Algebra with Finance Pelham High School Brittany Pollard bpollard@pelhamcityschools.org Room B112 2 nd period: T, TH (7:35 9:05) F (7:35 8:23) 7 th period: M, W (1:30 3:00) F(2:12 3:00) Course Description: Algebra with Finance is a one-credit college and career preparatory course that integrates algebra, precalculus, probability and statistics, calculus and geometry to solve financial problems that occur in everyday life. Real-world problems in investing, credit, banking, auto insurance, mortgages, employment, income taxes, budgeting and planning for retirement are solved by applying the relevant mathematics that are taught at a higher level. Students are encouraged to use a variety of problem-solving skills and strategies in real-world contexts, and to question outcomes using mathematical analysis and data to support their findings. The course offers students multiple opportunities to use, construct, question, model, and interpret financial situations through symbolic algebraic representations, graphical representations, geometric representations, and verbal representations. Math concepts and skills are applied through study and problem-solving activities in workforce situations in the following areas: banking, investing, employment and income taxes, automobile ownership and operation, mathematical operations, consumer credit, independent living, and retirement planning and budgeting. Classroom Expectations: Respect everyone and their property Follow all rules in the student handbook Food and/or drinks are not allowed. Water is allowed as long as it is in a clear bottle. Be responsible for your work. Bring supplies & homework every day. Be in your assigned seat when the tardy bell rings. Use appropriate language All assignments must be completed in pencil. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure they come to class everyday with their supplies. Seek additional help immediately if a topic seems difficult or requires alternative approaches to assist in your understanding. Classroom Procedures: Class begins when you enter the room. Once you have entered my room, you may not get out of your seat unless you ask for permission to do so. Class ends when I dismiss you. You are NOT to get out of your seat until I dismiss you. If you finish your class work before the bell rings, start on your homework assignment. No backpacks, drawstring bags or any bag that can hold a binder or textbook will be allowed in the classroom. *Failure to follow the rules and/or procedures will result in the following consequences* 1st offense Verbal Warning 2 nd offense Written Warning 3 rd offense Parent Contact 4 th offense Referral to Administration Homework Policy: Homework will be assigned almost every school day (including over weekends) in order to allow you to explore and practice what you are learning. Most homework has the following purposes: Practice reinforces the learning of the material already presented in class and helps you master specific skills. Preparation provides supporting information skills, definitions, etc. for what s forthcoming; it will help when new material is covered in class.
Unless otherwise specified, homework will be due the following school day at the beginning of the period. For all homework: Show all calculations and work, even if you do it in your head. Use your class notes, online tutor, or other videos as a resource No homework will be accepted after the beginning of the period. Grading Procedures: Students MUST print their notes for each unit and bring them to class prior to the beginning of that unit. Tests/Projects: 60% Quizzes/Classwork: 30% Homework: 10% Types of Assessments: Tests can be given every 1-3 weeks. Quizzes can be given every 3-5 days. Homework may be checked periodically. Projects may also be assigned throughout the course. Exemption Policy: All students must take mid-term exams at the end of the first semester. Students may exempt all final exams at the conclusion of the 2 nd Semester, if he/she meets ALL of the following criteria in a course: o A average with no more than 3 absences for the entire year and no disciplinary infractions that result in ISD or a higher level of discipline during the 2 nd Semester. o B average with no more than 2 absences for the entire year and no disciplinary infractions that result in ISD or a higher level of discipline during the 2 nd Semester. Absences that are coded as 2X, 3X, or 4X will not count against the exemption status of the student. A grade of 0 will be given for an unexcused absence during final exams. I-Now updates: Every student and parent will be given free access to view grades on I-Now. