Algebra 1 Syllabus

2011-2012

Instructors / Room / E-mail Address / Extension
Kristina Clayton / S104 / / 23416
Danielle Hamilton / S109 / / 23482
Galen Maultsby / S209 / / 23250
Melanie Mottershead / S107 / / 23511

Class Website: mathwithclayton.wikispaces.com

Algebra 1 Textbook Online: classpass:clayton1112

Course Description: During your year in Algebra 1 we will be working in cooperative groups on a daily basis to discover mathematical concepts. These topics will include statistical plots, proportions, linear exponential and quadratic models, inequalities, functions, and more! By district mandate, students must earn an achievement level of 3 or 4 on the Algebra I EOC to meet graduation requirements.

Materials

  • 3-ring binder
  • Lined Notebook Paper
  • Pencils (ALL work will be done in pencil)
  • Composition book (no spirals)
  • Graph paper
  • Graphing calculator (see below)
  • 4 AAA Batteries
  • Time Tracker

Graphing Calculator

Each student is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to have a TI-83+, or TI-84+ graphing calculator. The TI-graphing calculator is used throughout the entire year to investigate mathematical concepts. Many homework problems require the use of a graphing calculator.

Grading Percentages

Quizzes
Tests &
Projects / 65% / Quizzes will be given on a regular basis. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Tests are weighted more heavily than quizzes.
Classwork &
Homework / 35% / Daily work will be graded on a regular basis. Selected assignments will be collected and graded for accuracy. Warm-ups are used for daily review and practice and will be assessed on a regular basis.

Algebra 1 Tutoring Schedule

Below are the five opportunities every week that your child can receive extra help. ALL Algebra 1 students are invited to attend tutoring sessions with different Algebra 1 teachers. Additionally on most Wednesday mornings the National Honor Society will hold peer-tutoring sessions in the MediaCenter from 7:45 - 8:35.

Monday
3:55-4:30pm
Mrs. Clayton S104 / Tuesday
8:00-8:35am
Mrs. Mottershead S107 / Tuesday
3:55-4:30pm
Mr. Maultsby S209
Wednesday
7:45-8:35am
NHS-MediaCenter / Thursday
8:00-8:35am
Ms. Hamilton S109 / Please bring materials to tutoring sessions

Academic Honor Code Philosophy

(Also in Student Time Tracker)

Academic dishonesty (cheating) is a serious problem and occurs whenever submitted work is not uniquely your own. As academic requirements and expectations have grown, some students have opted to take short cuts. These short cuts not only take away from the students’ learning but also undermine the entire education process.

Examples of academic dishonesty can range from (but are not limited to):

  • Copying someone’s homework
  • Texting answers to a test
  • Discussing answers to a test with someone who hasn’t taken the test yet
  • Rewording passages from a book or article and not citing the source
  • Cutting and pasting from online sources to create an assignment that one claims to be original work product
  • Purchasing an assignment or having someone else complete your assignment
  • Looking at someone else’s paper
  • Using online translators for assignments in a foreign language

When students turn in work to teachers they should be claiming one of the following:

  • They completed the work completely on their own
  • They completed the work with tutoring help that is considered acceptable to the teacher
  • They completed the work with classmates in a way that is considered acceptable to the teacher
  • They completed the work with resource materials and cited those sources.

When students turn in work that does not match one of the items listed above, academic dishonesty (cheating) has occurred.

DurhamSchool of the Arts will take a stand to insure integrity to our program and to help instill the value of personal honor in our students through our honor code policy. Student who are guilty of cheating will face a grade penalty and in-school (ISS) or out of school suspension (OSS).

Class Expectations

You are expected to…

  • Be respectful to everyone and everything
  • Be in your seat, prepared to begin class with sharpened pencil, homework on desk, working on the posted warm-up when the bell rings
  • Work in groups everyday
  • Be responsible for yourself and your actions
  • Be in class, on time everyday.
  • Abide by the Honor Code – see above
  • Keep all hats, cell phones, CD players, MP3 players, and any inappropriate electronic devices in your locker or book bag. If such items are seen during school hours (8:45 – 3:45), they will be confiscated and will only be returned when picked up by a parent/guardian.
  • When absent, check the assignment binderonce you enter the classroom and find out what work you missed.
  • Do your best.

Failure to comply with these expectations will result in consequences. They include warnings, phone calls home, parent conferences, detentions, and discipline referrals. It is up to Mrs. Clayton’s discretion to determine the consequence.

Group Work

The Math Department at DSA places a value on the importance and necessity of working in collaborative groups. Therefore, we will be working in cooperative groups on a daily basis and you are expected to participate and be an asset. The following is a listing of some ideals:

  • Communicating mathematical ideas to other members of the group
  • Dividing a task fairly among the group members
  • Taking time to ensure that all group members understand
  • Using, in appropriate ways, the suggestions and ideas of all group members
  • Pushing the group to think deeply about the mathematics under investigation
  • Reporting the group’s progress to the whole class in a complete and interesting way

Notebooks

Success in a math class is dependent on many factors. One very important factor is organization of work. Students will be required to keep a math notebook and follow the guidelines listed below.

  • ALL work is to be done in PENCIL.
  • Students will use a three-ring binder with loose-leaf notebook paper.
  • A table of contents will be kept at the front of the notebook to keep track of daily assignments.
  • The notebook will be organized in a chronological order based on date and assignment number.
  • Assignment numbers should be written in the top right corner of each page.
  • Each daily assignment should be labeled clearly with assignment, page number, and learning goal.
  • ALL papers must be kept in the notebook (not the textbook).

Absences/Tardiness

If you are absent for any reason, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain the work you missed. There will be a notebook containing an updated table of contents that should be checked upon your return. If you have an excused absence, you will have five (5) days to complete any missed work. Quizzes and tests should be made up during tutoring or during your lunch; you will NOT be given class time to make up work. Make-up work is your responsibility – you get the assignment from the notebook, you do it, and you turn it on time to the designated area.

Wish List

The items listed below are things the students will use regularly in class. We thank you in advance for any donations you may be able to make. If you shop at Staples or Office Depot, please give them my number so I can buy more supplies for the classroom

  • Tissues
  • Band-Aids
  • Large dry erase markers
  • AAA batteries
  • Pencils
  • Extra student supplies
  • Gift cards to any office supply store

Please sign below to indicate that you have READ, UNDERSTAND, and AGREE to the information and procedures on the Algebra 1 syllabus. Please return this signed form to Mrs. Clayton.

Student Name:
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Parent/Guardian Contact Information:
Email Address:
Phone Numbers:

Please make any comments or ask any questions that you may have at this time. I will respond as soon as I can. Thank you.