ALGEBRA 1AB (Annual Course-Grade 8-12)
Prerequisite: none
August 18, 1997

31-03-01/02 Algebra 1AB

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In Algebra, students learn to reason symbolically, and the complexity and types of equations and problems that they are able to solve increase dramatically as a consequence.  The key content for the course, Algebra I, involves understanding, writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including systems of two linear equations in two unknowns.  Quadratic equations may be solved by factoring, completing the square, using graphs or applying the quadratic formula.

Students should also become comfortable with operations on monomial and polynomial expressions.  They learn to solve problems employing all of these techniques, and they extend their mathematical reasoning in many and important ways, including justifying steps in an algebraic procedure and checking algebraic arguments for validity.

This is an informational paper about some things you need to know about this class.  You should keep this handout in your notebooks so that you have a quick reference any time you have questions about classroom policies.

Materials

1.      Number 2 Pencils (2)

2.      Notebook

3.      81/2” by 11” college ruled lined paper

4.      highliter

5.      dictionary and thesaurus

6.      1 – 31/2”  High Density Floppy Disk

7.      ruler/compass/protractor \

Assignments

1.    Attendance:   You are expected to be in class every day on time, ready to work. Research studies show that there is a direct relation between a student’s grade and students’ attendance in school. Should you miss a day, you will also miss out on daily participation points, not to mention all of the information covered during class activities.

2.      Behavior:  You are expected to act in a professional manner in class.  Any goofing around or excessive talking will not be tolerated.

3.      Homework:  You will be given homework assignments which require reading that you  are expected to complete in order to participate in class discussions.   There will be four  assignments each week, one assignment for each  section covered during class lecture activities.

4.      Major Assignments:  This semester there will be will be two book reports that are to be typed and double spaced.  Unless otherwise noted these are the approximate due dates:

book report #1:  3/28 – 100 points

book report #2:  5/29 – 100 points

mini research      6/12 -  100 points 

5.      Projects/Reports:  All projects and reports are absolutely due on the date assigned.  If you are absent that day, you must arrange for another student to bring in your work.  This system is the fairest for all and prevents those who might be tempted to cheat for extra time feigning illness.  In fact, No late work will be accepted this semester.

6.      Stanford  9 Prep:  Some class time will be devoted to test preparation and test taking strategies for the Stanford test you will take this May.

7.      Class Discussions:  Class discussions are the life blood of this class.  We learn best by thinking on our own and then by reflecting on the informed thoughts of others.  Minds (yours and mine!) are stimulated by being expected to contribute and by being exposed to varying viewpoints, interpretations, opinions, etc.  So, ALL MUST CONTRIBUTE.

8.      Participation Points:  Participation Points are a major component of your grade.  They will be objectively recorded on a daily basis.  You earn them not by having the “right” answer, but by showing me that you have read and thought about the material at hand.

Participation Points:  How They Are Graded

The A student

• always actively concentrating on the task, question, discussion at hand
• always truly involved in pair/group activities, making a sincere effort to solve problems and be cooperative with others
• often raises his/her hand to join in class discussions

The B student

• usually concentrating on the issue at hand
• usually makes a sincere effort in pair/group activities
• sometimes raises his hand to join in

The C student

• sometimes concentrating in class but tends to talk too much to neighbors
• sometimes makes an effort in pair/group work but can distract others from achieving goals
• rarely raises his/her hand to join in activities or tasks

The D student

• easily distracted and is distracting to others
• uncooperative in pair/group work
• almost never joins in and participate in activities

9.      Extra credit:  Some extra credit assignments will be offered during the semester.  The extra credit assignment must be typed and submitted by the due date.

10.    Extra help: I am available for tutoring Tuesday through Thursday from approximately  3:15 – 5:00 p.m., in room 302 located on the second floor in the science building.

11.   Internet:  If you have access to the internet at home, there is a home page you can visit  which will provide you with information about upcoming due dates of major assignments.  The address http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Jefferson_HS/lessons/elittrel.
You may also email me if necessary, that address is: elittre@lausd.k12.ca.us.

12.  Grading:  88 – 100%       of the total points = A

                        75 -   87%        of the total points = B

                        62 -   74%        of the total points = C

                        50 – 61%         of the total points = D

                        etc.

12.  Textbooks:  Textbooks must be issued to each and every student in the classroom.  Your son/daughter will be issued a textbook with in the first or second week of school.  Your son/daughter will be responsible for the care and well being of the text.  If his/her book is lost or misplaced your parent(s) will be charged a textbook replacement fee.  

13. Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences:  Parent(s) or Teacher may request a conference by appointment to discuss goals and student expectations at any time.  The teacher will reserve a time that is agreeable with the parent to discuss the goals of the program. A conference will be scheduled to meet. 

------------Please cut or tear along this line and return to instructor--------------

I Agree

I have read the above requirements, and promise to work to the best of my ability to complete my work this semester.  If I should slack off, I understand that I may be required to report for extra help at the designated time and/or expect a call home to my parents.

Student Signature:

Date:

I have read the requirements expected of my son/daughter to complete this class successfully this semester.  I agree to provide a quiet place of study.  I also understand

that I will be contacted should my son/daughter not perform as expected in class.

Parent Signature:

Date: