Common Core Math 1A and Common Core Math 1 Lab

Instructor: Caroline Reese

Text: Secondary One Mathematics, Mathematics Vision Project

Course Goals:

·  Students will develop a foundation of Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry concepts, techniques, and applications

·  Students will be able to use reasoning and logic skills in order to solve multiple types of mathematical problems

·  Students will be able to understand and communicate mathematics effectively

Guidelines for Success:

A student who regularly exercises the following attitudes and behaviors will find success in math class and beyond.

·  Attendance: student attends class regularly and avoids absences and tardies if possible

·  Preparation: student comes to class with required materials and completed assignments

·  Curiosity: student takes an interest in the class material and thinks deeply in order to ask probing questions and make thoughtful observations

·  Attitude: student takes the initiative to learn, persevere through challenges, and encourages others in the pursuit of learning

·  Effort: student regularly works diligently to his or her fullest ability

·  Communication: student can clearly express mathematical thought and reasoning both in written and verbal forms; student takes responsibility to communicate with teacher

Major Areas of Study:

The major areas of study in Common Core 1A and 1B are listed below.

Common Core Math 1A / Common Core Math 1B
Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities / Linear and Exponential Functions
Systems of Equations and Inequalities / Features of Functions
Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences / Congruence, Constructions, and Proof

Evaluation: Grades will be calculated on a weighted category basis:

Tests 50%

Daily Assignments 30%

Quizzes 10%

Term Final Exam 10%

Tests: You will have Common Core math tests every two to three weeks. If you score less than a 70% on the test, you make retake the test and earn up to a 70% on the retake. In order to retake a test, you must make corrections on the original test (showing all work) first. Occasionally, you may be able to make test corrections for partial credit.

You will also have tests on ALEKS that will test your current level of mastery and progress of the Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 topics you are covering independently.

Quizzes: You will have one or two quizzes midway between tests. You will also have addition and multiplication fact quizzes on ALEKS. The lowest score will be dropped at the end of the quarter.

Daily Assignments: You will have a daily assignment most days. Daily assignments may be worksheets, book work, or ALEKS lessons. Daily assignments will be turned in at the end of each class period. Late work will not receive full credit. I will do my best to return all graded assignments within a week.

Term Final Exam: You will have a final exam on the last day of the course. If you score higher on your final exam than any one of your tests, I will replace that test score with your final exam score.

Classroom Expectations:

·  Arrive on time

·  Be prepared

·  Follow instructions

·  Show respect

·  Do your best

Classroom Procedures:

Entering the Classroom: When entering the classroom, each student should collect his or her math folder and notebook. Students will need the math folder, notebook, and a pen or pencil most days.

Tardy to Class: Students should be in the classroom when the bell rings. If a student is tardy, he or she should get a tardy pass from the front office before coming to class. Students will receive lunch detention or afterschool detention for tardies.

Checking Grades: Students will receive all work back after it has been graded. Grades will be updated in PowerSchool after every quiz or test. Students are responsible to check grades online. I will review grades with students on a monthly basis during class.

Absences: Daily and weekly assignments will be posted on the whiteboard and all assignments will be posted on my website. If absent, a student should check the whiteboard or website for any assignments missed. Assignments missed for an absence should be turned in within a week (preferably sooner). If a quiz or test is missed, the student is responsible to take the quiz or test during intervention or lunch within a week (preferably sooner). An absent student may be required to take an alternate form of the missed quiz or test.

Late, Missing, and Incomplete Assignments: Daily assignments are due at the end of the class period. Late assignments will receive a maximum of 4 out of 5 points. Missing and incomplete assignments may completed until the end of the unit for a maximum of 4 points.

Communication: Students and parents are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with me as soon as possible. I am available before school, at lunch, and most days after school. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact me either by email or in person.

Hall Passes: You are required to sign in and out of the classroom in order to use the restroom or get a drink. You should not leave the classroom more than four times per quarter unless there is a special circumstance.

Consequences for Classroom Rule Violations: Depending on the severity of the classroom rule violation, students may receive a warning, a lunch detention, a step form, a parent phone call or meeting, a discipline referral, or a visit to the principal.

Consequences for Code-of-Contact Violations: All Meridian Academy rules must be followed in the classroom. Violations of Meridian Academy conduct will result in an appropriate consequences as determined by the principal.

Please cut and return signed portion to Caroline by September 5.

I have read the Common Core Math 1A syllabus and agree to follow the expectations.

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Student Name Student Signature

I have read the Common Core Math 1A syllabus and agree to support my student in following all expectations.

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Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature

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Parent Phone Number Parent Email Address