Algebra+I+Syllabus

Course: Algebra I __ Instructor __ Mrs. Robin Tilley Bachelor' Degree (Mathematics Education) Northeastern State University (2009) __ Course Description __ This course follows the Oklahoma State PASS objectives. It will cover number sense and operation, relations and functions, and data analysis and statistics through multiple representations. This course is for 9th – 12th Grade students. Completion of this course with a “D” or better fulfills the state of Oklahoma requirement of Algebra I for high school credit and also college admission requirements of Algebra I. Ninth grade students enrolled in this course must pass the Algebra I End of Instruction Test in order to receive a high school diploma. __ Classroom Supplies __ Two inch loose-leaf binder - NO SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS Dividers for the notebook Graph Paper (We won’t need this immediately.) Pencils (mechanical) Pencil Holder/Pouch for Notebook TI-30XA, TI-30X IIS or any scientific non-graphing CALCULATOR __ Classroom Rule __ 1. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Examples: a. Respect and be polite to all people. (Even if the person is a good friend and will understand your rudeness.) b. Respect the property of others. (Put litter in trashcan. Return borrowed items. Do not write on desks, walls, etc.) c. Bring all needed materials to class every day (pencil, paper, text, assignments). d. Use the restroom before coming to class. If necessary, sharpen your pencil before the bell rings. e. Obey all school and district wide rules - the Student Handbook will be enforced in this school. f. Exercise self control at all times. g. No food or drinks allowed in class.  __ My Tardy Rule __ When the bell rings, you are to be in your seat ready to begin or you will be counted tardy. This means that all pencil sharpening must be done before class begins. Tardies must be recorded in the office. __ Class Opening __ During the first few minutes of class, you will have a few problems. You should be able to do these without looking at previous notes. Be sure to write these problems down. Your test and/or quiz questions will be similar to these problems. You will only have a few minutes to complete these problems. The person at the front of each row will be responsible for recording the scores on these assignments. When you walk into class, you should prepare yourself to work. __ Notes/Notebook __ Notes are very important. You are to keep these in your three ring binder. __ Absences/Make-up Work __ See the School Handbook for School Policy regarding grades and time allowed to make up work. If you are absent, you may check the Assignment board. Assignments will be posted weekly. Don’t expect to turn in late work for credit. If I allow one person to turn in late work, I am disrespecting all the other students who turned work in on time. __ Assignments __ There will be an assignment almost every day. They will be due the next day during your class period. You are responsible for asking questions over any assignment you do not understand. I am available before school, during my planning period (7th period), at lunch, and after school for help. You may also call me for help. __ Grading System __ HOMEWORK/DAILY WORK 30% PROJECTS 10% TESTS/QUIZZES 60% __ Tutoring __ I am available before school, during lunch, during my prep, and after school for any help you need. You may call me at 555-9726 if you need help once you get home.  __ Expectations from You __ 1. Do all the assignments yourself. Getting help from parents, another student, or me is fine, but NEVER just copy someone else's work. 2. ALWAYS copy the problem before working it. (Exception: word problems.) 3. ALWAYS show your work. Turning in a list of answers is not acceptable. (Exception: problems meant to be done mentally--I'll let you know.) 4. Use your brain when taking notes – write down anything that will help you to understand and remember what you are learning. 5. Make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you don't understand, ask me to please go over it again. ASK QUESTIONS!!! 6. You may use an example for the first few problems, but try to get beyond the need for it quickly. (This is a critical step for doing well on tests.) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">7. Check all odd numbered problems with the answers in the back of the book AFTER you have completed the problem on your own. If you missed it, figure out WHY you missed it. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">8. Use my offer of tutoring, upperclassmen, and anyone else that you can for help. Before each test, try to work some of each type problem that is being covered. Be able to do them WITHOUT an example. There will be no example on the test! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">9. Keep an excellent folder. If you are precise in your notes, you will have more to study for tests. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">10. Get HELP if you find an assignment especially difficult. If you are having problems, TELL ME ABOUT IT! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">11. Learn to PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAILS. In mathematics you must learn to pay attention to every letter, every minus sign, every parenthesis, etc. Many students lose lots of points because of carelessness and inattention to detail! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">12. Do not be misled by students around you who may be making poor choices! Know yourself. You are the one who knows the most about how you learn. Math is not easy for most people. You know how much work YOU must do to learn math.