Mr. Richmond Vista Del Lago High School

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Financial Algebra Syllabus 2013-2014

Financial Algebra is a college prep elective math course. This course will review many of the skills and concepts that were taught in Algebra 2 as well as offer a preview of the concepts learned in Pre-Calculus and AP Statistics. Math concepts will be taught with a focus on real-world financial applications. This class will teach many important life and business skills students will need as they move on to college and the work world. Students will be doing some very hands on research & technology oriented projects that require a great deal of critical thinking, planning, and execution. Some of the topics students will learn about are the stock market, banking practices, credit, starting a business, home ownership, personal finance, etc. The text we will be using will be Advanced Algebra w/ Financial Applications published by Holt. The first semester will cover chapters 1-5. The second semester will cover chapters 5-10. To be successful, you will need to be prepared, ready, and willing to work each day.

The objectives of the course are: 1.) To strengthen understanding of the concepts of Algebra 2.

2.) To become financially competent.

3.) To increase confidence in future math courses.

Academic Grade: Your grade in this course is dependent on your performance on unit tests and finals, daily quizzes, homework, and classroom participation. Parents and students can view their overall grade in the class as well as grades on individual assignments on Powerschool. Powerschool grades are updated twice a week.

Grading Scale: A 90%-100% Category Weight:

B 80%-89% 15% Homework/Classwork

C 70%-79% 15% Quizzes

D 60%-69% 30% Unit Tests

F 59% and below 20% Projects

20% Final Exam

*Final grade in the class cannot be more than one grade higher than the grade on the final exam.

Unit Tests:

Tests will be given every one to two weeks or at the end of each unit. If absent on a test day, you will be expected to schedule a time to make-up the test with Mr. Richmond. You may make arrangements by leaving me a voicemail, email, or talking to me personally at least one hour before your class period. Students have a maximum of one week to make up a test. A score of 0 will be given to any student who does not make arrangements to make up a missed test within one week time. Students are allowed to re-take each unit test once provided they have completed all homework assignments for the sections of the test they plan to re-take. New scores will replace old score to reflect student’s current knowledge of material (whether better or worse). These re-takes will typically be done within one week of the original test date and will occur in class.

*Any student caught cheating will have the score voided and will be required to do a re-take. A record will be started through administration with further and more severe consequences for future incidences.

Quizzes:

There will be quizzes at the beginning of class daily. These quizzes are used as a warm-up for the day and as an assessment of the students’ understanding of the previous day’s lesson. Students who are excused absent will be excused from the quiz and will not have to make it up.

Homework Policy:

Homework will be assigned on a regular basis to reinforce classroom teachings, provide student practice and ensure understanding of material. Expect around 15 minutes of homework per day. Students will be given and expected to use a learning targets sheet for recording their self-assessment of performance on a unit’s learning targets and their own homework assignment completion. Homework will be collected the day it is due. Homework will be graded for correctness and constructive feedback offered to supplement student learning of the topics. Completion of particular assignments is required in order to do test re-takes and is to be used as independent practice for any concepts students need additional support and practice on.

Citizenship Grades: Students are expected to follow the district, school, and classroom rules and policies. The consequences for breaking any of the rules are warnings, teacher conferences, parent notification, detention, and suspension. All students will start with an “O” (Outstanding) and will get a lower mark for repeated noncompliance to the rules.

Tardy Policy: Students should be to class and in their seats when the bell rings. Students will receive warnings for their first and second tardy. The following consequences will result from subsequent tardies:

4). 15 minute detention 7). 1 day in class suspension

5). 30 minute detention 8). 2 day in class suspension

6). 50 minute detention 9). Referral to Student Attendance Review Team

Supplies

Required

/

Suggested

Writing utensil
Binder paper
Graph paper
Whiteboard Marker
Whiteboard Eraser
Folder or Notebook devoted to Math
Graphing Calculator TI 84 Plus or NSPIRE / Colored pencils
Ruler

Rules:

0. BE HERE, PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.

1. Respect yourself and others.

2. Class begins when the bell rings. This means you are seated with the necessary materials out and ready.

3. The bell does not dismiss the class; the teacher dismisses the class. There will be no students out of their seats or with their belongings packed away without permission.

4. If you are absent from class it is your responsibility to request homework and or schedule a time to make up tests you may have missed.

5. Students will have two days for every day excused from class, with valid re-admit, to complete missed assignments and tests for full credit.

6. While in this class you should be doing, talking about, and breathing mathematics. Any time you take away from mathematics may be taken away from you at a later date.

7. All school rules must be followed including but not limited to dress code and tardy policy.

* Students are financially responsible for any lost or damaged textbooks and/ or classroom materials.

PRINT AND RETURN THIS PAGE ONLY

Finally…

I have the right…. to your undivided attention while I am giving instruction or directions.

You have the right…. to ask for help during class, lunch, before, or after school

to request a re-grade on any assignment

We have the right…. to a calm and courteous classroom

to have respect from all

Further Contact: The best way to correspond with me is by e-mail at: or by phone at: (916) 294-2410 ext. 410360

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(Print Student Name)

I have read and understand Mr. Richmond’s class expectations and syllabus.

______/ ______
(student signature) / (student email)

For parent/guardian use only:

I have read and understand the class expectations and syllabus. If I should ever have any questions regarding my student I will not hesitate to contact Mr. Richmond by calling or by emailing.
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(Parent/Guardian signature) (Phone Number - Day)
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(Email address) (Phone Number - Eves)