Flagstaff High School

Algebra 1

2012-2013

Instructor: Mr. Watson

E-mail:

Course Overview and Objectives:

This course will cover essential Algebra concepts including: general functions, linear modeling, contextual application, quadratic functions, and factoring. Instruction in this course will focus on preparing students for the rigorous expectations of the common core curriculum and establish a base of knowledge that students can apply in their future math courses and across other subject areas, in particular, science.

Semester 1: We will build a strong base of conceptual understanding of important Algebraic concepts and develop the skills necessary for complex Algebraic application.

Semester 2:We will dive deeper into the Algebra I curriculum while spiraling back on essential skills. In this semester we will focus greater on application of skills and concepts to contextual situations. I will be expecting proficiency not only in solving problems during this semester, but also in explaining the processes used for problem solving.

Required materials:

**These need to be brought EVERY day!**Grading Scale:

1.)Algebra 1 Textbook by Larson 90-100 A

2.)Scientific or Graphing Calculator 80-89 B

*TI-30X IIS or TI-83 Recommended 70-79 C

3.)Lined Paper for homework 60-69 D

4.)Notebook for in-class notes! 59 and Below F

5.)Pencil and Eraser for homework

*Students will have access to StudentVUE

6.)Assignment due that day!! Be sure to check your grade often.

Components Assessed:

  • 20% Practice- Participation, Warm-Ups, Homework, and Quizzes
  • 20% Performance- Warm-Up Problems, HW Problems, Presentations
  • 60% Measurement- SummativeAssessments

 15% Final Exam

Procedures:

  • Beginning of Class:
  • When you enter the classroom there will be a warm-up and directions provided. The warm-up is to be started upon arrival to the classroom. The warm-up may be graded or ungraded and the time limit is to be determined by the teacher.
  • Warm-up time is NOT a time to finish your homework.
  • The student is responsible for making up warm-up assignments from days that the student was absent.
  • Students will be asked to present their work on warm-up problems to the class at different times during the semester.
  • Assignments
  • Assignments will be given daily- even on Fridays. Like most things in life, the only way to master a skill is to practice it daily.
  • Assignments must be completed as they are given to the best of the student’s ability. Assignment effort is crucial not only as practice, but also as a tool for guiding how well the student understands the material.
  • Make-Up Work:
  • All assignments from a particular unit must be turned in before the date of the unit test; however, you should keep in mind that late work will only receive half credit.
  • If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to turn in your missing work the day you return for full credit.
  • Absolutely NO late homework will be graded after the Unit test.

RE-TEST POLICY:

You are allowed to retake unit tests or a section of a unit test provided that the following criteria have been met:

  • 1) All retest must be done within four days of the date that the test was returned to the student.
  • 2) At least 80% of the unit assignments must have been turned in prior to the original test date.
  • 3) The student must schedule and attend a tutoring session afterschool or during pathways on Thursday afternoon.
  • 4) Retests must be scheduled in advance with the teacher and will not be allowed during class time.

DISCLAIMER: The decision to retest rest entirely on the student’s willingness to self-advocate and learn from his or her mistakes. The responsible student will take full advantage of this unique opportunity for learning and growth.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

  • Follow all classroom rules and procedures.
  • Follow all school policies.
  • Backpacks must be placed in the designated location when entering the classroom.
  • Electronic devices must be turned off and stored in your backpack.
  • Bathroom: Everyone will receive twobathroom passes per semester. You may use these how you see fit, but use them wisely!
  • Do not be tardy! When the bell rings, you must be in your correct seat or you may be marked absent or tardy.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:

If you are unexcused for any reason, you will NOT be able to make-up ANY missing assignments or assessments. REMINDER: Credit will NOT be awarded if a student has 10 or more tardies and absences.

I have read and understand all policies and expectations: ______