Teacher Information Instructor Room E-mail Address Phone No. Planning Mrs. Genovia Miles 110 gmiles@darlington.k12.sc.us 398-2656 1 st Period/8:00-8:50 a.m. Class Website http://mhs.dcsdschools.org/departments/math/genovia_miles/algebra_1 c_p/ or www.mhsmst.com under Department>Math>Genovia Miles>Algebra1, CP Tutoring Schedule If a student is having difficulty or needs more explanation, then tutorial is highly recommended. Below are the four opportunities every week that a student can receive individual extra help. ALL Algebra 1 students are invited to attend tutoring sessions. Additionally on most Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society will hold peer-tutoring sessions in the math lab from 12:59-1:22 p.m. To make the most of tutoring sessions, students should come with notebooks, textbooks, applicable worksheets or handouts, and specific questions. Tuesday Wednesday 12:59-1:22 p.m. 12:59-1:22 p.m. Mrs. Miles 110 or Mrs. Miles 110 or Math Lab 106 Math Lab 106 Thursday 3:20-4:00 p.m. Mrs. Miles 110 Note: Monday and Thursday from 12:59-1:22 p.m. are school wide mandatory days. Friday 12:59-1:22 p.m. Mrs. Miles 110 or Math Lab 106 I. Course Description Textbook: HRW Algebra 1, 2003 ($49.95) Workbook: SC Practice Workbook ($8.00) This course is the study of elementary algebra. The content encompasses the real number system; operations involving exponents, matrices, and algebraic expressions; relations and functions; writing and solving linear equations; graphs and characteristics of linear equations; and quadratic relationships and functions. A statewide End-of-Course exam will be given that will count 20% of the course average. II. III. Elementary Algebra (EA) Standards EA-1: The student will understand and utilize the mathematical processes of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representation. EA-2: The student will demonstrate through the mathematical processes an understanding of the real number system and operations involving exponents, matrices, and algebraic expressions. EA-3: The student will demonstrate through the mathematical processes an understanding of relationships and functions. EA-4: The student will demonstrate through the mathematical processes an understanding of the procedures for writing and solving linear equations and inequalities. EA-5: The student will demonstrate through the mathematical processes an understanding of the graphs and characteristics of linear equations and inequalities. EA-6: The student will demonstrate through the mathematical processes an understanding of quadratic relationships and functions. High Expectations: 1. Arrive on time, prepared to learn every day. 2. Treat each other, materials, and equipment with respect 3. Students are expected to actively and positively participate in class. 4. Complete all class activities, homework, and projects. 5. During the lesson, copy any and all notes and examples that are given. 6. Ask Questions 7. Attend Tutorial Algebra 1, CP Syllabus Page 1
8. When doing class work or homework, use a pencil to write your header (Name, Date, Period, and Assignment) at the top of your paper. Then copy the problem (for applications just copy the formula) and show steps like the notes for full credit. 9. Strive to succeed IV. Daily Schedule An agenda will be written on the board for student to read and follow. Our normal routine will consist of 5 minute warm-ups (WU), which will be on the board or screen by the time the tardy bell rings, followed by a discussion of previous day s homework, problem, new lesson, or quiz. On test days, there may or may not be a WU. New material will be presented either by lecture, A/V presentation, through individual or small group activity, or some combination of these methods. V. Daily Materials Textbook, Agenda, and Homework 3-ring binder Math Notebook (no spirals) Loose-leaf paper Pencils (use for ALL work) Erasers Red Pens (for work corrections) TI-Graphing Calculator & 4-AAA Batteries Graph Paper and Ruler Sheet Protectors (10) Tab Dividers VI. VII. Math Notebook Use a three-ring binder with loose-leaf notebook paper and graph paper. Special handouts will be kept in sheet protectors at the front of the notebook. Organize notebook in a chronological order based on date and assignment. Each daily assignment should be labeled clearly with a header (Name, Date, Period, and Assignment (section#, page#, and problem #s)) at the top of your paper. Keep ALL papers neatly in the notebook (not the textbook). Graphing Calculator Each student is REQUIRED to have a graphing calculator: TI-83, TI-84, or TI-Nspire (comes with a TI-84 keypad). The TI-graphing calculator is used throughout the entire year to investigate mathematical concepts. Many homework problems require the use of a graphing calculator. Calculators may not be allowed on all quizzes or tests where algebraic work must be shown. VIII. Student Responsibilities and Expectations 1. Students are expected to be in their assigned seats and prepared to work by the tardy bell. 2. You are responsible for bringing ALL daily materials to class every day. You will not be allowed to go to your locker during class. 3. You are expected to take notes on each lesson that is taught and to make corrections with red pen to homework, class work, quizzes, and tests. 4. Class participation and paying attention in class are necessary. 5. Write down the homework assignment every day in your agenda. 6. Ask questions when you do not quite understand a concept and attend tutorial when you need extra help. 7. Students are encouraged to use the bathroom and/or get water during the change of classes and not during class. 8. DO YOUR BEST. Algebra 1, CP Syllabus Page 2
