Honors ALGEBRA 2
Sunny Hills High School, 2015-2016
Instructor: Miss Nicole Knutson, Room 94
Phone: (714) 626-4349E-mail: onference: Period 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Algebra 2 revisits concepts from Algebra 1 and Geometry, but at a higher level. Throughout the year we will cover Chapters 1 – 16 (excluding some Trig chapters) – Semester 1: Chapters 1-8, Semester 2: Chapters 9-16. This course begins to build a foundation for higher math and science courses. Your success in this class will depend on prompt and regular attendance, a positive attitude, good work habits, organization and cooperation. It is hard work, but well worth the effort.
Within the context of the curriculum, students will explore and develop their skills of becoming a competent learner, a complex thinker, a quality worker, a socially responsible citizen, and an effective communicator.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
All school-wide rules will be enforced, especially Attendance, Academic Dishonesty, and Dress Code. I have also included a few simple rules to ensure our class will be safe and focused on learning.
Rule 1: Treat everyone with respect and be honest
Rule 2: Follow all directions
Rule 3: Be prepared with materials and in assigned seat when the bell rings. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED!
Rule 4: No food or drinks (except water), No gum, No listening to music, No cell phones
** Such items will be confiscated and returned to the student at the discretion of the teacher.
Rule 5: Attendance is important. All students must attend class for the Final Exams unless previous arrangements are made and agreed upon.
Cheating will NOT be tolerated!!! THE SCHOOL POLICIES FOR CHEATING WILL BE FOLLOWED.
(Remember, copying someone else’s homework is considered cheating!!!)
GRADING SCALE
A: 90% and above
B: 80 – 89.4%
C: 70 - 79.4%
D: 60 – 69.4%
F: Below 60%
**Grades will be posted on Aeries and will be updated at the completion of each chapter.
If the student discovers an error when reviewing their grade, the student must contact the teacherduring the quarter that the error has occurred to have a correction made.
**Drop date from honors math is restricted to the first weeks of the semester (by August 28th).
It is recommended that a student earns a grade of a B- or better to be successful in the next Honors mathematics course.
OVERALL GRADE BREAKDOWN
20% - Final Exam50% - Tests
20 % - Quizzes10% - Work Habits (HW, Notes, Participation)
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit opportunities will be offered to the whole class at my discretion.
Individual extra credit offerings to raise a grade are never made.
EXTRA HELP: Extra Help is available at lunch and available by appointment!
PLEASE GET HELP AS SOON AS YOU NEED IT. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE CHAPTER TO DECIDE THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND SOMETHING. IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE BY THEN.
SUPPLIES
It is suggested that each student bring the following items to class everyday:
- Covered Textbook – “Algebra and Trigonometry – Structure and Method Book 2”
- Loose leaf paper – lined and ¼ inch graph paper
- 3-ring binder(1-1½ inch) with 3 dividers
- A scientific calculator - I recommend the TI 30XII S
We will use a graphing calculator starting Quarter 2. (TI-83 or 84 is recommended) - Pencils, Eraser, Colored Pens (not black) for corrections, and Highlighters.
Algebra 2 Binder
It is recommended that students keep a 3-ring binder designated for Algebra 2 only with 3 dividers labeled – Notes, Homework, and Graphing Toolkits. ALLNotes will be collected each semester so keep them organized all year long.
PARTICIPATION
A semester participation grade will be given for all students based on participation. Each student will begin with 25 out of 30 points. You can earn points by posting work on the whiteboard and/or answering questions during lecture. Points will be deducted for unexcused absences, tardies, not following directions and classroom rules, and not coming to class prepared each day.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be given daily and is due at the beginning of the next class. Late homework will not be accepted. Each assignment must be written in pencil and the headingmust be written in pen
- Reference the Homework Guideline handout for format requirements. You must complete your homework as shown and described to receive full credit.
- Students will receive full credit only if homework is complete, corrected, and handed in on time.
- Homework should include the problem, work, and solution.
- Homework will be checked randomly and counts towards your work habits grade.
- Attempting and completing all homework problems will contribute to your success in this class.
NOTES
- Each student is responsible for taking lecture notes. Each day’s notes should be taken on lined loose-leaf paper and must start with the date, section number, and title.
- You are responsible for all notes, including the days you are absent. Notes should be kept in the Notes section of your Algebra 2 binder, starting with the first and ending with the last.
- ALLNotes will be collected each semester and count towards your Work Habits Grade.
TESTS AND QUIZZES
* There will be at least one pop quiz a week (about 30 points per chapter).
* Tests will be given at the end of each chapter and will be worth 100 points.
* If you are absent the day before a test or a quiz and you return the day of the test or quiz, YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE TEST WITH THE CLASS!!!
***If you are absent the day of the test, but are at school at any point during that day, you must find Ms. Knutson and arrange to take the test that day. Failure to do so will result in a grade of “0” on the test.
* YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE YOUR TESTS OR QUIZZES OUT OF THE CLASSROOM. If a test or quiz leaves the room for any reason, the person who took it out of the room will receive a zero (0) for that test or quiz.
MAKE-UPS FOR TESTS AND QUIZZES
Students will be allowed to make up a test or quiz the day they return to class only if there absence was excused. Students with unexcused absences on the day of a test or quiz will receive a “0” as a grade.
Please feel free to contact me at any time by phone or e-mail. If you are not able to get in touch with me, leave a message and I will get back to you within one business day.
***** The teacher reserves the right to add or change any of the above guidelines. *****