PREPARING FOR COLLEGE ALGEBRA
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
School Year 2016-2017
Mrs. Chandler
Preparing for College Algebra is a course designed as a bridge between Math 3 and Pre-Calculus. For seniors, upon satisfactory completion of this course, students will be ready to enroll in an accredited College Algebra or Pre-Calculus course. Topics discussed will include, but are not limited to: systems and matrices, polynomials, radicals, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences, series, and probability.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. Students are to be on time for class. Be in your seat when the bell rings, otherwise you will be
marked tardy and asked to report to the attendance window, as per school policy.
2. Be prepared for class every day by bringing your own pencil or erasable pen, paper, notebook,
calculator and any other required materials.
3. Keep the classroom clean. Please do not write on desks or leave trash behind.
4. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are NOT permitted in the classroom. Bottled water is
permitted.
5. The teacher's desk and chair, computer, whiteboards, bulletin boards, and storage cabinets are
off limits unless permission is given by the teacher.
6. Be polite and considerate of one another. Raise your hand and be recognized before speaking.
7. Use class time appropriately. Be sure to visit your locker and take care of personal needs
between classes.
8. At the end of class, students are to remain in their seats until the teacher, not the bell, excuses them.
9. Please place any paper requiring the teacher's signature, i.e.: attendance slips, progress reports, on the teacher's desk prior to the beginning of class.
10. Please be certain all electronics, including I pods and cell phones, are turned off and stowed
away in backpacks and handbags prior to the beginning of class.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS
HOMEWORK
1. Homework is assigned daily, with the possible exception of test days. It is imperative to
write the following heading in the top right hand corner of all homework assignments:
FULL NAME (First and last)
DATE
PERIOD
ASSIGNMENT (Section, page number, problem numbers)
2. Homework papers are graded as follows:
4 points: full credit
3 points: partial credit (may be resubmitted)
2 point: partial credit (may be resubmitted)
0 points: no credit
A paper receiving full credit (4 points) will:
a) be neat, using pencil or erasable pen
b) have a proper heading
c) contain a copy of each problem (unless stated otherwise)
d) show all work for each problem
e) display the answer(s) clearly
f) have incorrect answers clearly marked and circle the number missed at the top of the page.
g) use complete sentences for written answers
A paper receiving partial credit (3 points) will:
a) have a minimum of three-fourths of the assigned work complete
b) meet all other criteria for a full credit paper
A paper receiving partial credit (2 points) will:
a) have a minimum of half the assigned work complete
b) meet all other criteria for a full credit paper
Partial credit assignments may be resubmitted for possible full credit
within one week of the original due date.
No credit (0 points) is given when anything less than half an assignment is
turned in. This assignment may not be made up for any credit.
2. No homework paper will be accepted for credit after the teacher has collected or
checked homework, except in the case of absence. For each day of absence, one day will
be given to make up the missed work. Consult with the teacher in case of a prolonged
absence.
3. Please remember, it is your responsibility to make up all missed homework, class work,
notes, etc. due to absence. "...but I was absent..." is NEVER an acceptable excuse
NOTEBOOK
1. Good note taking, completion of all homework, and organization are necessary to be
successful in a math class. You will need a THREE-RING NOTEBOOK that will allow
you to add and remove notepaper and handouts. The following items should to be
brought to class each day:
a) Lined notebook paper. PLEASE DO NOT USE SPIRAL PAPER.
b) Pencil or ERASABLE pen.
c) Class notebook
2. Your notebooks should be brought to class and kept organized daily. Periodically you will be
allowed to use your notebook as an aid on selected tests and quizzes.
TESTS
1. A test will be given at the end of each unit. (Each unit will be approximately 3-4 weeks in
length.) Quizzes will also be given throughout each unit. Additionally, a
comprehensive final exam will be administered. If you are absent on the day of a
test or quiz, you will be expected make it up on the day you return.
2. Individual test taking rules are as follows:
a) Keep your eyes on your own paper.
b) Do not talk or communicate in any manner.
c) Remain in your seat, facing the front of the room for the duration of the test.
d) The test is over only when the last paper is turned in.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in automatic failure or loss of points on the test.
There may also be the opportunity for group or partner tests, in which case collaboration is
accepted and encouraged.
3. If a passing grade of 60% or better is not earned on a chapter test, students have the opportunity of raising their score by retaking a similar test during ELT within one month of the original testing date. The average of the scores will be used as the chapter test grade. Students must complete test corrections and have the corrections checked by the teacher prior to retaking the test. Students may retake a maximum of two chapter tests per semester.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
Each unit students will be rewarded for exemplary classroom behavior. Students should refrain from the following behaviors to ensure full points are awarded:
C: Inappropriate use of electronics/cell phones
D: Defiant
H: Hat/hood not removed for class
L: Inappropriate language
U: Unprepared for class
O: Off task
CALCULATORS
Calculators may be used in class and on most assessments, however PHONE CLACULATORS are
prohibited on all assessments. I encourage students to use the calculators that they will use on tests during class time and on homework. I have calculators that may be checked out for student use during class. Please make sure to turn off all borrowed calculators and return them by the end of the period.
GRADING
1. Academic grades will be interpreted as follows:
A - Excellent achievement 90-100%
B - Good achievement 80- 89 %
C - Satisfactory achievement 70- 79 %
D - Below average achievement 60- 69 %
F - Failure 59% and below
2. Every six weeks, your percentage above will be calculated from your cumulative total
points earned on tests, quizzes, and homework. The value of each homework assignment is 4
points and the value of each test and quiz will vary between 10 and 100 points. At the end of
each semester, a cumulative semester final exam will be given.
3. In addition, the following may be considered for evaluation:
a) Class Participation c) Attendance
b) Attitude and Behavior d) Evidence of Effort
As you see, your grade may not necessarily reflect only a numerical average, but also the
teacher's comprehensive and subjective evaluation.
4. Each semester students will receive six passes which may be used to visit your locker or restroom
during class time or turn in a homework assignment up to one week late. Any unused passes may
be turned in for two points of extra credit at the end of the semester.
5. Citizenship grades will be based on the following:
a) Behavior c) Attitude
b) Class Participation d) Class Preparation
PLEASE SHARE THIS PAPER WITH YOUR PARENTS.
If you are ever confused about anything covered in class, PLEASE ask questions in class, attend ELT, or see me to make arrangements for extra help outside of class.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A FUN AND PRODUCTIVE YEAR WITH YOU!
Name______
Period______
Return this paper in class on Friday, August 26, 2016 with both your signature and a parent's signature to receive 2 extra credit points!
I have read and understood Mrs. Chandler’s policies and procedures
for Preparing for College Algebra.
Student Signature______Date______
Parent/Guardian Signature______Date______