Algebra II Course Policy 2017-2018

Instructor/Website / E-mail
Mrs. Hannah Loper /
Coach Tuttle /

Supplies

loose-leaf notebook paper, pencils, scientific or graphing calculator (TI-83 Plus or TI-Nspire) – handhelds are available in class and software is on student computers. You are not required to purchase a graphing calculator.

Expectations

The following expectations have been established to create an environment where students feel safe, comfortable, and free to learn.

BE PREPARED. To maximize our time together in the classroom, students are expected to pick up assigned calculator, log in, and begin the opener prior to the tardy bell. Pencils should be borrowed and/or sharpened before the tardy bell rings. No food or drinks. Water is the only exception. Bathroom breaks permitted when necessary. No cell phones.

PARTICIPATE & WORK HARD. This course requires active involvement and engagement. It is a subject that must be explored through various modes of communication. Students must ask questions, offer answers, and engage in classroom activities. Success is very much dependent on effort, and it is difficult to be successful without it.

BE RESPECTFUL. At all times, students are expected to be respectful of him/her self, his/her peers, the teacher, and all classroom property.

Grading

Grades will be calculated at 40% formative and 60% summative assessments.

The formative category breaks down into the following weights:

Practice (HW/Daily) – 25% and Quizzes – 15%

Assignments

The unit syllabus is also posted on Canvas and my website. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING ON THE SYLLABUS, WHETHER REMINDED OR NOT. The math department policy states that you must complete all make-up assignments by the end of each nine weeks.

Because it is important to practice math, practice (homework) will be assigned regularly. Practice will be completed on MathXL for School for a grade. All assigned practice is due at 11:59 pm on the day of the review. If you have not completed the practice prior to 11:59 pm on the day of the test you will receive a 0 and be ineligible for retesting.

Quizzes will be given at least once a unit. Students should use quiz grades to gauge understanding and direct focus of study.

Extra credit opportunities are offered once per nine weeks. These assignments are due per teacher discretion.

Studying

Watch tutorial videos posted to Canvasor my website and seek extra help when needed. Go back and practice working problems without looking at your notes before tests and quizzes. Form a study group--you have permission to help each other with homework--the majority of the students who excel in math classes are members of study groups who regularly meet to work together.

Summative Assessments

The entire period will be devoted to testing, so there will NOT be any review on test day. Learn to manage your time effectively while taking a test. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS DURING THE TESTING PERIOD. The use of all electronic/cellular devices is prohibited during testing periods. Devices will be collected prior to the start of tests and returned at the bell.

Showing Work

Legibly show your work when asked to do so; you will not receive full credit for simply having the right answer. Your justification is important, and YOU WILL LOSE POINTS IF YOUR WORK IS NOT CLEAR EVEN IF YOUR FINAL ANSWER IS CORRECT.

Retake Policy

Second chance tests are an opportunity offered to students that have shown an effort on the original test, completed all assigned practice by test date of the unit, attended required remediation, completed unit remediation on Canvas, AND attended a scheduled retake day. Students are allowed 1 retest/correction per 9 weeks on units that allow a second chance. Retest grades will replace the original grade.

Extra Help

After school tutoring is reserved for extra help, make-up assignments and retakes. Morning tutoring is by request only. Please sign up for tutoring before the 4th block on the day you want to attend.

Honor Code

In response to the math department’s growing concern about the number of incidents of dishonest actions by students, we have instituted the following honor code. Remember that you are encouraged to help each other with all homework problems. Helping and getting help are not violations; copying assignments and letting someone copy assignments are violations. Other violations include the following: sharing information about a test with someone who has not yet taken it, sharing information with someone during a test, using electronic devices to cheat during a test, copying an assignment due for another teacher in our classroom, failing to do your share of the work when you are in a group, doing all of the group work yourself because you do not trust the other members of your group, etc.