Honors Algebra I

Course Syllabus

 

Class Description

Algebra I is a one-year course.  Algebra I for some of you will serve as the foundation course to a whole series of mathematics courses leading to a specialization in mathematics, science, engineering, or a variety of other college programs.  Algebra is an extension of arithmetic and is built on the foundation of arithmetic (normally thought of as numbers) but makes use of letters for number symbols.  It not only uses the numbers in arithmetic, but their opposites, which are called, negative numbers.  In algebra we use equations to solve problems, thus enabling one to solve problems more easily and to solve many problems that could not be solved by using only methods of arithmetic.  Furthermore, since this is an honors course, you can expect there to be a lot of work ahead of you with homework and projects assigned with every chapter.     

 

Materials

Every student is expected to come prepared each day with the following:

1.      Textbook

2.      Notebook

3.      Pencils/Erasers

4.      Calculator

5.      Completed Assignments

Evaluation

Grades will be determined on the following:

1.      Independent Practice/Homework (5 pts each)

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis!  We will review the homework at the beginning of each class period.  If there are questions about a particular problem this is the time to ask.  I will check homework for completeness and occasionally for correctness on a regular basis.

2.      Homework Checks (20 pts each)

Homework checks will be given every couple of weeks.  These checks will consist of copying selected answers from the homework onto a piece of paper to turn in to me for review.  If your notebooks are maintained throughout the year and you complete the homework, correcting the ones that were incorrect, there should be no reason to miss any points on these checks.

3.      Quizzes (20 pts each)

Quizzes will be administered at various times throughout each chapter to

assess your understanding of the material that is being covered in the classroom.  Most of the time quizzes will be announce, but I reserve the right to administer a pop quiz at any time.  If you are absent the day of a quiz then you will be given the number of days that you were absent plus 1 day to make it up without any penalties.

4.      Tests (50 pts each)

Tests will be given at the end of each chapter.  Midway through each chapter you will be given a potential day for a test allowing you plenty of time to prepare.  If you are absent the day before the test, you will be expected to take the test on the scheduled day.  However, if you are gone the day of the test you will be given the number of days you were absent plus 1 day to make it up without any penalties. 

5.      Projects

Various projects will be assigned throughout the school year.  Projects will consist of individual or group work.  You will be given time outside of the classroom to complete every project, but you will also be given classroom time to work on longer projects.

6.      Participation

A key part of being successful in any math classroom is being in the classroom!  Participation grades will be based on your attendance and how well you are prepared for class each day.  If you are out of school due to an illness you will not be counted off for this, but if your absence is unexcused your grade will be affected.

 

Grades

Grades will be weighted according to the following system:

TESTS: 40%

HW: 35%

QUIZZES/HW CHECKS: 10%

PROJECTS: 10%

PARTICIPATION: 5%

 

The grading scale for this class will be no more severe than:

 

Numerical	Letter
90 – 100	A
80 – 89	B
70 – 79	C
60 – 69	D
59 and below	F

Classroom Rules/Expectations

1. Be respectful of the teacher, fellow classmates, and yourselves.  When someone else is talking pay attention and stay quiet.
2. You must be in your seat, ready to begin when the bell rings or you will be considered tardy.
3. At the end of the period, stay in your seats until I dismiss you.
4. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
5. No passes will be given during class.  You have enough time between periods to do whatever you need to do.  Exceptions will be made only in emergency situations.
6. Swearing is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
7. Be an active participant in class.  This means taking good notes, being cooperative, and contributing during the period.  Remember this is going to account for 5% of your grade in the class!
8. Raise your hand if you have a question or comment and I will call on you.  If another student asks a question and you think you can offer an answer please raise your hand and offer your advice. 
9. Use the garbage cans.  Do not throw paper on the floor!
10. Stay if your seats at all times.  If you need to get out of your seat for any reason please raise your hand and wait to be called upon.

 

Failure to adhere to any of the above rules will result in the following:

            1^st offense:  Verbal warning

            2^nd offense:  30-minute detention (to be served either before or after school)

            Repeated offenses will be addressed with Mr. Zych and may require a

parent/teacher conference.

 

Note: I, Mr. Brewer, have the right to alter this at any point during the semester in order to best meet the needs of my students.  All corrections or alterations will be reviewed with the classroom and Mr. Zych before being administered in the classroom.