Algebra 1-2

Second Semester

Instructors: Room #:

Mr. Sweeney Ms. Littlefield M7

Student Expectancy Sheet

Expectancy Sheet Contents:

o o o o o o o o o o Course Description Required Materials Instructor Philosophy Class Expectations Class Procedures Class Rules & Consequences Grading Policy Semester Timeline Teacher Contact Information Parent Acknowledgement Form

Course Description
Algebra 1-2 is a yearlong course aimed at developing the essential skills that student needs for success in solving algebra problems and advancing to geometry. These skills and concepts will then be applied to problem solving situations from every-day applications to sciences. This course is designed around state and district standards, and will prepare students for the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test, which they will first take their sophomore year of high school. The AIMS must be passed (roughly ~60% of questions answered correctly) and students who do not pass will be expected to retake the test annually until successfully passing in order to graduate with a diploma.

Required Daily Materials

o o o o o Textbook: Heath Algebra 1. McDougal Little (98) Pencil (no pens!) Binder with lined paper

Optional: Graph Paper

Note: Calculators are neither needed nor allowed for this course

Instructor Philosophy
Every student is capable of learning and being successful math.
In your instructors opinion, there is no such thing as being good at math or being bad at math; instead, success is obtained by effort and perseverance. Math may be challenging at times for everyone (including me!), but all students who embrace this challenge, work hard, have confidence in themselves, learn from their mistakes, take risks, and never accept failure or defeat, will enjoy this course and learn a great deal.

Mistakes are okay!

So long as you identify them, ask for help, learn from them, and (hopefully) eventually stop making them. Learning the processes in math, and how and when to apply them, is much more important than simply having the correct answer.

Class Expectations
o o o o Come to class prepared to learn, both mentally and with class materials Participate in class from bell-to-bell, including lecture discussions, group work, and independent work Never give up Effort and perseverance are key to success, and if you are having trouble, be an advocate for yourself and ask for help! Learn from your mistakes! Mistakes are a good thing nobody would ever learn anything if they were perfect all of the time. Everybody makes mistakes, but those who are successful are those who put forth effort to correct them and learn from them.

Class Procedures
Bellwork Bellwork will be given at the start of every class period. To receive credit, you must attempt every problem and show that you have worked and given your best effort. Homework assignments Students will have assignments following each lesson. It is essential that you complete each homework as it is assigned, even if you are struggling with the material. Half of homework points will be awarded for completing the assignment on time, while the remaining half will come from completing specific problems successfully. Each day, a stamp will be given to show that you put forth the effort to complete the assignment on time. Additionally, the homework will be discussed and answers will be given each day in class. This is your opportunity to get help on any questions you had trouble with and learn from any of your mistakes. At the end of the week, each assignment will be collected as a packet and graded. It is expected that you correct your mistakes and learn from them! Late work Late assignments will be accepted at any time up until the unit test for that chapter. Late assignments will be eligible for half-credit based on completion. Excused absences will be eligible for full points if turned in within a timeframe equal to the number

of days missed + 1. For example, if you miss 1 day (excused), you will have two additional days to receive full credit for it being on time. Quizzes Quizzes will be given periodically to assess learning. Quizzes are not to be feared, and are meant for both you and I to learn about your strengths and weaknesses. Corrections on quizzes will be allowed to regain some points. After all, learning from your mistakes is key to learning, in general! Additionally, the lowest 2 quizzes for the semester will also be dropped Tests Tests will be given at the end of each chapter unit. Prior to each test, the material will be reviewed in class. Students who are absent for the review will have the option to postpone the test an additional day to complete review materials, and students who are absent for the test will be able to take a make-up exam during tutoring hours.

Class Rules & Consequences

o o o o o Being on-time means being in your seat and ready to participate by the time tardy bell finishes ringing Leave your backpack at the back of the room (but be sure to have everything you need before you place it there!) Phones, iPods, and other electronic devices must be turned off and kept in your bag during class time Feel free to drink water at your desk but food and other drinks must be kept in your bag or placed at the front of the room during class time. Be courteous and respectful to your instructors and your fellow classmatestreat others as you would like to be treated.

Flowing Wells Math Department Tardy Policy

Tardies 1-2: Tardies 3-4: Tardies 5-7: Tardy 8: Unexcused. Student will be assigned lunch detention Unexcused. Student will be assigned lunch detention and will lose bellwork pts. Students will be referred to the Assistant Principal Student will be suspended until parent conference with Assistant Principal

Positive Consequences
1. Praise 2. Award of classroom privileges (listening to music, etc.) 3. Positive note or phone call to parent 4. Surprise

Negative Consequences (daily)

1. First step Verbal warning 2. Second step Loss of participation points and/or student/teacher conference 3. Third step Lunch detention and/or call home to parents 4. Fourth step Discipline referral Severe Discipline Student sent directly to assistant principal

Grading policy
Students and parents are able to access grades on a daily basis via the internet. I will post a computer printout of anonymous student grades (identified by ID number) after each test. Students may consult with me about their grades outside of classtime. Quarter Grade Tests Homework Participation & Bellwork A = 90-100% 60% 25% 15% Semester Grade 1st Quarter Grade 2nd Quarter Grade Semester Exam C = 70-79.9% D = 60-69.9% 40% 40% 20% F = 0-59.9%

B = 80-89.9%

Semester Timeline
The following materials will be covered during the course of this semester: Content Solving Systems of Linear Equations Powers & Exponents Radicals Quadratic Equations Polynomials & Factoring Proportions & Rational Equations Functions Chapter in Text Ch. 7 Ch. 8 Ch. 13 Ch. 9 Ch. 10 Ch. 11 Ch. 12
Stressed or having trouble? We want to help! Come in to tutoring hours to catch up or get ahead

Teacher Contact Information

Students and parents may contact me at any time to discuss grades, behavior, etc. via the following contact information. I will do my best to respond promptly after school hours. Instructor: Office Phone: Email: Michael Sweeney (xxx.xxx.xxxx) mjs84@email.arizona.edu

Parent Acknowledgement Form

Parents & Students Please fill out the following information. _____________________________________________________________

I have read the information contained in this expectancy sheet and I am aware of the expectations of the course and of the instructors.
Student Name: ______________________________________ Date:___________

Student Signature: _______________________________________ Parent Name: ______________________________________

Parent Signature: ______________________________________

Date:___________

Parents Please fill out the following contact information

I would like you to contact me about any of the following reasons (Check any that apply) ____ Positive news (your student is doing great!) ____ Concerns about student performance ____ Behavior ____ Homework Completion & Participation ____ Grades Phone: Email: _______________________________ _______________________________ (circle your preferred way to contact you) Best time to reach you: ____________

Is there anything else youd like me to know about your student?