Pre-Algebra Kimberly Valerio
Syllabus Spring 2014 Room 216 & 220
“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics, I can assure you mine are far greater.”
-Albert Einstein
Course Description:
Pre-Algebra is designed to prepare high school students for the 3 required high school math courses; Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II. In this course, basic concepts are emphasized. The course will focus on basic math skills in all operations--addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of real numbers, decimals, and fractions. It will also include divisibility, integers, ratios, proportions, and percents.
Daily Schedule:
Our normal routine will consist of the following:
*5-10 minute bellringers, which will available by the time the tardy bell rings.
*2 minute multiplication warm-up.
* Discussion and review of previous day’s work, problem or project.
* New material will be presented either by direct instruction, A/V presentation, through
individual or small group activity, or some combination of these methods.
*If time permits, repetitive practice and review through independent practice, group work, computer programs or i-Pad applications.
Student Responsibilities and Expectations:
*Be on time, in your seats, and prepared to work by the tardy bell
*Bring textbook, notebook, and pencil to class everyday.
*Respect others and their belongings.
*Speak only when hand is raised, when teacher acknowledges you, and when teacher or classmates are not speaking.
*Refraining from distracting others.
*Electronical devises can only be used at the discretion of the teacher and cannot be used during instruction time.
Consequences to Inappropriate Behavior:
1st offense—Warning with documenting of behavior
2nd offense—Student/Teacher conference
3rd offense—Parent Contact
4th offense---Loss of break or referral to ASD
5th offense—Office Referral
***The school-wide disciplinary code will be firmly upheld in this classroom.
Teacher Responsibilities and Expectations:
- To provide a safe, nurturing environment for learning where all students feel they are a valued member.
- To provide instruction using many different strategies to meet all learners’ needs.
- To give prompt, detailed feedback on assignments and tests.
- To provide opportunities for students to have a voice in the classroom and take consideration the input of all students in many functions in the classroom.
- To assist students in knowing their strengths and weaknesses with an emphasis on improving and moving forward.
- To provide remediation, if needed, based on their needs.
- All expectations of students are also those of the teacher.
Tentative Course Outline:
Chapter 3: Number Theory
--Divisibility Rules
--Prime and Composite Numbers
--Factoring
--Least Common Multiple
--Scientific Notation
Chapter 4: Rational Numbers and Fractions
Chapter 5: Basic Operations and Rational Expressions
Chapter 6: Ratios, Proportions, and Percents
Chapter 7: Integers
Attendance:
Attendance everyday is strongly advised. Concepts taught in class daily are those that will be built on throughout the course and those needed to be succcessful in upper level math classes in high school. Students will be allowed to make-up assignments for excused absences. Three days are allowed to make-up assignments.