Ms. Sorrell

Course Description: Algebra II is designed to build on concepts you learned in Algebra I as well as Geometry. Some of the topics we will cover this year are: systems, functions, polynomials and factoring, powers, roots, logarithms, exponents, sequences, series, probability, complex numbers, and parabolic functions.

This course will help you to: enhance critical thinking skills; become familiar with a variety of problem solving strategies; develop an understanding of algebra and how it relates to the “real world”; use mathematical language to communicate ideas through the use of models, diagrams, and symbols; gain proficiency with the graphing calculator; and, develop a value for independent work.

How you will be graded:

Homework and class work (including writing assignments and journal entries on Google)

Class participation

Tests and quizzes (including a final exam)

Projects

Notebooks

Group work

Homework Policy: Homework reinforces important concepts taught in class. For you to succeed in this class, YOU MUST DO HOMEWORK EACH AND EVERY NIGHT!! All work, (including work done on calculators and in your heads!) shouldbe shown at all times. You must always attempt every homework problem assigned. Those who consistently leave the last 2-3 “hard” questions blank will lose points on homework grades. Homework can be found on the board each day at the end of class and also on Google.

Homework is due at the beginning of class each time we meet and will be checked randomly. Late homework assignments will not be accepted. If you show up to class without your homework, you will not be permitted to get it from your locker, car, etc.

Two missed homework assignments will result in a phone call home. Once you have missed 3 homework assignments, one percentage point will be deducted from your marking period grade All subsequent missed HW assignments will result in a one percentage point deduction from marking period averages.

This policy is for the whole year – it is not refreshed each marking period!

What to do if/when you’re absent: It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get homework and notes from the days you missed class. When you are absent and have missed an assignment, test, or quiz, a zero will go into my grade book. Make-up homework and class work should be handed in at the beginning of class the day you return. You should also expect to make up quizzes and teststhe day you return to school. Quizzes and tests not made up withinONE DAY of your return to school will result in a failing grade. I will not hunt you down or remind you for your make-up work. Please make sure you check Google for any handouts which you can download, print, and review on your own. You may e-mail me about what we covered while you were out, or, you can always phone a friend 

If you miss class because you left early, came to school late, or went on a field trip, you are responsible for missed work! If you arrive to school late and there is a quiz or test in the block you missed, you must come see me THAT DAY to make it up during lunch, study, or after school; if not, you will receive a zero. If we do not meet the day following your absence, please contact me to find out what you missed!

Lateness Policy: “If you can’t be on time, be EARLY!” ~ Anonymous

If you enter the classroom after the bell rings, you are considered late to class. Lateness to class is unacceptable. If you are late to class for any reason and arrive without a pass, you will receive a detention that can only be served during your lunch period. If you arrive late to first block with a pink pass, the following consequences will occur: 2nd lateness – call home and teacher detention, 4th late – referral for office detention. Excessive lateness to class will also affect your class participation grade.

Regarding CELL PHONES and other electronic devices (iPods, MP3 players, etc): Cell phones and other electronic devices are NOT permitted during class time. I strictly enforce a “clean desk policy”: textbooks, binders/notebooks,calculators, pencils, and materials specific to the day’s lesson are the only items permitted on your desk. All purses, backpacks, and other personal belongings used to “mask” the art of texting are to remain beneath your desks at all times. Keep in mind the following phrase: “If I see it, I take it.” Keep your cell phones off or on silent in your bags or else in your locker. More than 1 warning for violating this policy will result in detention. Don’t risk it!

Required Materials:

Online textbook, loaded to your iPad

Notebook (3-ring or spiral, folders for handouts)

Mini-hole puncher

Pencils (homework, quizzes, and tests will not be accepted if done in pen – no exceptions!)

Calculators: TI-84, TI-84 Plus, TI-83 ONLY

iPads

Classroom Expectations:

ALWAYS come to class prepared & on time with a charged iPad, notebook, pencil/pen, and completed homework.

ALWAYS, by the start of the bell, be seated, have your homework out, and begin working on the “Warm Up” problem and/or activity sheet.

ALWAYS be respectful:

  • One person speaks at a time
  • There are no such things as dumb questions!
  • DON’T use foul language.

ALWAYS show your work on classwork, homework, quizzes, and tests – FULL CREDIT will only be given if you show your work!

ALWAYS do your homework – it will be checked and frequently collected!

ALWAYS keep working until the end of class – the bell does not dismiss you, I do!

Use of Google & Power School: Use of First Class and Power School in this course is required. You are expected to check your school e-mail Google on a regular basis. HW assignments are posted daily on the calendar, and worksheets will frequently be posted in the class blog. I will also be posting extra help availability on Google as necessary. Power School is a great tool for you and your parents to use for assessing your progress in this course. Please rely on Power School, rather than me, to find out your updated class average.

Course Grading: The grading system I use is total points. You can convert points to percentages by dividing your total accumulated points by the total number of possible points in the marking period. Then multiplying by 100.

Tests and quizzes will be given multiple times throughout each marking period. Tests will always be announced; however, quizzes will not.

Pop quizzes may and will be given at any time during the year. I will drop your 2 (TWO) lowest POP QUIZ scores when calculating marking period grades. If you are absent on the day of a pop quiz, that quiz score counts as a dropped score. Pop quizzes cannot be made up.

Mathematics is cumulative. You need to master and retain certain skills for upcoming topics so tests and quizzes will be cumulative. Once a chapter test has been given, expect to see that information again at any time.

Cumulative marking period tests will be given to help with course recommendations for next year.

Cheating and Plagiarism:There is a zero tolerance policy in this class with regard to cheating. This includes copying assignments from another student or copying information directly from another source and claiming it as your original work. Any and all students involved in these activities will face the consequences of a call home, appropriate disciplinary action, and a grade of “0” on this assignment which you cannot make up.