1. Class Procedures & Requirements Transitional Algebra

2. What should I expect this year in my Transitional Algebra class? Mrs. Holman & Mrs. Jocek 2015-2016

3. 2 Credits  Transitional Algebra/Algebra I is a double block class; you will be in the classroom for two periods daily. Due to the way this class is organized, it is two semester courses and you have the opportunity to earn two math credits.

4. Structure of the class Study Teams During this course you will collaborate with other students as a member of a study team. Together, each team will complete problems and activities that will help you discover new mathematical ideas and methods. This is a very student-centered class. I will support you as you work, but will not take away your opportunity to think and investigate for yourself. In order to be successful in this class you will need to be a willing and active participant as you develop your mathematical understanding.

5. Guidelines for Working in Study Teams Follow these guidelines for working in study teams:   Stranger Danger: No talking to other teams!   Discuss questions with your team before calling the teacher over.   Within your team, keep your conversation on mathematics.   No one alone is as smart as all of us together. Do not leave anyone behind or let anyone work ahead. Your team is not done until everyone is done.   You must try to help anyone in your study team who asks.   Helping your teammate does not mean giving answers. Help by giving hints and asking good questions.   Explain and justify your ideas; give statements and reasons.   Clear off tables before getting to work so that you can see everyone’s paper.   Use study team voices.

6. Required Materials  1. Pencils with erasers  2. Calculator: TI-84, TI-84+ or TI-86  3. Loose leaf paper & graph paper  4. 3 ring binder (2 inch)  5. Tab dividers for binder (need 3)  6. Minimum 1 box of Kleenex  7. Minimum 1 dry erase marker  8. Minimum 1 bag of wrapped candy of your choice

7. Classroom Expectations  Respect yourself, your teacher, and your peers!  Be on time!  Be prepared for class!

8. Grade Book Weights & Categories Grades will be based on the following weighted system: 65% Individual Assessments (Anything done individually & graded for accuracy after mastery.) 15% Assessments with Resources (Team tests/quizzes, group work, team projects, etc.) 20% Class Preparation & Participation (Homework, discussion, participation, formatives, etc.)

9. Grading Scale A: 90 – 100% B: 80 - 89.9% C: 70 - 79.9% D: 60 - 69.9% F: 59.9% or below   Grades will not be rounded!!!! No exceptions!

10. Assistance & Homework Help   Assistance: We are here to help you! If at any time you have a problem pertaining to this class, please see us immediately so that we can resolve the problem as quickly as possible. We are available before school most days. The Math Lab is also available during the school day.   Homework & Homework Help: It is important that you complete EVERY homework problem. This course is designed to “spiral”, meaning that topics are visited more than once, so you need to do all problems to get a complete understanding of the material. The solutions to ALL homework problems are available online at www.cpm.org/students.

11. On my page, you will find daily lessons, homework, upcoming tests as well as some of the class resources. To get to my page follow these steps: 1. Go to the Solon Schools web page www.solonschools.org 2. Choose Staff Directory (Top) 4. Scroll down to my name 5. Choose “Calendar” from the bottom 6. Choose the appropriate class **Checking out my web page is your homework assignment for tonight!!** Internet Information

12. We’re All in This Together! Welcome to Transitional Algebra! I am looking forward to assisting you in learning and have high expectations of you for this year. If we work together, it will be a rewarding and successful year for all!