OBJECTIVES: Algebra I is designed to extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. Students learn to simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions, solve equations and inequalities, factor expressions, and graph solution sets on number lines and coordinate axes. Students extend their knowledge of linear, exponential, and quadratic equations. This algebra course is the basis for the remaining higher math courses that are designed for the college bound student. STUDENTS MUST PASS THE ALGEBRA I ACT ASPIRE EXAM OR TAKE A REMEDIATION CLASS.

Being Successful  Since mathematics is cumulative in nature, class attendance is very important.  Notes should be taken and all assignments completed for success.  Have an “I can” attitude.  Persist to solve problems, even when you struggle.  Do your best on “ACT ASPIRE” quizzes and tests. There is an ACT Aspire end of course test which must be passed to avoid taking an Algebra 1 Remediation class.

Grading  Grades will be reported in weighted categories and can be viewed live by parents and students.  Major Grades 60% (tests, some quizzes)  Daily Grades 40% (assignments, notes, bell ringers, some quizzes, other)  Semester grades 40 % 1 st 9 weeks, 40% 2 nd nine weeks, 20% exam

Grading Scale A B C D 0-59 F

Notebooks/Supplies  3 ring binder at least 1 inch.  Mechanical pencils with erasers are preferred. Extra eraser. Have a backup pen.  Paper including graph paper

Notebooks  All work should be kept in your notebook arranged by date. Be sure to date each item on the day it was assigned and give it a descriptive heading. Notebooks should contain this sheet, all bell ringer problems, class procedures, all handouts, all notes, all student homework, and all work done in class. Keep the work on the rings, not in a pocket. Keep an assignment sheet in the front as a table of contents.

CLASSROOM RULES BE READY AT THE BELL FOLLOW DIRECTIONS RESPECT ALL DO YOUR BEST

CLASSROOM RULES BE READY AT THE BELL Have your paper, writing instrument, calculator, and previous assignments out and ready. Be in your seat. Begin work on the bell ringer immediately. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS Follow assignment directions immediately. Move into and out of pairs or groups quickly and immediately when directed to do so. Follow classroom procedures. RESPECT ALL Respect others enough to give them a voice and really listen to them. Respect yourself enough to do your best and make an honest effort in all activities. Ask questions when you do not understand. Respect me, your teacher,… I am on your side…Let me help you learn algebra. If you are doing your best in class, but still struggling, I can tutor you at an arranged time. DO YOUR BEST Listen carefully, take notes, keep your notes organized, attempt problems, refer back to examples or resources if needed, try again, get help, try again. Persist. Believe you can do it!

OTHER PROCEEDURES *Cell phones should be out of sight and muted unless the teacher has given specific permission for phone use. *Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. The trash can is not a basketball hoop. *Stay in your seat until the bell rings. Do not try to stand by the door. *Attendance will be marked immediately when the bell rings. *Give others time to think. Don’t blurt out answers. *Take care of biological needs between classes. *You are responsible for making up work when you are absent. Check the absentee handout wrack for missed work sheets. *If handouts are on the back table, take one as you enter. Handouts may be passed down rows. *Take your calculator on the way to your seat.

Handing in Papers Groups: Consolidate group papers, then one person from the group should place the papers into the “In Slot”. Rows: Starting from the front, pass papers, face down, to the rear of the row. The last person in the row should place them face up in the “In Slot” *Early finishers should keep their work out on their desk until the end of the period.

*When the tardy bell rings, hold questions until the teacher is finished with attendance and paper work. *Ask questions of an individual nature during work time, not during whole group time. *Calculators should be taken on your way to your seat and returned within the last 2 minutes of class. *Group Work: Move into and out of groups quickly if desks must be moved. Arrange desks so everyone can see each others work. Use low voices. Do not talk outside your group without permission. *Stay in your seat during instructional time.

Absences  Be sure to get an excuse from the office before the first period bell. You are responsible to make up work missed.  Allowed make up time will be according to the handbook.

Consequences  Verbal or written warning  Detention  Parent Contact  Parent and/or Principal conference  Consequences should not interfere with learning so do not distract others by trying to discuss them during class. Consequences may be discussed in private with the teacher or in a written note to him at any time.

Rewards  1. Praise  2. Grades reflective of your efforts  3. Satisfaction from doing a good job and learning to work within a structure which is an important work skill in the real world.  4. Money through scholarships

ATTITUDE YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE ALGEBRA WORK….. BE HERE… NOT JUST IN THE PHYSICAL; GET SOMETHING OUT OF EVERY DAY; ENJOY WHAT YOU ARE DOING CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN ! YOUR ATTITUDE IS YOUR GREATEST ASSETT IN EVERY TASK AND EVERY FUTURE EMPLOYMENT!

Learning is a process….. Not an event! Make every day count!