Navigating High School Algebra I

Why take Algebra in Eighth Grade?

Receive a high school math credit. Quickly progress to higher mathematics classes. Complete one of the four required high school math credits. Free up room in an often overcrowded high school schedule. AFTER COMPLETING ALGEBRA THE STUDENT WILL

What requirements come with Algebra I ?

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT Teachers have a 20 day evaluation period to determine if placement is appropriate. Following this students may not drop Algebra I. Students may miss a maximum of 10 days. Students must make up all days over 10 during summer school or scheduled make up sessions. Students who miss more than 30 days get no credit for Algebra I.

THE CURRICULUM Students must cover the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Algebra I as well as Eighth Grade Math. Students must take the Algebra I End-of- Course Exam, and pass it to receive credit. Students must take the Eighth Grade EOG test.

OTHER HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS Students who pass the EOC as well as the Algebra I class will move on to Geometry. Students are not allowed to repeat Algebra I if they pass the class and EOC. The Algebra I EOC will be calculated in as 25% of the yearly average. The Algebra I grade and EOC score will be placed on the students high school transcript but do not influence the GPA.

How will Algebra I differ from previous math classes?

Students must maintain a detailed notebook containing investigations, homework, and notes. Students will have fewer grades each nine-weeks. The majority of grades will come from tests and quizzes. Students will explain their thinking on all problems and show their work. GRADING AND ASSESSMENT

General Grading Policy Unit Tests will count three times. Quizzes will count twice. Unit Homework will count three times. Classwork will count once. Short answer questions will be counted right or wrong. Whereas open-ended questions will be graded using a rubric.

Homework Homework will be assigned and checked daily. There will be a cover sheet with the Units homework given at the beginning of each unit. This sheet will include a student self-assessment, homework assignments, a reflection, and a chance for extra credit. Homework will be posted on the ACRMS Algebra website.

Open-ended questions will be scored using this General Scoring Rubric: For most open-ended mathematics tasks, credit can be assigned in decreasing amounts according to the following levels of performance. This general rubric has six scoring levels corresponding respectively to 0 to 5 points. OPEN-ENDED RUBRIC

5 Points (100): Contains complete response with clear, coherent, and unambiguous explanation; includes clear and simple diagram, if appropriate; communicates effectively to identified audience; shows understanding of questions, mathematical ideas, and processes; identifies all important elements of question; includes examples and counterexamples; gives strong supporting arguments.

OPEN-ENDED RUBRIC 4 Points (90): Same as 5 points, but may not be as clear and may not communicate ideas effectively. 3 Points (80): Contains good solid response with some, but not all, of the characteristics as 5 point rubric; explains less completely; may include minor error of execution, but not of understanding.

2 Points (70): Contains complete response, but explanation is muddled; presents incomplete arguments; includes diagrams that are inappropriate or unclear, or fails to provide a diagram when it would be appropriate; indicates some understanding of mathematical ideas, but in an unclear way; shows clear evidence of understanding some important ideas while also making one or more fundamental, specific errors. OPEN-ENDED RUBRIC

1 Point (60): Omits part of question and response; has major errors; uses inappropriate strategies. 0 Points: No response; frivolous or irrelevant response.

Students will attempt to complete all homework. Students will study notebook and review sheets to prepare for quizzes and tests. Students will have a graphing calculator to use at home and at school. EXPECTATIONS

Students will attend tutoring sessions as needed to get extra help. (Available one afternoon 3:00-4:30 per week.) When students are absent they will check the website to get the homework assignment that they miss. Students will bring textbook and all materials to class and home each day. EXPECTATIONS

How can parents help their child achieve success in Algebra I ?

Make sure that your child has the materials needed for class: TI-83 Plus or TI-84, 2 binder with dividers, graph and lined paper, and pencils. Verify that your child has completed homework nightly. Arrange for your child to attend tutoring sessions as needed. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Minimize absences. Do not schedule appointments during your childs Algebra class. Do not schedule vacations during scheduled schools days. Check the website for homework assignments when child is absent. teacher if you have questions or concerns. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

QUESTIONS? Mr. Randal Hylemon Mrs. Heather Rejzer ACRMS: (828)