Syllabus for Algebra I
Grade Level: 9th grade level
Elective/Required: Required for High School Graduation
Length/Credits: 2 semesters / 5 credits per term
Prerequisites: Elementary school grades / test scores / teacher recommendation
Course Number: A-0724 B-0725 C-0726
UC/A-G approved: Yes
Teacher: Mr. Gonzalez V-Mail 559-564-3307 ext. 160
Classroom Policies and Procedures
1. Treat everyone, other students, staff and faculty, with courtesy and respect.
2. Everyone should come to class ready to learn. Upon arrival each student should quickly get seated, have notebooks open with pencil, paper, and any needed supplies ready.
3. Cheating and plagiarism will be dealt with, as per the Honest Policy, beginning with, but not limited to, automatic zero credit for any assignments, tests, or projects involved in the incident.
4. Students Responsibilities:
o Arrive to class on time. If you are not in the classroom when the bell rings, you are tardy.
o Complete assignments on time.
o Develop good work habits. You’ll need them one day.
o Be an active participant in the classroom.
5. No electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, game systems, etc.)
Homework – Homework is the student’s responsibility to find on the calendar and make up. Partial credit will
be given to late work. No late assignments will be accepted after three weeks have elapsed
from the date the missed assignment was due.
Late Assignments – No late assignments will be accepted after three weeks have elapsed from the date
the missed assignment was due.
Absences – All students are responsible for keeping track of their own missed assignments and tests. No
late assignments will be accepted after two weeks have elapsed from the date the missed
assignment was due. Partial credit will be given to late work.
Assessment and Evaluation
Final grade scale: Final grade calculation:
A 90% to 100% Quizzes 20%
B 80% to less than 90% Individual Tests 30%
C 70% to less than 80% Final Exam 20%
D 60% to less than 70% 70%
F Any percentage less than 60%
Home Work 20%
Reports/Projects/
Warm-ups 10%
30%
Total Possible Points 100%
5 % extra credit will be awarded for positive
and respectful attitude towards teacher and
other students.
Course Description
Algebra I, A, B, & C is a one year college prep course in mathematics designed to complete a solid foundation in basic algebra. The course will help students develop logical problem solving strategies necessary for any future mathematics course. Topics covered include integers, linear equations and inequalities, coordinate graphing, systems of equations, radicals, quadratic equations, and operations with polynomials.
Syllabus for Algebra I, continued
Required text: Algebra I, McDougal Littell, Larson, Boswell, Kanold, & Stiff.
Course Outline
1st Semester – concept of the variable, representing data with graphs, properties of real numbers, solving
linear equations, graphing functions focus on linear functions, solving and graphing linear
inequalities.
2nd Semester – systems of linear equations, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, and quadratic functions, polynomials, rational expressions, rational equations.
Benchmark Standards
1st Semester – California content standards, mathematics, Algebra I: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
2nd Semester – California content standards, mathematics, Algebra I: 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
Expected School-Wide Learning Results
Effective Communicator
Students will be encouraged to communicate in the language of mathematics in a variety of settings, such as group activities, student teacher discussions, and during group tests. The math report(s) is the culminating evidence of student growth as an effective communicator.
Effective Problem Solver
The inherent nature of the study of mathematics includes many daily opportunities to practice problem solving. Examples of these are daily assignments, daily warm up exercises, group and individual exams, computer lab assignments, and math reports.
Group Contributor
Students will have many opportunities to be a group contributor as in group problem solving sessions, group exam sessions, and on special projects from the computer lab.
Responsible Citizen
Citizenship is modeled and discussed as a regular part of class discourse, often in the context of current events. Often, as in topics from statistics, math learning is made more tangible when problems are posed from real life context which frequently involve themes of good and responsible citizenship.
Lifelong Learner
Life long learning is stressed throughout the entire year of this course. Study skills are stressed and opportunities that are realized from a life of learning are investigated. Objective evidence of student’s achieving progress are the notes which are prepared by each student, revised, graded, and used in class.
PARENTS: Be a part of your student’s education.
1) Ask them questions
2) Encourage them to do their best
3) Care for them
Instructional Methods
Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) is employed to foster a dynamic and equitable learning environment where student participation is the expectation and the norm.
Instructional Materials: Textbook by McDougal Little. Additional instructional material will be provided.
Parent/Student Signature
Parent and student should sign indicating that both have read, discussed, and understand the rules, policy, and information contained in this course syllabus.
Student Date Parent Date