CHISD NGC 2016-17 Course Syllabus: Algebra I

Instructor:Mr. Mutchler

E-mail:

Website:chisd.net, select Ninth Grade Center, select Our Staff

Phone:(469) 272-2050 x7647

Room:C213

Welcome to Algebra I.

A course with deep historical roots, Algebra I developed over millennia as a way of describing the natural world in a language of numbers.

A course that propels us into the future, Algebra I promises to give us the tools to make new scientific discoveries, to develop new technologies, and to show us as yet unseen, ever-changing beauty.

Our task as students of Algebra I is to become fluent in the language of mathematics as a way of solving problems we encounter in our everyday lives.

Course Overview

Marking Period
(9 Weeks) / Content
1st / Unit 1: Introduction to Functions / Arithmetic Sequences
Unit 2: Linear Expressions, Equations and Inequalities
Unit 3: Investigation of Linear Functions and Inequalities
2nd / Unit 4: Applications of Linear Functions and Inequalities
Unit 5: Systems of Linear Equations
3rd / Unit 6: Laws of Exponents, Expressions and Factoring
Unit 7: Quadratic Equations including Simplification of Radical Expressions
4th / Unit 8: Investigation and Application of Quadratic Functions
Unit 9: Investigation and Application of Exponential Functions and Geometric Sequences

Class Supplies

Each student will be responsible to keep all work done in this course complete and organized in a three-ring binder portfolio. Students are required to have the complete portfolio everyday (students may leave the portfolio in the classroom).

Bring these materials during the first two weeks to create the portfolio:

three-ring binder with tab dividers

pages of lined paper

1 pad of graph paper

pencil bag with holes to fit in three-ring binder

pencils

red pens

Students will have access to the Algebra I hard copy textbook in class and the electronic online textbook at home.

Students will have access to TI-84+ graphing calculators in class. Students may obtain a similar graphing calculator or emulator app for use outside of class (e.g. Wabbitemu).

Grading

Course grades are calculated according to these percentages:Daily Assignments

Homework

Tests

Daily Assignments consist of notes, classwork practice, participation, and quizzes. Each student must keep detailed written notes and worked-out solutions to practice questions, either on lined paper or on a teacher-provided template. Quizzes will take place every week there is no test (usually three to four each ) on Thursday or Friday at the beginning of class. All daily work must be neatly completed and organized in the student’s portfolio to be considered for grading.

Homework consists of nightly practice of mathematical and problem solving skills (usually assigned to nights per week). Homework will also include a Question of the Week (QW), assigned the first day of the week, due the last. Homework must include the proper heading (Name, Date, Course, and Topic of homework), be written in pencil, and contain all intermediate steps with answers boxed. Should a student fail to have homework complete at the time it is due, he or she must fill out a yellow card and submit it, then turn in the missing homework the next day for a maximum grade of (students with excused absence may turn in homework for full credit).

Tests consist of material covered during each unit. During a typical , students will take two to three tests. Test format is multiple choice and free response. If a student fails a test, he or she may retake the test within five school days for a maximum grade of .

Class Rules

Sound rules: During certain activities, students are to remain silent while they work; such activities include beginning of class warmups, individual class practice of mathematical skills, quizzes, and tests. Similarly, when the teacher or another student is presenting to the class, students should remain respectfully silent; only by raising the hand and receiving acknowledgment from the teacher may a student speak during these times. During other activities, such as group practice of mathematical skills, group collaboration, or group work on a project, students may freely converse at an acceptable volume.

Movement rules: Students must remain in their assigned seats from bell to bell. Should a student need to rise to complete a task, he or she must raise the hand and receive permission from the teacher. Only on certain occasions, such as group activities or projects, will the teacher instruct students to move. In these instances, the teacher will provide detailed guidelines for movement; should students fail to comply with the stated guidelines, all work reverts to individual seat-work.

Miscellaneous rules: Cell phones should never be visible or audible in the classroom. If the teacher sees or hears a cell phone, he will collect it and submit it to the Neighborhood Office; students may retrieve the cell phone from there for a fee of . If a student refuses to submit a cell phone to the teacher, the student automatically receives disciplinary referral for insubordination.

If a student is observed cheating, which includes copying another student’s classwork or homework, copying from the internet, using a pencil when we are checking work, letting someone else copy your own work, using an unauthorized cheat sheet for a quiz or test, or having someone else’s work, that student will receive a grade of for the assignment, a U (unsatisfactory) for that ’s citizenship grade, and no further recommendations from the teacher.

How to Help Your Child Succeed in Algebra I (Please Put on Fridge)

  1. Make sure your child is doing homework regularly. Assignments are given at every class meeting. Check for completeness. minutes of math every day.
  1. Encourage your child to read the textbook, make notes as necessary, and study its examples. There are also very good instructional videos online at in the event that your child is absent or simply wants to see the material presented again.
  1. Help your child to ask questions in class, on the forum, and in tutorials. “I don’t understand this!” is not a question; “Can you help me see where my mistake in working question is?” is something we can work with.
  1. If your child is having difficulty, encourage him or her to come in for tutorials. Tutorials are on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school (bus transportation is provided for students eligible to ride the bus).
  1. Help your child to take a serious approach to forming a study group with other serious students. Pizza can be a powerful lure to entice study group members to come to your house. However, more than four students becomes a party instead of a study group.
  1. Help your child to organize his or her time and prioritize tasks.
  1. Encourage your child to persevere in spite of challenges. This might be the first course in which your child really has to struggle to master the material. Remember that it’s better to learn how to struggle now than when he or she is off alone at college.
  1. Encourage your child to stay involved in academics during the spring semester.
  1. Encourage your child to prepare for the Algebra I EOC. The exam will take place during May.
  1. Encourage your child to attend the Algebra I EOC Exam prep sessions that are held during the spring semester. Put them on your family calendar as soon as the dates are available.
  1. Please contact me right away with any concerns you might have about your child’s performance. My email is . My phone number at school is (469) 272-2050 x .

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