Algebra 1Course SyllabusMrs. Johns & Mr. Graul

  • Grading:
  • This is a 2-credit math course (two sections per day). Grading for this course is a combination of the grades earned in both sections.
  • Classwork & Homework Assignments = 20%: Homework is graded on completion only. Students are expected to complete ALL of EVERY homework assignment.
  • *ALEKS Assignments(weekly) = 25%: Each student in this course is provided with an ALEKS web account. There will be weekly on-line ALEKS that can be attempted repeatedly with only the highest achieved score counting.
  • *ALEKS Path (topics) = 10%; Every three weeks, sufficient progress on the student’s individual path in the ALEKS program will be graded.
  • Quizzes = 25%: Quizzes are given on a regular basis covering few objectives. Quizzes tend to be the most challenging of the assignments as they are the shortest graded assignments; there are between 7 and 10 quizzes in a grading weeks period. The lowest quiz grade is dropped at the end of the quarter.
  • Benchmark Tests = 20%: There will be a comprehensive exam (Keystone-format) at the end of each marking period.
  • Required Materials
  • 3-ring binder (you will use the same binder for both Algebra sections)
  • Loose-leaf paper
  • Pencils: only assignments done in pencil will be graded
  • CSIU:
  • Link to grades on SASD homepage under “Quick Links”.
  • CSIU is updated weekly. Please review grades regularly.
  • Please make note of missed assignments / incorrect grades and follow-up IMMEDIATELY
  • Tutoring:
  • SOS for the math department is Thursday after school from 2:50-3:30. Any student is welcome to attend SOS to get assistance; however, students who are failing or in danger of failing will be required to attend SOS. Students who are not keeping up with the ALEKS website will also be required to attend SOS and/or other mandatory tutoring.
  • I am available daily before school (especially helpful if a student has difficulty with homework and just needs a little “nudge” to get through it).
  • I am available daily after school, except on days of meetings, training, etc. I will try to keep students aware of these commitments so that they can plan accordingly.
  • Some helpful websites for Algebra students:
  • will be used regularly by each student, occasionally in class
  • has video lessons for pretty-much every Algebra objective
  • has video lessons, practice worksheets, guided notes
  • Calculator use:
  • A CASIO fx-9860GIIwill be provided for in-class use when necessary.
  • Students may purchase a calculator, though it is not necessary. There are many apps available for smart phones, iPods, etc., that will work for at-home calculator use.
  • Cell Phone Policy:
  • Cell phones are not to be seen or heard at any time without specific permission given for academic purpose. The first offense in class during the first month of school will result in a warning; first offense thereafter is confiscation until the end of the period; subsequent offenses will result in the phone turned into the office with a disciplinary referral.
  • If you do not have a way to safely store your phone out of sight during class, you may put it on my desk before class starts and collect it at the end of the period (with volume off, of course).
  • Make-up work:
    Assignments must be made up in as many days the student was absent (2 days out means the student has 2 days to make up work). As per the student handbook: “Make up work for extended absences, which is defined as four (4) or more days, must be arranged immediately upon return to school and completed within five (5) school days.”
  • Expectations:
    Students are expected to be attentive in class, to ask questions when necessary, and to participate in all assignments. It is very important to understand the material as it is covered. It is also a great idea to continually review previous notes, homework assignments, tests, and quizzes as content in this course spirals and builds upon itself (any previous material could “pop-up” at any time). If a student has read attended class, asked questions, and is still having difficulty with the material, get help NOW. However, in order to discourage procrastination and encourage responsibility, I will not help a student on test material the afternoon before or the morning of a test. Students are also encouraged to seek help from one another, or from other math teachers – all of which can be obtained for the magic price of $0. The other highly-qualified high school math teachers are: Mr. Normand (room LG-1), Mr. Sarver (room 83), and Mrs. Johns (room 80).

How can I study for math?

The following is my best answer to that question. This is a process that is very time-consuming at first; but as it is implemented, not only will the process become easier, but your mathematical understanding and the pace of that understanding will continue to improve.

First of all, ALWAYS do the assigned homework. If the odd problems in the book are assigned, check the answers in the back of the book. If you cannot figure out why an answer is incorrect, mark that problem in a different color in your homework so that you can ask about it in class. Correct all your homework mistakes in a different color – mark them with an X or a √ to indicate that the answer is incorrect, and copy the entire solution. When you get home that afternoon/evening, before starting the next homework assignment, rework all the missed homework problems into a SEPARATE notebook, one that is labeled missed problems, for example. You will compile a collection of all the homework problems that gave you difficulty. When it comes time to “study” for the quiz/test, go back through this notebook and rework the problems again. In addition, you should be constantly reviewing the definitions and ideas in your notes (and reading the text). After each quiz, you should approach any mistakes in the same manner as the homework mistakes: correct them, rework them in the notebook, etc.

After each test, take time before or after school to come in and look at your test (tests are not returned to students to keep, but are kept on file). Compare the correct answers to your incorrect answers, and ask questions about anything that you do not understand.

At any point, if you get stuck on something and don’t understand it well enough during class, come in and get some tutoring from one of the available tutoring sessions (be it from me or one of the other very capable math teachers at Sharpsville High School).