IX. Grading Policy A = 100-93 B = 92-85 C = 84-77 D = 76-70 F = below 70 A. Grades will be available online at the Power School website at http://powerschool.darlington.k12.sc.us. If you have a question about a grade(s), then see me after class or school. B. The quarter (or nine weeks) grades will be determined using the point grading system. C. Grades will be assigned to assignments as follows: Assignment Points Possible Warm-Up (WU) Bonus Homework (HW) 5-10 Worksheet (WS) 10-30 Quiz 10-50 Test 50-100 Project 50-100 D. Each student should keep track of the total points earned and the total points possible for calculation of current average. A grade sheet will be provided for student to keep up with his/her grades. E. The overall final grade will be calculated as follows: Cumulative Quarter Grades (80%) End-of-Course Final Exam (20%) X. Tests and Quizzes Tests will occur at the middle or end of each chapter or unit. Quizzes will be given on a regular basis throughout the year. When you have a drop the lowest quiz pass, it cannot be used until the end of the quarter. XI. Assignments and Homework Regular practice is the key to success in math. Doing homework reinforces the day s lesson and gives practice on the material. You cannot do well in Algebra 1 if you do not do your homework!!! It is ok to get help on your homework but do not just merely copy another student s paper because that is considered cheating. 1. ALL work is to be done in PENCIL. No full credit will be given for work done in pen. 2. All assignments are due at the beginning of each class period in your class tray. 3. Write legibly. 4. No full credit will be given for work done on spiral bound paper or messy work. 5. Homework is mandatory and will be assigned daily. 6. When doing homework on loose-leaf paper or graph paper, a. Write the heading at the top of your paper as follows: Name, Date, Period, and Assignment (Section#, Page#, and Problem #s) b. Copy the original problem (for applications just copy the formulas). Then for each problem, show all work like the notes examples to receive full credit. 7. No late work is accepted unless student is absent. You can access the assignments by calling the homework hotline (398-2656) or on the class website. 8. Homework will always be checked with a red pen. Make sure to check all odd answers with the answers given in the back of the book. The even answers will be presented in class. 9. Homework may be collected or checked for completion and recorded electronically. For example, the student will earn 10 out of 10 points if the assignment is complete, 5 out of 10 points if incomplete, and 0 out of 10 points if not attempted. 10. It is the STUDENT S responsibility to keep up with homework!!! If you do not have your homework, then you will need to copy all answers with a red pen. This sheet must be turned in when homework is collected. 11. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a lowered grade or no credit. Algebra 1, CP Syllabus Page 3
XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. Projects A variety of projects some large, some small will be assigned during the year. The nature of the projects will vary depending upon the content being covered in class. Specific explanations and instructions will be given at the time that they are assigned. Late projects will lose 10 points for each class period they are late. Extra Credit There will be extra credit opportunities throughout the year. Point value for the assignments will vary but NO late extra credit assignments will be accepted. Academic Misconduct Policy Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated in this class! Please be honest. If you are caught cheating or appear to be cheating on homework, class work, a test, quiz, project, or extra credit you will receive a zero score which cannot be replaced. Furthermore, you will not be able to store any information on your graphing calculators. I will have you to clear your calculator memory before a quiz or test and randomly check your calculators during tests and quizzes. Don t risk it!!! Classroom Policies and Procedures Discipline will be enforced in accordance with the Darlington County School Code. A. Rules 1. Be respectful to everyone and everything. 2. Be in your seat, prepared to begin class with sharpened pencil, red pen, calculator and homework on desk, working on the posted WU when the bell rings. 3. Follow directions and speak at appropriate times. Raise your hand to be recognized. 4. NO FOOD or NO DRINKS are allowed in class. (Bottled water is allowed.) 5. NO CELLPHONES, NO MP3 PLAYERS, NO IPODS NO EXCEPTIONS!! 6. NO USE OF ANY TYPE OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS DURING CLASS. B. Consequences If a student chooses to break a rule, consequences will include warnings, parent contact, student conferences, and parent conferences. If these consequences do not resolve the issue, a discipline referral will be sent to the office. Attendance/Tardy Policy You are allowed 10 absences in this course. If you are not seated at the bell, you will be marked tardy. If you are late to class, you must have an admit slip from the office. Every fourth tardy is an absence. Make-Up Policy If a student is absent, missed work must be made up within five school days after returning to school. A record of daily assignments is located in an agenda in the classroom. Any handouts needed for an assignment will be located in a folder by class period. It is the STUDENT S responsibility to check the agenda and folder when they return and to schedule a time to make up quizzes or tests. If the work has not been made up within the 5 days, the student will receive a grade of 0 for all work not completed. Students will be held accountable for all announced assignments, quizzes, and tests on the day following a field trip when the field trip causes the work to be missed. Assignments that were assigned when the student is present are expected to be completed and turned in when the student returns. If you attend class regularly, pay attention, take notes, do the assignments, and ask questions, you will be capable of being successful in this class. Changes will be made to the syllabus when necessary. Algebra 1, CP Syllabus Page 4
Please sign below to indicate that you have READ, UNDERSTAND, and AGREE to the information and procedures on the Algebra 1 syllabus. Please return this signed form to Mrs. Miles tomorrow. Please use blue or black ink only. Student Name (Print): Student E-mail address (if available): Student Signature: I have read and reviewed this syllabus. X Date: Parent Name (Print): Parent Phone Contact: Parent E-mail address (if available): Parent Signature: I have read and reviewed this syllabus. X Date: Algebra 1, CP Syllabus Page 5