Honors Algebra 1-2
Metro Tech High School
Course Overview: Welcome to Honors Algebra 1-2! In this course, mathematics topics you have previously learned will be extended to mathematical models in order to solve complex real-world problems. From learning to recognize patterns, relationships between variables quantities, to interpreting those patterns; you will discover how to find solutions to problems. In the process, you will rely on symbols to represent and explain mathematical relations. You will use technology, such as graphing calculator, to analyze data and recognize patterns.
Prerequisites: The student must be able to:
1. addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers.
2. use the correct order of operations.
3. graph on a Coordinate and Cartesian plane
4. use additives and multiplicative inverses.
5. simplify ratios.
6. solve simple equations.
7. simplify and evaluate expressions.
*If a student does not meet prerequisite skill requirements, they will have opportunities outside of instruction time, (i.e. before school, lunch time, Advisory, or after school), for immediate intervention (i.e. Think through Math, Canvas and other book remediation programs).
Course Concept Units:
Equations: Real world problems can be represented as equations and they can be solved.
Linear Functions: Real world problems can be represented and solved with linear functions.
Inequalities: Real world problems can be represented as inequities and they can be solved.
Systems: Real world problems can be represented as linear systems and they can be solved.
Exponential: Real world problems can be represented and solved with exponential functions.
Polynomials: Algebraic structures can be used to simplify more complex polynomial expressions
Quadratics: Algebraic structures can be used to solve more complex equations and real world situations can be modeled and interpreted with quadratic functions
Statistics: Real world data can be modeled and interpreted with formal statistical analysis.
Specific Course Expectations: The student will:
1. take and keep notes.
2. complete daily class work/homework (independent work) following the course procedures.
3. participate in class activities and projects.
4. take checkpoint quizzes, unit assessments and recovery quizzes (when needed).
5. self-assess understanding of the course standards.
6. use a graphing calculator as required.
7. attend tutoring as directed.
Course Materials: The student will bring:
· Online Student workbook: www.myhrw.com
· Pencils, erasers, and a colored pen
· 3-ring binder and loose leaf paper (for class notes)
· Graph Paper
· Student Planner
*You are encouraged but, NOT required to purchase a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator ($90-$120). If purchased, you will be able to use the TI-84 in Algebra 1-2 and every other math course after Algebra. More cost effective options would be to download a free TI-84 Plus emulator to your home computer, (ask teacher for instructions) or use the TI-84 graphing calculator app for phones like Wabbit. Another online option is Desmos Graphing Calculator, desmos.com or download a free version through the Chrome Web Store which can be accessed offline on your phone.
Independent Work:
Independent work will be assigned almost every school day, (including weekends) in order to allow you to explore and practice what you are learning. Independent work includes but is not limited to in class exercises, homework, projects and math journals. Independent work is critical for students to complete. This is because it is designed to clear up misconceptions of concepts, applied learning, and identify areas to be reviewed by the student and teacher. This provides feedback so that every student has the opportunity to get the help they need. Students will be notified bi-weekly of their progress. Those with grades or standards lower than C, (70 %) will be required to attend mandatory tutoring/MASC sessions as directed by the teacher. The Metro Academic Student Center or MASC tutoring is in Room 9016 and Algebra tutoring schedules will be posted in the classroom.
For ALL independent work:
· Show written calculation and work, even if you do it in your head or on a calculator.
· When you get stuck on a problem, solve it as far as you can, write a short explanation of your difficulty, and then get clarification as soon as possible (i.e. MASC, Advisory or tutoring).
· Use your notes, teacher’s webpage http://www.phoenixunion.org/page/4196, Canvas, Desmo.com and www.myhrw.com for resources.
· Check your solution(s) on the answer wall before submitting your assignment.
Be proactive about creating study groups, using outside resources such as dictionaries and websites, and discussing problems with each other. At times we will all be algebra teachers; therefore, be willing to share your ideas with others and to support your reasoning to help each other understand new ways to solve problems. Math is not a spectator sport…..PARTICIPATE!
Attendance:
Students are required to be in attendance daily. The school’s attendance policy will be implemented, but realize that even missing one day of math can be the difference between understanding and struggling through Algebra. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to talk to the teacher the day you return to make arrangements/plans to make-up independent work(s), and assessment(s) outside of instruction time, (i.e. before school, lunch time, Advisory, or after school). According to school policy, you have as many days as you were absent to turn in missed independent work(s). However, you should turn in at least one make-up independent work, as well as the current independent work each day until you are caught up.
“Absent” is defined as nonattendance in an assigned class or activity for more than one-half of the period. (PUHSD Governing Board Policy J-1561 JHR)
“Tardy” is defined as not being in the assigned class or activity when the tardy bell has finished ringing. (PUHSD Governing Board Policy J-1561 JHR)
Standards Proficiency:
If a student does not demonstrate proficiency of ALL standards on each unit test, they will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency of specific standards however realizing that most opportunities will be outside of instruction time (i.e. before school, lunch time, Advisory, or after school).
