Algebra 1/Geometry A Dickerson Middle School 2017-2018 Syllabus
Ms. Curran:
Blog:
Course Description
Algebra 1/ Geometry A is equivalent to an honors high school math course. It is part of the hyper-accelerated math program in Cobb County middle schools and is the first in a sequence of mathematics courses designed to prepare students to take Advanced Placement Calculus in high school. The curriculum and instructional strategies for this course are differentiated in content, pacing, process, skills emphasis, and expectation of student outcomes from the typical ninth grade Algebra 1 course. The course is appropriate for students who have high achievement and interest in mathematics. Students are placed in this course due to demonstrated exceptional ability and motivation.
Unit 1: Relationships Between QuantitiesUnit 5: Comparing & Contrasting Functions
Unit 2: Reasoning with Equations & Inequalities Unit 6: Describing Data
Unit 3: Modeling & Analyzing QuadraticsUnit 7: Transformations in the Coordinate Plane
Unit 4: Modeling/Analyzing Exponential FunctionsUnit 8: Similarity, Congruence, & Proofs
Unit 9: Right Triangle Trigonometry
Additional information and a list of standards for this course can be found on the Cobb County website via the “Academic Information” link or at
Textbook:
Houghton, Mifflin, & Harcourt’s Georgia Accelerated Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A. Students will have hardcopy and online access. Login information can be found on the blog.
Grade Categories:
Tests/Quarter Exams 50%
Quizzes 20%
Homework/Classwork 10%
1st Semester Midterm/2nd Semester EOC 20%
*Please remember that this is a high school level course, therefore grades are cumulative for the semester. Students will receive report cards at the end of each quarter; however, the math grade will be considered a progress report until the final report card at the end of the semester.
Calculators
Students will have the opportunity to learn more about and use Texas Instruments graphing calculators. Some units are more appropriate for the use of calculators than others, and a class set will be available at those times. Students are highly encouraged to purchase their own graphing calculator, as they will be useful in the Accelerated Math program continued in high school. The recommended calculator is the TI-84 Plus; please note that use of the TI-Nspire will not be permitted in class.
Homework:
Homework will be given regularly and will be posted in the classroom and on the blog. These assignments will be reviewed daily and will be randomly checked for completion. Assignments will be given a 100%, 50%, or 0% based upon the amount of completion. Students should attempt homework using class notes and examples with the intent of mastering the assigned material. In the event that homework includes checking/correcting answers via an answer key, homework may be checked for accuracy.
Learning Checks:
Learning Checks are unannounced, are graded for accuracy, and are included as part of the homework grade.
Tests, Quizzes, Exams:
Tests, quizzes, and exams will be announced in advance. Exams are cumulative and given at the end of each quarter.
EOC: All students will take the Algebra 1 EOC (End of Course assessment) in May 2018. This assessment covers all material in the Algebra I curriculum, and is given statewide.
Behavior:
Students are expected to be on time for class and be prepared with books, pencils, materials, three-ring-binder and student agenda. Written work should always be done in pencil. The student agenda very clearly states the rules of the school. In general, students are expected to be polite and show respect toward teachers, toward each other, and toward the Dickerson community, including our classroom and environment. Students know what it means to be “well behaved”!
Absences:
The student is allowed as many days to make up work as the length of the excused absence, including making up tests. However, if a student is absent on the test day only, he or she is expected to take that test upon returning to school.