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student/parent to stay updated on their grades or their child s grades. Once an assignment is taken up, it will be graded and recorded in I-Now within ONE week. Make-up Work Procedures: Excused Absences If a student is absent for any excused reason as defined above, the student shall be allowed the opportunity to make up all assignments missed during said absence or absences at a time agreeable to the teacher(s). Given the number of days missed due to excused absences, students shall be given an appropriate time period in which to complete the assignment(s). For assignments that were due on the day in which the student was absent, provided that the due date was previously communicated prior to the student s absence, the student should be prepared to turn in the assignment upon returning to school. Procedure for retrieving missed academic work: a. Within three (3) days of returning to school from an excused absence, the student will contact his/her teacher(s) to arrange for makeup work. b. The teacher(s) will provide an overview of any academic work missed as a result of the absence, and communicate a due date for which the school work should be completed and turned in for credit. Unexcused Absences Make up work will be provided for students absent for unexcused reasons. Please understand that all make up work completed for an unexcused absence will remain a 0 until the absence is excused. Exceptions for unusual circumstances will be left to the principal s discretion. Please be advised that zeroes are the result of unexcused absences or simply not doing the assignment. Make-up tests/quizzes must be taken outside of regular class time. You may only make up a quiz/test during the skinny periods Monday-Thursday. It is YOUR responsibility to make an appointment! If the test is not made up within two weeks, the grade will become a zero. If you are absent the day before a test, and no new material was covered, you will be required to take the test.
Digital Procedures: Students may be given access to school technology during this course to do classroom assignments and/or to take quizzes. Students are allowed to bring and use their own device for school-related purposes in my classroom with my permission. Students should follow all technology guidelines outlined in the Pelham City Schools Code of Conduct. Traditional Text: The textbook used in this course will be the Glencoe Mathematics For Business and Personal Finance. Materials and Supplies Needed: The following is a list of supplies that will be needed throughout the course of the year. You must bring all of your supplies to class EVERY day. You will not be allowed to go to your locker to get supplies after the bell rings. Pens are NOT allowed in this class. Any work done in pen will be returned to the student to be redone in pencil and then submitted for a grade. 3-ring binder loose leaf paper (college or wide ruled) pencils and erasers scientific calculator (TI-30X IIS) Communication: The best way to contact me is via email. My email address is bpollard@pelhamcityschools.org If you need to schedule a conference at any point during the year please email our Counseling Center Secretary, Mrs. Faught, at lfaught@pelhamcityschools.org My website will be mrspollardsclassroom.wordpress.com On my website, you and your child will be able to find the notes and homework from class. Students MUST print their notes for each unit and bring them to class prior to the beginning of that unit. I will send out reminders about upcoming tests, quizzes, and projects so providing me with an email address you check often will help ensure that you receive these emails. Pacing Calendar: 1 st nine weeks: Unit 1: Managing Your Money Chapter 1: Gross Income Chapter 2: Net Income Chapter 3: Record Keeping Chapter 4: Checking Accounts Chapter 5: Savings Accounts Unit 2: Managing Your Expenses Chapter 6: Cash Purchases Chapter 7: Charge Accounts and Credit Cards Chapter 8: Loans 2 nd nine weeks: Unit 3: Making Financial Decisions Chapter 9: Vehicle Transportation Chapter 10: Housing Costs Chapter 11: Insurance Chapter 12: Investments 1 st Semester Exam Review 2 days 3 rd nine weeks: Unit 4: Making Business Decisions Chapter 13: Personnel
Chapter 14: Purchasing and Inventory Chapter 15: Sales Chapter 16: Marketing 4 th nine weeks: Unit 5: Managing Business Finances Chapter 17: Services Chapter 18: Accounting Chapter 19: Financial Management 2 nd Semester Exam Review 1 week Other Information: Academic Honesty: Cheating will not be tolerated. All parties involved will be referred for disciplinary action by an administrator. Extra Help: Get extra help when you need it! I am available before school from 7:10 7:30 a.m. by APPOINTMENT ONLY! You must sign up for a time in my room one day before you need tutoring. Otherwise, I am not guaranteeing that I will be in my room when you stop by. Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change.