Types of Assessments:
Unit assessments will be given every 2-3 weeks. Checkpoint quizzes will be given every week. Recovery quizzes will be administered when needed.
Assessment Re-takes:
If a student is unhappy with his/her performance, or their score is below 70% in a given standard on quizzes/ assessments, that student will have the opportunity to take a recovery quiz once to demonstrate proficiency.
Title I Program:
Academic tutoring and test preparation is available to all students. Additional support for passing classes and graduating on time is the intent of these services. Support through Title I funding is available in the areas of: Math, Reading, and English. If interested, please contact the Principal Bryan Reynoso, or Assistant Principal for Instruction Shawna Wright at (602) 764-8004.
Semester Grade Evaluation: 0.5 Credit per semester
1. The semester final exam grade will account for 10%
of the semester grade.
2. The coursework grade (2 terms = 1 semester) will account
for 90% of the semester grade.
3. The coursework grade will be determined as follows:
Standards Proficiency = 90% and Independent work = 10%
4. IEP and 504 Plans will be applied to make accomodations and
modifications to lessons, assignments, and assessments before
the semester grade is calculated.
Level of Proficiency:
Exceeds – A
Highly Proficient – B
Proficient – C
Approaching – D
Little/No Evidence -F
Responsibilities:
Student / Parent / Teacher· Check progress reports on Student Vue website https://studentvue.phoenixunion.org
· Bring pencil, paper, student planner and assignments to class every day
· Seek help immediately if a topic seem difficult
· Participate in all aspects of the course in and out of class
· Attend tutoring
· Do recovery work when needed
· Communicate concerns to teacher, parents, counselors and advisory teacher / · Check progress reports on Parent Vue website https://studentvue.phoenixunion.org
or student copy
· Check homework every night
· Check student planner every night
· Sign student planner every week
· Communicate concerns to student, teacher and counselor
· Attend student intervention meeting / · Create a safe environment for learning
· Provide progress report
· Assign and provide tutoring
· Communicate concerns to students, parents, advisory teacher, and counselors
Class Norms
Do only the things that promote learning for all.
1) No talking during class-wide teaching.
2) Be in your seat and work from bell to bell.
3) Wear ID badges above the waist every day, and follow the dress code.
4) No electronic devices are to be seen, and phones are to be turned off.
5) No eating in class, but water bottles are permitted.
6) Respect EVERYONE and EVERYTHING.
Discipline Policy
All class room rules/policies are posted and visible to all students in my class. School policies can be found in the student procedure handbook. These policies and procedure will be enforced at all times in my class, which means once you set foot into my class before school, at lunch, during class, after school, shorten days, half days, late start schedule; I WILL ENFORCE ALL THE RULES!!!
CONSEQUENCES: If any student chooses NOT to follow class room or school rules
· Progressive steps will be taken: 1) Student conference 2) Phone call home 3) Referral or parent
CHEATING:
Copying someone’s independent work is CHEATING, but helping another student with their independent work by explaining how to do problem is acceptable. Students that are caught cheating by me, any other teacher, staff member, or parent will earn an automatic zero on any independent work, assessment or quiz...NO EXCEPTIONS. That means the person giving the answer as well as the person receiving answers. This zero can be made up after parent/guardian have been contacted. This make up must occur outside of the normal school day and arrangements must be made with your teacher.
Electronic devices:
· Electronic devices such as phones must be put away and turned off. Phones may only be used in the class specifically for academic purposes.
Period: ______
Turn in only the signature page to Ms. Medina, you keep Plan for Success for your record of how you will be assessed.
Honors Class Responsibilities:
A student enrolled in Honors classes should be held to a higher standard than regular classes. Students should be willing and able to engage with the concepts at a higher level. Also, students should be more responsible in doing all homework, taking good notes, studying for tests, maintaining good organizational habits, obtaining extra help when needed – all of which will help you to become a better student, both now and in the future. Inability to maintain the responsibility of being in an Honors level class will result a student being moved to a regular class.
Student:
I have read, understand and agree to the information on the Honors Algebra 1- 2 Plan for Success and understand it. My signature indicates my compliance with, respect for, and commitment to this plan.
Printed name ______Signature ______Date ______
Honors Algebra 1 – 2 Student Commitment
ü I agree to comply with the PLAN FOR SUCCESS Ms. Medina has set for the class ______(student initial)
ü I agree to write the objective and homework assignment in my student planner each day ______(student initial)
ü I agree to seek tutoring from Algebra 1-2 teachers when I am not understanding the material ______(student initial)
ü I agree to be a team player and work toward the common goal of succeeding ______(student initial)
ü I agree to be positive, energetic, and an active participant in each class ______(student initial)
ü I agree to study for tests, which may include doing the review and using a notecard ______(student initial)
ü I agree to complete all projects on time with maximum effort and creativity ______(student initial)