat Algebra 1.

Overall grades will be based on bellringers, quizzes, tests, classwork, homework, and exit/entrance tickets.
Grading Scale

97-100 A+77-79 C+

93-96 A73-76 C

90-92 A-70-72 C-

87-89 B+67-69 D+

83-86 B63-66 D

80-82 B-60-62 D-

0-59 F

Discipline

The PBS (Positive Behavior System) will be implemented again, as well as an infraction system for misbehavior. Any serious infraction will result in immediate referral to the Dean of Students.

Infraction Schedule

Number of Infractions / Consequence
3 / Lunch detention and parent contact
6 / After school detention
9 / Two days of after school detention OR Saturday detention
12 / ISS (In School Suspension)