Pembroke AcademyCourse Prospectus2015/2016

Mr. Dion ()

Mrs. Cunningham

()

Room 3003 / Phone Ext: 3003

Pembroke Academy Core Values and Beliefs:

Pembroke Academy is a community of lifelong learners within which each individual is known and

valued. We believe high school is a transitional experience that prepares each student to achieve,

contribute and thrive in the 21st century. We commit to rigorous academic and personal standards, responsibly

while acknowledging these are accomplished in various ways. We value depth of understanding and and respectfully

believe learning is student-centered, fostering problem solving and complex thinking in both independent at all times!

and collaborative work. We practice democratic ideals within an ethical, civil and tolerant culture while

contributing to family, community, nation and world.

Course Description:

This full-year course is designed to introduce the high school common core Algebra. It will build upon the algebraic foundation set in the 8th grade. The course begins with a unit that explores in depth the process of solving linear equations and inequalities, and then studies functions and their graphs. Writing linear equations and solving a system of equations will also be covered. During the second half of the course students will analyze exponents and exponential functions, explore polynomials, and finish the year by investigating quadratic equations and functions. Problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills will be developed and used throughout the course.

Course Essential Question:

How would I use my prior mathematical knowledge to explore, examine, analyze and utilize new algebraic concepts and skills to model and solve real world applications?

Text: Charles, et al. Algebra I Common Core. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2015

Content to be covered:

  1. Solve equations and inequalities
  2. Functions
  3. Systems of equations and inequalities
  4. Exponents and exponential functions
  5. Polynomials and factoring
  6. Quadratic functions and equations
  7. Data and probability

Homework/Participation:

Homework is given daily and will be posted on HomeworkNOW (easy access from PA website – It is critical to your success in this class and future math classes and it will be graded on a regular basis. All assignments must be done in pencil in a neat and organized manner, and you must show all work at all times. We will go over homework each day in class, and you will be responsible for making corrections with a red or blue pen and finding your errors (we will help you). It is expected that you attempt all assigned problems to receive full credit. However, we are not concerned with how many you got right or wrong. We are concerned that you understand the material and know where you made your mistakes. Homework will be graded on a 4 point scale. Late homework will not be accepted! Homework (along with other Formative Assessments and activities) will make up 10% of the grade. Also, we expect you to be focused on Math and only Math during class time – NO MULTI-TASKING!

Absence from Class:

  • If you are absent from class, you are still responsible for making corrections and finding the errors. We are available early in the morning or after school if you need help.
  • If you know you are going to miss class (field trips, sporting events, doctor appointments, etc.) you must see us ahead of time to get your work.
  • If you are absent the day before a quiz, expect to take the quiz with everyone else.
  • If you are absent the day of the quiz, expect and plan to take the quiz after school on the day you return. If there is a problem with you taking the quiz the day you return, you must see us before school. If there are any special circumstances, see us immediately upon your return to make arrangements.
  • Unanticipated absences – you are responsible for getting and making up all work within two days of your return, and completing by an agreed upon time all make-up work. Do not forget the notes!
  • REMEMBER…IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE UP ALL WORK (WARM-UPS, CLASSWORK, NOTES, HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, AND SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS). WE WILL NOT ASK YOU FOR IT AND WE WILL NOT CHASE YOU DOWN FOR MISSING ASSIGNMENTS. ANY HOMEWORK OR ASSESSMENTS NOT TURNED IN AND/OR COMPLETED WITHIN TWO DAYS OF YOUR RETURN WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF ZERO!

Math Binder: A three-ring binder is required and must be used for math only. Binders must be maintained on a daily basis and you may be assessed on them multiple times during the semester. The grade will be counted as part of the formative portion of your grade. Your Math Binder is very important and will be used when preparing for the Final Assessment.

Suggested Binder Order:

  1. General Papers and Class Information
  2. Warm-ups: All warm-ups should be dated.
  3. Notes / Class Work: Includes all examples, plus the helpful hints and suggestions added by you in a different colorthese must be dated
  4. Homework: All assignments must be neatly organizedthese must be done in pencil only and must be numbered and dated
  5. Quizzes: All quizzes neatly organizedthey are to be done in pencil and must be dated

Your Math Binder is a portfolio of everything we have done in this class and should reflect your participation and effort in this course. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to handwrite all of the notes. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Quizzes and Summative Assessments: Quizzes and other Formative Assessments may or may not be announced. Summative Assessments will always be announced. You are expected to show all work in a neat and organized manner. If you do not have work to back up your answers, then you will not receive credit for the answers even if they are correct. Partial credit will be awarded on quizzes and on Summative Assessments when there is work to justify your answer.

Course Grade per Semester:

Summative Assessments – 75%

Class Work, Homework, Math Binder, Formative Quizzes, and other Formative Work – 10%

Final Assessment – 15%

Classroom Expectations:

  • Complete all assignments on time and contribute to class in a positive manner.
  • Respect will be shown at all times towards everyone and everything. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated!
  • Be ready to work when the music stops.
  • No food permitted in class. Plain water is allowed if it is in a bottled container.
  • Come to class everyday prepared and on time – math binder, paper, covered textbook, pencils, red pens, etc.
  • Raise your hand to ask and answer questions.
  • No traveling! Stay in your seat, and do not get up without requesting and being granted permission.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for assistance – we are always available to help!

“I’M A GREAT BELIEVER IN LUCK, AND I FIND THE HARDER I WORK, THE MORE I HAVE OF IT.”

- Thomas Jefferson