Introduction to College Math Course and Behavior Syllabus

2012-2013

Teacher Information

E-mail:

Phone: 502-839-5118 ext. 2217 (Best time to call: 9:30-11:00 or after school)

Website:

Course Description

Welcome to the Introduction to College Math (ICM) class! I am so happy to have you and to explore the following concepts together. Throughout this course, we will be studying fundamental mathematic concepts that will be essential to understand as students pursue college degrees. The course will focus primarily on Algebraic concepts and computations that are typically studied in a College Algebra course. This course seeks to prepare students to be successful as they begin higher educational programs including college or technical school. In addition, we will complete numerous ACT practice problems and tests.

Course Content

  • Basic Algebra Concepts
  • Equations and Inequalities
  • Cartesian Planes and Graphs
  • Polynomial and Rational Functions
  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Matrices and Determinants

Course Materials

You will need to bring the following materials to class everyday:

  • A Positive Attitude
  • Pencil, Eraser, and Colored Pencils
  • Either a SpiralBoundCollege Ruled Notebook and a Two Pocket Folder, OR Loose-Leaf College Ruled Paper and a Binder
  • College Algebra Textbook
  • Graphing Calculator

Course Policies

Absences and Makeup Work

Mathematics is a subject that is dependent on learning material in a sequential order. For a student to be successful and to learn he/she must be in class daily. When you return from an absence, YOU are responsible for the following:

  • Turning in any homework that was due the day(s) of your absence (if not handed in on the day of your return, it will be considered late)
  • Picking up any missed handouts and homework assignments from the makeup folder, AND updating your notebook with notes.
  • Turning in your makeup work on time.

According to school policy you have three days to turn in assignments missed due to an excused absence; if the absence is unexcused, you may not make up the missed work for a grade.

If you have missed more than one day, you should turn in at least one makeup assignment as well as the current assignment each day until you are caught up. If you are absent on a test day, you may make up the test/quiz on club day during club time, before school or after school (except on Fridays). Make-up test must be taken outside of regular class time. If you are planning on making up a test/quiz, make arrangements with the teacher prior to the day/time you wish to make-up the test/quiz. All make-up work MUST be turned in before the final exam is taken.

Class Participation

Be prepared to be called upon at random. Class discussion is encouraged when content is difficult to understand. Be willing to share your ideas, and support yourself with reasoning and confidence. We will all be teachers, and we will all be students.

Classroom Expectations

  1. Be in your assigned seat (with materials) ready to learn when the tardy bell rings
  2. Listen when the teacher is speaking (that may be your classmates or myself).

If you have a comment/question, raise your hand, & wait to be called on.

  1. Be respectful of yourself, others, and property (includes school, personal, and other’s property).
  2. Be respectful in word and deed.

(Ex. Do refrain from talking out of turn or using curse words. DO stay awake, keep your head up, and be quiet during announcements)

  1. ALL school rules APPLY to this class.
  2. Class participation is mandatory.
  3. Work quietly. If you finish all of your assigned work early, you may: read independently, work on extra credit, work on assignments for other classes, write, or draw (on your own paper).Please stay quiet and allow others to finish.
  4. If a topic is confusing and you need more explanation, ask for help.
  5. Hall passes are a privilege. Abuse it and lose it.

Homework Policy

  • Homework will be assigned almost every school day (that includes Friday) in order for you to practice and understand the material you are learning.
  • Students are required to do their homework. Completing homework consistently is crucial to mastering math, and has proven to result in high test grades.
  • This course is modeled after a college course; therefore, homework will not be taken up on a daily basis. Homework may be randomly collected and graded. Homework will be graded for completeness, but I reserve the right to grade for correctness is needed.
  • IF a student wishes to have the opportunity to retake a test, the student is REQUIRED to turn in ALL homework assignments (last test to current test) the day the test is administered. If a student does not turn in ALL assignments the day of the test, he/she will not be given the opportunity to retake the test.
  • A student that completes a homework assignment will receive at least a 60% on the assignment unless the assignment is incomplete, not done according to directions, or is not handed in on time.
  • Late assignments will be accepted and will suffer from a loss of points.
  • No homework or makeup work will be accepted after test day.
  • Copying assignments is NOT allowed. Such assignments will receive a zero, as will the original assignment.

Grading Policy/Assessment

Progress Reports

Every 2-3 weeks, you will be advised of your progress and given a partial grade. The report must be returned on the due date and signed by a parent or guardian. I will update grades often, so please check your progress online through infinite campus.

Types of Assessments

Quizzes will be given frequently. Quizzes are administered for the purpose of showing the student what areas need to be reviewed and also to indicate what objectives have been mastered. Tests will be given at the end of each unit. Unit tests are the means by which the understanding and skill level of students are measured. Therefore, they make up a large portion of the trimester grade.

Grading Scale

A 100-92 B 91-83 C 82-74 D 73-65 F 64-0 I Incomplete

Grade Distribution

Two primary kinds of grades are earned in this class.

  • Daily Assignments (40%) – These grades you achieve in process of learning class material (i.e. class discussion, class work, homework, etc.)
  • Test/Quizzes (60%) – These are grades you achieve that show knowledge and mastery of material (i.e. exams, quizzes, projects).

20% of the final trimester grade will be determined by the final exam. Extra credit will be obtained by working problems on the board.

Course Procedures

Course Format

Students are expected to be in their seats working on the bell ringer when the tardy bell sounds. The bell ringer may cover automaticity, review, or ACT questions. Each class lesson will consist of notes, practicing new skills, participating in class activities, and correcting homework. Students are not allowed to congregate at the door during the last five minutes of class. Students must remain in your assigned seat until the dismissal bell sounds. Students are expected to listen to morning and afternoon announcements. IF a student is disruptive during the announcements, a discipline referral will be issued.

Work Requirements

  • The upper right hand corner of EVERY assignment should be labeled in the following way:

Name

Class Period

Assignment

Date

  • Show ALL work even if performed mentally or with a calculator. Full credit will only be given to students who have shown his/her work.
  • Use a pencil for work done in/for my class.
  • If you have difficulty with a problem, solve it as far as you can, then write a short explanation of the issue.

Additional Information

Extra Help

If you need extra help, then get extra help. I will be available before and after school, and would be more than happy to assist you. If you plan to visit before or after school, contact me (beforehand if you can) to ensure that I will be there. If you haven’t discussed with me before arriving I can NOT guarantee to be available, but please come to my room and see. You may also attend ESS after school on Tuesday and/or Thursday in the media center. Teachers and peer tutors are available to help at ESS.

Student Statements

  1. I will ask questions and take risks to solve problems.
  2. I will ask for help when I need help.
  3. I will not assume that Miss Fawbush can read minds, and will inform her in or out of class if I having difficulty with the material.
  4. I will try on every problem, and will not stop if I don’t understand.
  5. I will set goals so I can see my progress.
  6. I will be positive.
  7. I will participate in class.
  8. I will study before a test and use outside resources (ex. Textbooks, other math teacher, peers, older siblings, and websites).

*Each and every policy may be modified if the need arises during the course of the trimester/year.

Miss Fawbush’s ICM Syllabus Signature Sheet

2012-2013

Signature(s): Discuss this course and behavior syllabus with your parent(s) or guardian(s). Please sign and return the last page to me by (Wednesday, November 14, 2012). I am looking forward to working with you this year.

I, ______(Student), have read, understand, and accept the Intro to College Math syllabus and course expectations.

I, ______(Parent), have read, understand, and accept the Intro to College Math syllabus and course expectations.

______

(Student Signature) (Parent/Guardian Signature)