Algebra 1 Course Outline

2015 - 2016

Welcome to Algebra 1. I look forward to teaching and learning with you this year. Algebra 1 is a year-long course which uses symbols extensively to represent numbers and expressions. Our objectives are aligned to the State of Michigan Common Core Algebra 1 Standards. Topics include Algebraic Modeling and Unit Analysis, Linear Equations and Inequalities, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Linear Functions, Exponential Functions, Piecewise and Absolute Value Functions, Quadratic Functions, and Data Analysis.

Mrs. O’Connor’s Schedule:

1st hour–Algebra 15th hour–Algebra 1

2nd hour–Statistics6th hour–Algebra 2A

3rd hour–Algebra 2A7th hour-Algebra 2A

4th hour-Algebra 1

If you would like to contact me, you may call 635-3839, ext. 5878 and leave a message or e-mail me at . Student participation and questions are encouraged and expected. All rules in the Student Handbook apply to this class.

CLASSROOM GOALS AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS: Do your best work, help others, contribute your ideas/opinions, enjoy the class (Math really is fun!), remember that it’s ok to make mistakes (I believe that’s one of the ways we learn best), master the course objectives.

MATERIALS: Students will need paper and pencil. Students would benefit from having a graphing calculator, though it is not a requirement for the class. I recommend TI 83. Students should have at least a scientific calculator for their use. I recommend TI 30XA (Texas Instruments). You are encouraged to take notes over the lessons. They will aide you to do your homework, and you will be able to use your notes on tests and quizzes at times.

GRADING: Your grade will be based on tests, quizzes, assignments, and study guides:

Tests40%A93 – 100%C73 – 76%

Quizzes30%A-90 – 92%C-70 – 72%

Assignments25%B+87 – 89%D+67 – 69%

Study Guides 5%B83 – 86%D63 – 66%

B-80 – 82%D-60 – 62%

---C+77 – 79%E59% and below

Total100%

Grades will be posted in the classroom by student number each week. This will keep the students aware of their own progress as well as missing assignments. Parents may also check their child’s grade on the web if you have registered for Family/Student Access.

TESTS AND QUIZZES: Tests will be given at the end of each unit, with quizzes mixed throughout the unit. Students will be given a study guide for each unit that will contain all the information that will be on the test. Any student who scores below a 70% on a TEST has the option to retake it, after corrections have been made, within one week. The student however, can only score a possible 70% on the retake test. If you are absent on a quiz or test day, you have one week from the absence to make up the evaluation. If the test or quiz is not completed by the time it is due, you will receive a 0. It is your responsibility to get your assignment upon returning from an absence. Assignments will be posted on my website and on the classroom calendar. Make arrangements with me to make up your missed test/quiz.

ASSIGNMENTS: Classwork, activities, projects, and bell ringerswill be assigned regularly. Work should be neat, accurate,and done in pencil. Each assignment is worth 10 points and is graded on completion. Incomplete assignments will affect your grade as well as your performance on quizzes and tests. Assignments are to be turned in on the specified due date. What is not completed in class is expected to be done as homework. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you are absent, you must turn-in the assignment that was due on the day(s) you missed upon your return. For make-up work, you have twice the numbers of days missed to turn-in your assignment. It is your responsibility to get your make-up assignment upon returning from an absence. Assignments will be posted on my website and on the classroom calendar. Students need to get their worksheets from the Make-Up Worksheet boxes located in the classroom on the table under the classroom calendar. Many of the worksheets are also linked to the calendar on my website and can be printed by the student. Any assignments turned in without work, just answers (i.e. looking like it was copied) will receive a 0. Opportunities to earn extra credit will be available throughout the marking period.

ATTENDANCE/TARDY: Attendance every day is necessary if you wish to succeed. Most students cannot do well if classes are missed for frequent illness, extended vacations, etc. If you know you are going to be gone ahead of time, please get your assignment before you leave. You are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings or you will be tardy. Excessive tardies will result in a referral to the office.

CHEATING: Any student suspected of cheating on a test, quiz, or assignment will receive a 0 for that particular evaluation. If the evaluation is a test, the student shall forfeit the retake option as well.

CLASSROOM RULES:

1. Bring all needed materials to class. Students will not be given passes to get forgotten work.

2. Respect people and property. This includes not sitting on desktops, writing on desks, walls, etc., not laying or

sitting on the floor, no profanity. Do not go into my desk, cabinets, or use my computer or phone.

3. Remain in your seats until the bell rings. Donot stand at the door waiting for the bell.

4.No food, drinks, hats, headphones, cell phones, etc. allowed in the classroom. These items will be taken. If you

use your cell phone in class, I will take it and return it to you at the end of class. If you use it a second time, I will send it to the office and your parents will have to come and get it at the end of the day.

5. If you are referred to the office during class, you receive a 0 for the day.

6.Please use the bathroom in-between classes.No passes will be given unless it is an emergency by order of the

Administration.

7.Exhibit respectful behavior in class that allows you and your classmates to learn and your teacher to teach.

Failure to follow classroom rules set forth by Mrs. O’Connor and the Administration may result in phone calls home to parents and/or a referral to the Assistant Principal for disciplinary action.

EXTRA HELP: For anyone who would like extra help, I am available before school and during lunch. Please make arrangements to come in. For online help, go to and and the “help links” on my website. The Algebra 1 textbook is available to view online at The password is C0B909A113 (these are zeros, and the password is case-sensitive).

Let’s work together to have a good year!

Please sign below to acknowledge that you have read and are aware of the Algebra 1 Course Syllabus.

(Student Signature)

(Parent Signature)

***Your first homework assignment is to show the above signatures to me by Friday, Sept.11 .***

***Earn 2 points extra credit for showing them to me by Wed., Sept. 9!***