Algebra 1 Syllabus

2009-2010

Instructors / Room / E-mail Address / Extension
Melanie Black / S107 / / 23511
Amy Buchanan / S110 / / 23345
Kristina Clayton / S104 / / 23416
Cheri Grantlin / S103 / Cheri.Grantlin @dpsnc.net / 23517

Class Website: mathwithclayton.wikispaces.com

Course Description: During your year in Algebra 1 we will be working in cooperative groups on a daily basis to discover mathematical concepts. These topics will include statistical plots, proportions, linear exponential and quadratic models, inequalities, functions, and more! By state mandate, students must earn an achievement level of 3 or 4 on the Algebra I EOC to meet graduation requirements.

Materials

·  Three-ring binder

·  Lined Notebook Paper

·  Pencils (required EVERYDAY)

·  4 AAA Batteries

·  Graph Paper

·  Colorful Pen

·  Graphing Calculator (see below)

·  Time Tracker

·  Ruler (for home use)

·  Post-it notes

Graphing Calculator

Each student is REQUIRED to have a TI-83+, or TI-84+ graphing calculator. The TI-graphing calculator is used throughout the entire year to investigate mathematical concepts. Many homework problems require the use of a graphing calculator.

Grading Percentages

Quizzes
Tests &
Projects / 60% / Quizzes will be given on a regular basis. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Tests are weighted more heavily than quizzes.
Classwork &
Homework / 40% / Daily work will be graded on a regular basis for effort. Selected assignments will be collected and graded for accuracy. Assignments graded for accuracy will be weighted more heavily than assignments graded for effort. Warm-ups are used for daily review and practice and will be assessed on a regular basis.

Rubric Description and Example

Sample Question: The length s, in inches, of a spring is a function of the weight w, in pounds, that is attached to the spring. For a particular spring, the modeling equation is s = 20 + 5w. How long is the spring if you place a weight of 1.2 pounds on it?
Point Value / Explanation / Example
5 points / Correct answer with correct work, including proper units. / Writes the equation s = 20 + 5(1.2) correctly and gets the answer 26 inches.
4 points / Correct solution, but minor arithmetic error leads to incorrect answer. OR Right idea but missing labels to distinguish relationships or units. / Writes the equation s = 20 + 5(1.2) correctly, but multiplies incorrectly and gets 80 inches OR Leaves units off of final answer.
3 points / Correct answer is implied but answer is vague. OR Correct equation but wrong steps lead to an incorrect answer. / Correct answer, 26, but no work or more than one arithmetic error.
2 points / Incorrect numerical answer with flawed, but potentially or partially correct solution process. OR Work has one or more algebraic errors (not just arithmetic) / S = 20 + 5(1.2)
= 25(1.2)
= 30
1 point / Incorrect numerical answer with inappropriate work. OR Incomplete work that seems to be partially correct, but no answer is given. / 1.2 = 20 + 5w
-18.8 = 5w
3.76 = w

Algebra 1 Tutoring Schedule

Each Algebra 1 teacher will offer tutoring one day a week for ALL Algebra 1 students. Plus, on most Wednesday mornings the National Honor Society holds tutoring sessions in the Media Center from 7:30 until 8:30. Therefore, all Algebra 1 students have six opportunities during the week to receive tutoring outside of class.

Monday 4:00-4:30
Ms. Grantlin S103 / Tuesday 8:00-8:30
Ms. Black S107 / Wednesday 7:30-8:30
NHS-Media Center
Thursday 8:00-8:30
Ms. Clayton S104 / Thursday 4:00-4:30
Ms. Black S107 / Friday 8:00-8:30
Ms. Buchanan S110

Honor Code

Durham School of the Arts believes in the integrity of student work products. Therefore, plagiarism is prohibited. Plagiarism includes copying work from print materials, the Internet, and other students’ work. This includes sharing work products unless directed to do so by the teacher. In addition, plagiarism includes substituting another student’s work as one’s own. This applies to all student work, from homework to major assignments, projects and tests. Students who are guilty of cheating will face in-school or out of school suspension.


Class Expectations

You are expected to…

·  Be respectful to everyone and everything

·  Be in your seat, prepared to begin class with sharpened pencil, homework on desk, working on the posted warm-up when the bell rings

·  Work in groups everyday

·  Be responsible for yourself and your actions

·  Be in class, on time everyday.

·  Abide by the Honor Code – see previous page

·  Keep all hats, cell phones, CD players, MP3 players, and any inappropriate electronic devices in your locker or book bag. If such items are seen while in the school building or during school hours (8:45 – 3:45), they will be confiscated and will only be returned when picked up by a parent/guardian.

·  Check the assignment folder once you enter the classroom and find out what work you missed while absent.

·  Do your best.

Failure to comply with these expectations will result in consequences. They include warnings, phone calls home, parent conferences, detentions, and discipline referrals. It is up to Ms. Clayton’s discretion to determine the consequence.

Group Work

The Math Department at DSA places a value on the importance and necessity of working in collaborative groups. Therefore, we will be working in cooperative groups on a daily basis and you are expected to participate and be an asset. The following is a listing of some group ideals:

·  Communicating mathematical ideas to other members of the group

·  Dividing a task fairly among the group members

·  Taking time to ensure that all group members understand

·  Using, in appropriate ways, the suggestions and ideas of all group members

·  Pushing the group to think deeply about the mathematics under investigation

·  Reporting the group’s progress to the whole class in a complete and interesting way


Notebooks

Success in a math class is dependent on many factors. One very important factor is organization of work. Students will be required to keep a math notebook and follow the guidelines listed below.

·  ALL work is to be done in PENCIL. Any work done in ink will be subject to points taken off.

·  Students will use a three-ring binder with loose-leaf notebook paper.

·  A table of contents will be kept at the front of the notebook to keep track of daily assignments.

·  The notebook will be organized in a chronological order based on date and assignment number.

·  Each daily assignment should begin on a new sheet of paper.

·  Assignment numbers should be written in the top right corner of each page.

·  Each daily assignment should be labeled clearly with assignment, page number, and learning goal.

·  Notebook checks will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure students are following guidelines.

·  ALL papers must be kept in the notebook (not the textbook).

Absences/Tardiness

If you are absent for any reason, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain the work you missed. There will be a notebook containing an updated table of contents that should be checked upon your return. If you have an excused absence, you will have five (5) days to complete any missed work. Quizzes and tests should be made up during tutoring or during your lunch; you will NOT be given class time to make up work. Make-up work is your responsibility – you get the assignment from the notebook, you do it and you turn it on time to the designated area.

Wish List

Any donations will be greatly appreciated. If you shop at Staples or Office Depot, please give them my number so I can buy more supplies for the classroom.

·  White Copy paper

·  Tissues

·  Hand sanitizer

·  Hand soap

·  Pencils

·  Large dry erase markers

·  AAA batteries

·  Brightly colored copy paper

·  Ziploc bags

·  Band-Aids

·  Gift Cards

·  Anything else!

I am compiling parent email addresses for communication purposes throughout the year. To help me in this process, please send me a simple email – in the subject line, include your student’s name. Thank your for your help with this.

My email is

Please sign below to indicate that you have READ, UNDERSTAND, and AGREE to the information and procedures on the Algebra 1 syllabus. Please return this signed form to Ms. Clayton.

Student Name:
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Emails:
Phone Numbers:

Please make any comments or ask any questions that you may have at this time.

Thank you.