COURSE TITLE: ALGEBRA I TEACHER: Ms. Pagan
TEXTBOOK: Algebra 1 - Concepts and Skills
COURSE GOALS: This course is designed to focus on core, algebraic, key ideas throughout the year. Topics will include using a variety of problem solving strategies that allow students to express, interpret, and graph linear and quadratic functions, as well as solve linear and quadratic equations and systems of the same. We also will explore the use of ratios, proportions, percents, similarity, right triangles, the Distributive Property and order of operations to reorganize algebraic expressions into more useful forms. Also, we will be using variables to represent relations from tables, graphs, word problems, and geometric diagrams. Problem solving will be emphasized through collaborative group work. Independent thinking and self-motivation are required for this class.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS: A textbook, 3-ring binder with lined paper, assignment book, pencil and pen is needed for class daily. Please do not bring backpacks to class. Bringing your backpack to class will result in loss of extra credit points. A protractor, ruler, graph paper and a scientific calculator will be needed at home for homework assignments.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING CELL PHONES: If you use your cell phone during class or if your cell phone goes off during class you will lose extra credit points and will also then be required to check your cell phone in with me on a daily basis until the end of the year. You can get your cell phone back at the end of the period each day.
GRADING POLICY: We will be using the following standard percentages for determining grades -- 90 - 100% = A, 80 - 89% = B, 70 - 79% = C, 60 - 69% = D, below 60% = F. Your grade will be based on the following:
Tests - 40% of grade
Homework - 30% of grade
Classwork/Portfolios - 30% of grade
HOMEWORK: Homework (HW) will be assigned daily (Monday thru Friday) and is due at the beginning of class the following day. Work must be shown on your HW in order to receive credit. Each homework assignment is worth 5 points. Reduced credit will be given for late HW (one point will be taken off for each day it is late). If you are absent on the day the HW is due then you may turn it in for full credit upon your return.
QUIZZES: Quizzes are given daily as a warm-up. Books may be used on these quizzes so it is essential that you bring your book to class with you each day.
TESTS: At the end of each unit there will be a test. Work must be shown on your test papers for each test question in order to receive credit. You may use your toolkits on tests so it is important to keep them updated. Books are not allowed on tests.
PORTFOLIOS: As part of your grade, you will keep a portfolio in this class that will contain goals that you have set for yourself and self-evaluations of how well you did at achieving these goals. In the portfolio you will keep all tests, quizzes, homework, classwork, and projects that are assigned.
CLASSWORK: Work that is assigned to you in class is expected to be completed during our normal class time and turned in at the end of the period. If, for some reason, the classwork is not completed then completing the classwork will become an additional part of your homework for that night and will be due at the beginning of the next class period. Each classwork assignment is also worth 5 points.
MAKE-UP WORK (due to absences): Please see Lancer Handbook, page 7, regarding make-up work policies. Additionally, when you are absent you have a couple resources at your disposal for finding out what homework was assigned. These resources are listed below:
1) Call your study buddy for the assignment; you were given class
time to secure the
names of three different students you could contact for homework information.
2) Check Ms. Pagan’s website for homework assigned. The web
address is
http://lams.slcusd.org; when you get to the Laguna home page click on teachers.
On the next page click on Ms. Pagan under the Math Department. On
my web
page click on homework. Homework for each week will be listed under
Algebra 1 or Geometry. Double check to make sure you are looking
at the
homework assigned to the Algebra 1 course before you copy down the
assignment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Either myself or another Laguna Middle School math teacher will be available to give you additional help on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:05 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.. This help will be available starting in October.
We will be using the TI-34 (Texas Instruments) calculator in class starting in Chapter 8. A basic scientific calculator (one that has trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions on it) is recommended for use at home.
CLASS RULES:
1. Be in your seats, following instructions posted on the
Smartboard, when class starts (for class
start times see Laguna Middle School
Handbook, page 23, under “Daily Schedules”).
2. Bring all materials listed above to class daily.
3. Be respectful of students and teacher(s) by listening
“QUIETLY” when they are speaking.
You will appreciate this same courtesy
when it is your turn to speak.
4. No throwing of any object(s) in class.
5. No food, drinks, or gum in class.
6. Remain in your seats during class. If you need
to get up, please raise your hand and ask.
Dear Parent or Guardian,
After reading over this course introduction
and requirement’s sheet with your child, please sign and return this page.
Doing so will indicate that you have discussed these rules and their importance
in maintaining the proper learning atmosphere in the classroom. When
returned, this signed page is worth 10 extra credit points!
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PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE