Syllabus for Algebra IA

Teachers and emails:

Jill England Amy Hydrick

ShavonneHill DeAnn Lancaster

School Phone: 205-342-2800Website:

Course Description:

Algebra I is the study of the structure of the real number system with specific attention to algebraic properties and operations, problem solving, and higher-order thinking skills. Topics of study include variables, expressions, linear and non-linear equations, functions, inequalities, ratio, proportion, factoring polynomials, graphing on the number line and in the coordinate plane, properties of slope, and operations involving exponents. This course fulfills the graduation requirement of one unit of Algebra.

*Completion of Algebra A and Algebra B fulfills the graduation requirement of Algebra 1 and provides two math credits.

**Pre-AP Algebra 1 is an accelerated course with an extra 0.5 weighted credit and students must take the final exam.

Course Prerequisites:

For students taking Algebra 1 in high school – Student must have successfully completed Math 8 or Pre-Algebra.

Math Supplies for Mrs. England’s class:

  • Two composition notebooks (bound not spiral)
  • Graph Paper
  • Several pencils and pens
  • A scientific or graphing calculator
  • Please consider donating one or more of the following: Copy paper, expo markers, Kleenex, Paper Towels, or Scotch Brand tape

Attendance and Make-Up Policy:

  • All Tuscaloosa County Board policies, individual school policies, and classroom rules will be followed.
  • Students with unexcused absences may be allowed to makeup work at 65% credit for up to 3 unexcused absences at the discretion of the teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what he/she missed.
  • Students with excused absences shall have 2 days for each day to complete and return make up work. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what he/she missed.

Grading Policy:

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Each Nine Weeks Grade will be determined using the following categories and percentages:

Test/Major Grades – 40 %

  • This category will include Unit Tests, Take-Home Test Questions, and Projects

Quizzes – 25%

  • This category will include mid-unit quizzes, open note quizzes, short daily quizzes, and group/partner quizzes.

Daily Assignments – 25%

  • This category will include homework checks, homework quizzes, classwork or group activities and warmups.

Nine Weeks Comprehensive Exam –10%

  • This category will include the nine weeks comprehensive exam which will include questions from current and previous nine weeks.

The Nine Weeks Average will be determined using the following formula:

0.4(test average) + 0.25(quiz average) + 0.45(assignments average) + 0.1(nine weeks exam) = Nine weeks Average

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The Final Course Grade will be determined using the following procedure:

The final comprehensive exam is 20% of the course average. Adding the four nine week averages and the course final exam and dividing by five will determine final Course Average.

Final Comprehensive Exam Exemption Criteria:

In order to be exempt from a final exam, a student must

  • Possess an A (90-100) average with 6 or fewer absences, or
  • Possess a B (80-89) average with 4 or fewer absences, or
  • Possess a C (70-79) average with 2 or fewer absences, AND Have no discipline referrals that result in detention or suspension during the term.

Testing Policy:

  • Being absent one day before a test does not excuse you from taking the test along with the rest of the class
  • Calculators may not be shared
  • If you are absent the day of a test it is your responsibility to schedule a make-up test (outside of the regular class time to prevent you from missing instruction).
  • Work must be shown in order to receive credit.
  • I do not normally make up missed quizzes. When the test comes for that unit I will put the test grade in for the missing quiz.
  • If you are unhappy with a grade you make on a test. You may retake the test. To earn the opportunity to retake you must do corrections for the original test (either on your own or with me) then schedule a retake with me outside of class time. The retake must be completed before the next unit test.

Personal Electronic Devices:

Technology can be a valuable educational resource. Students are allowed to use electronic and technological devices at specified times and only when authorized by the teacher for instructional purposes. If a student is using a device inappropriately, consequences will be enforced as stated in the code of conduct handbook.

Essential Functions:

To be successful in this class, students should

  • Participate in class discussions and activities
  • Take accurate and useful class notes including example problems
  • Work effectively and productively in groups and teams
  • Keep a notebook of all grades, notes, class work, homework, and graded papers
  • Use and apply arithmetic skills presented in grades K-8 and/or previous math courses

Class Rules:

  1. You must be sitting in your assigned desk and ready to work before the tardy bell rings.
  2. Bring supplies to class every day.
  3. Eating snacks, chewing gum and drinking beverages is NOT allowed during class.
  4. Take care of Do not ask for a pass out of class for any reason. No passes to restroom, locker, phone, or office.
  5. Follow all instructions given to you by the teacher.
  6. Listen attentively when someone is speaking to the class. Do not become a class distraction.
  7. Have good manners and show everyone respect.Always have a positive attitude in class.
  8. Remain seated until the teacher dismisses you at the end of the period.

Note to parents: We are always available for tutoring and parent conferences. Please help us help your child by keeping the lines of communication open. Email is the quickest way to communicate (assuming our internet service is not down) but we are more than willing to speak to you on the phone or in person whenever you need one of us. We are looking forward to a wonderful year.

Remind 101 sign up for Mrs. England’s Algebra IA class:

Text: @algebraia to the number: 81010

I will send text reminders about upcoming tests, quizzes, and assignments that are due. This will not show your phone number to anyone else and you will not be able to respond back by text. This is a quick way for me to send reminders and for you go get information about our class.

Please Sign and return to Mrs. England by Tuesday August 18th

Student Portion: I have read the syllabus and understand my responsibilities for this course.

Student Signature: ______

Parent Portion: I have read and understand my student’s responsibility for this course:

Parent Signature: ______

Parent Email address: ______

Best phone number for parental contact:

Name ______Number: ______

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