Joanna Ayala Algebra 1
TEACHER CONTACT INFORMATIONJoanna Ayala
Main Campus: Room 225
*Email:
Phone: 510-618-4600
REQUIRED MATERIALS
· Notebook paper
· Binder or folder to hold handouts & assignments
· Pencils, pens
· Highlighter
· Scientific Calculator (highly recommended)
· Planner
· Textbook: Algebra 1 by McDougal Littell
COURSE INFORMATION
This course will cover topics including expressions, linear equations, inequalities, absolute value, quadratic functions,, polynomials, factoring, rate of change, and more. Following the new common core standards, you will be expected to solve problems using multiple methods. This course meets UC/CSU “C” requirement for Mathematics.
PROCEDURES
All notes and assignments must be completed on notebook paper. Warm-Ups and/or homework will be collected weekly. Assignments will be given as needed for mastery practice. Time may be given in class to begin assignments. Late assignments are accepted, but not encouraged. Notes for each unit will be collected on unit exam days. PLEASE keep track of your notebook! It is a priceless resource.
Quizzes will be given for each topic and tests will be longer, covering material both current and from the entire year. Work must be shown on all quizzes and tests to receive full credit. Tests can be retaken to prove mastery, however some additional preparation is recommended before retaking an exam. / MATH HELP TIMES
@Lunch Daily
Tuesday-Thursday 3:00-3:30 pm
YOU ARE GRADED ON…
Classroom Participation (30%)
is graded according to a rubric that I will give you. It includes attendance, punctuality, work habits, teamwork, work quality and completion, and organization.
Tests/Quizzes/Final Exams (70%)
These are graded based on your mastery of the skills and concepts.
GRADING SCALE
I use a 4-point grading scale (like the GPA calculating system) as opposed to a percentage-based grading scale. Since ABI is limited and not equipped to deal with more modern grading practices, you will notice that the percentages for your scores will appear to be wildly incorrect if you are thinking of a percentage system. For example, a "C" will not be a 75%, it will be a 50%. So, please ignore the percentages and look only at the letter grades. To better understand my grading system and why I don't use a percentage-based system, readthis article by educational scholar, Doug Reeves.
4.0-3.4 = A
3.3 – 2.4 = B
2.3 – 1.7 = C
1.6 – 1.0 = D
0.9 and below = F
ATTENDANCE
Consistent attendance is the key to success. If you are absent from class, you must make up the assignment and notes. If you miss a test, a zero will be entered for a grade until you make it up. You must make up an exam within one week of your absence unless alternate arrangements are made.
Classroom Standards
Your success in class will depend upon your willingness to put forth effort, to be organized, and to be respectful. It is your responsibility to know and abide by the following standards:
1. Make learning your first priority during class.
2. Your full participation and attention is the most important part of class. Please come prepared daily with something to write with and something to write on. If you need supplies, please see me.
3. Eating in class(except water) is a privilege in this classroom. It is up to the class to keep the privilege by picking up trash and spills. Help keep the classroom clean!
4. Assignments, announcements, and more will be written on the board each day.
5. Have your materials with you. Enter the classroom quietly and take your assigned seat. Groups will be changed frequently, so please check to board. Be ready to work when the bell rings. You will be considered tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings.
6. During direct instruction, unnecessary noise or talking disturbs the learning of other students. If you have questions to ask or comments to make about the day’s assignments, raise your hand and WAIT until the teacher recognizes you. Please refrain from having side conversations.
7. Be courteous to other members of the class when they have the floor. Unnecessary or “funny” comments are uncalled for. Name- calling, defiance, or any other disrespectful behavior toward classmates or your teacher will result in a detention or referral at minimum.
8. All assignments must be done according to directions and examples given by the teacher. Proper headings and title must be done on every assignment. Erase cleanly or cross out when correcting any error. Please use pens that do not bleed through the paper and if possible, use both sides of the page. / 9. To keep distractions to a minimum, please keep cell phones put away during class. If you need to take an urgent call, please step into the hallway.
10. No headphones may be worn above the neck during class.
11. No grooming or applying make-up in class. If you need to freshen up, please do so in the restroom.
12. Please ask to leave the room only in extreme emergencies. Use the passing periods, break, or lunch for drinking fountain or bathroom visits.
13. Make-up work is your responsibility. If you are absent, you will need to either check with a classmate OR email Ms. Ayala for the notes and assignment. If you do not understand the concept, see me at lunch or after school. You have until the day of the test to make-up the work for full credit.
14. Notes and assignments are the most important parts of this class. If you take notes and do your assignments everyday, making sure you understand the concepts, you will pass the quizzes and tests, and pass this class. If you choose not to do this, you will not be successful in class. Choose now to take notes, do your assignments, and to do well in class.
15. Referrals may be given to students who are frequently tardy or exhibit disrespectful behavior.
16. Be kind. Work hard.