Carman-Ainsworth High School

Course Syllabus

TITLE OF COURSE

/ Algebra I

TEACHER’S NAME

/ Mrs. Moore
Course Information / Grade Level: Generally 9th (may be 9th – 12th)
Room No.: 218
Duration: Full year – One credit
Teacher Information / Planning Hour: 6th hour (1:15 – 2:15)
Direct Phone No.: 810-591-5430
E-mail Address:
Prerequisite(s) / Completion of 8th grade math course. To be successful, students should be proficient in basic arithmetic.
Course Description and Overview of Content / Algebra 1 is now a required class for all Michigan high school students and is required for high school graduation. Algebra can be considered to be the language of mathematics. The course will emphasize real-life problem solving.
Essential Outcomes of the Course / Students will demonstrate their understanding of:
1.  Solving one and two-step equations and inequalities and how to graphically represent those solutions.
2.  Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing algebraic and numerical expressions (simplifying and combining like terms).
3.  Coordinate Planes: the axes, origin, ordered pairs, how to plot points, determine slides, and graph lines from data tables.
4.  Calculating percentages, basic operations with decimals and fractions, and translations between decimals, percents and fractions.
5.  Slope and linear equations in slope-intercept and point slope form.
6.  Rates, ratios, proportions and size changes.
7.  Solving for a designated variable given an equation with several variables.
8.  Systems of linear equations and inequalities using substitution, elimination and graphing, and identifying when it is most useful to use a specific method.
9.  Exponential growth, exponential decay and compound interest by solving real-world problems then graphing solutions.
10.  Polynomials, their characteristics, and how to perform the four basic operations on them.
11.  Factoring algebraic expressions using methods such as greatest common factor, grouping, general factoring, and special types of factoring such as difference of squares.
12.  Quadratic Functions: graphing them and understanding the characteristics of the graph, vertex form, and solving them, using different methods such as completing the square, factoring, and quadratic equations.
13.  Performing calculations involving square roots.
14.  Analyzing data and displaying it graphically (i.e. scatterplots)
Texts and/ or Other Materials / Text: Glencoe Mathematics Algebra 1 by McGraw Hill, 2005
Suggested Materials:
1.  Spiral notebook or loose paper for notes
2.  Folder or 3-Ring binder to store worksheets/notes
3.  Pencil – NO PENS ON HOMEWORK/TESTS!!!!
4. YOUR BRAIN IS REQUIRED DAILY
Recommended Materials: Calculator: TI – 30 will be used in class. An inexpensive scientific calculator is recommended but not required for students to have.
Grading Practices and Procedures / Semester Grade: Semester grades will be calculated using the following weights:
30 % Assignments
30 % Quizzes
40 % Tests
Quarter grades are a reflection of the student’s semester grade to date.
Grading Scale: The grading scale for Algebra will be as follows:
Grade Percentage%
A 100 – 93 C+ 79 - 77
A- 92 – 90 C 76 - 74
B+ 89 – 87 C- 73 - 70
B 86 – 84 D+ 69 - 67
B- 83 – 80 D 66 – 64
D- 63 - 60
Late Work: Late work will be accepted until the test covering that material for 50% credit.
Test Retakes: Test retakes will be offered on every test outside of the class period. To be eligible to retake a test, students must have all work turned in. They must also stay after school once prior to the retake to meet with Mrs. Moore. The retake grade will replace the original test grade.
Format and Activities / Teacher will: Lecture, lead whole class discussions, facilitate small and large group activities, provide assistance on class-work and administer appropriate assessments.
Students will: Take notes, participate in individual and whole class activities including in-class projects and investigations, and ask questions to clarify understanding of material. They should also be prepared to complete homework and study for quizzes and tests on a regular basis.
Attendance/ Tardiness / ABSENCES: Regular class attendance and participation is the key to learning and being successful in mathematics. Students are allowed at most 12 absences per semester, but should come nowhere close to this to be as successful as possible.
ALL absences must be excused by the parent or guardian via phone call to the attendance office. If a note or phone call is not received, the absence will be considered unexcused and the student will not be allowed to complete missing work, quizzes or tests for credit.
Students are responsible for collecting makeup work from the teacher when absent. In the event that quizzes or tests are missed, they MUST be made up before/after school within one week (only if absence is excused). All make-up work must be made up in as many days as was missed plus one.
TARDIES: Students are allowed three tardies to class per semester, without disciplinary action. The following measures will be taken for subsequent tardies:
Four Tardies: Referral to the office/Lunch Detention.
Eight or More Tardies: Referral to the office/ISS or other disciplinary action.
Homework Policy / Homework is given almost EVERY NIGHT. Be prepared to spend approximately 30 minutes on math homework every night! Students that struggles in 8th grade math (a D or E) should plan to take longer than 30 minutes on homework.
Homework will not be collected everyday but will be checked to ensure quality work is being done.
Classroom Rules and Procedures / ·  The BIG Rule: Show RESPECT to myself, your peers, and the classroom!!!
HOW??? – Do not talk or get out of your seat while I’m teaching or the class is having a discussion, DO NOT put others down for any reason, work diligently in groups, leave the desks and other classroom materials in better shape than you found them, and STAY IN YOUR SEAT UNTIL BELL RINGS!!!
·  All school rules from the student handbook apply in this classroom.
·  No food or drinks are allowed, they are to be consumed in the cafeteria or commons only.
·  No Cell Phones or Ipods: If I see them I take them.
·  Students are responsible for collecting makeup work from the hanging file when they are absent. In the event that quizzes or tests are missed, they MUST be made up before/after school within one week (only if absence is excused).
Academic Integrity / All students must do their own work. Cheating or copying another student's work will not be tolerated. Any deviation from this will result in loss of credit for the particular work and a referral to the office for disciplinary action.

Other Comments

/ WEBSITE:
mi.algebra1.com:
USER NAME: ALG1MI06 PASSWORD: ohm68mld. This website has an online version of the textbook, extra examples for each chapter section, Self-check Quizzes and Tests (which can be done for extra credit if emailed to me), and links to related websites.
TUTORING:
Students may receive free tutoring for any subject MONDAY-THURSDAY after school until 4 pm in the media center.
AFTER SCHOOL HELP:
I am available for after-school help on select days. Check the board and calendar each week for days I am available. I will assist students who need additional help on homework if they are using their in class time appropriately.
Please keep in mind that it is the student’s responsibility to make the most out of their education. Students, parents and teacher must work together to make this the best experience possible.