ALGEBRA I Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Melanie Crisman

Office: Teacher Plan Second Level
Phone: 402-715-6000 (School Phone)
Office Phone: 402-715-6047
E-mail: mncrisman@mpsomaha.org

Hours Available to assist students:

7:30-7:55: morning in room
or after school

Course Objectives: Algebra is a course designed for those students who have mastered the basics of
arithmetic and pre-algebra, and who understand mathematics in a more abstract form. This is a typical
first year algebra course and would be the appropriate mathematics course for most college-bound
students.
Recommended Supplies:
1) Writing utensilPencil or pen (must be either black or blue) is acceptable.
2) A spiral notebook for homework and problem solving questions.
3) A folder to hold worksheets and homework assignments.
4) Textbook: 2003 Algebra I . Glencoe/McGraw-Hill; Columbus, OH. Textbook must be covered
for the semester.
5) Calculator: Calculators will be used in this class. It is strongly recommended that you have one
for your use at home (TI-30X for scientific).
Course Outline and Requirements: There will be homework after each section (daily) as well as
homework quizzes. Furthermore, there will also be at least one quiz and one test per chapter. These are
the sections that will be studied in this class:
1st Semester
Unit 1: Prerequisite Skills
Unit 2: Solving Linear Equations
Unit 3: Solve and Graph Linear Inequalities
Unit 4: Linear Functions
Unit 5: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Unit 6: Probability

2nd Semester
Unit 7: Exponents and Exponential Functions
Unit 8: Polynomials and Factoring
Unit 9: Quadratics
Unit 10: Radical Expressions
Unit 11: Rational Expressions

Expectations:
1) Be on time. This means in your seat and ready to go when the bell rings.
2) Be prepared. Make sure you have all supplies needed for class.
3) Get help when you need it. I am available outside of class time to assist you. Be proactive.
4) Participate. Be an active member in class and ask questions. Everyone should be involved in
my classroom.
5) Be respectful. My classroom will be built on respectrespect for each other, teachers and staff.
6) Maximum effort. Always try to do your best each and every day.
7) Follow school policies and procedures. Follow your student handbook.
8) Be responsible. Complete assignments and activities on time. Be honest NO CHEATING.
9) No food is allowed in the classroom. A drink is allowed only if it is a bottle with a cap on it.
10) Have fun. I want you to come to class ready to learn, but also to have fun.
11) No Cell Phones in Class

Attendance and Make-up Work: Class attendance is required and expected. In order to learn the
material, it is essential that you are in class. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to make up any
work that you missed. When you are absent, do not wait until the next day to get your make-up work
call/e-mail me or let me know ahead of time. All make-up work must be completed by the chapter test
for that unit. If not completed by then, it will result in a zero for that assignment or activity. Review
sheets and worksheets will be posted on the school website at http://mps.mwhs.schoolfusion.us/ for
those students absent.
Late-Work: In the case of late work or not having an assignment done, the penalty is 40%. All late
work must be completed by the chapter test for that unit in order to receive any points. If not turned in
by the test date a zero will be recorded.
Homework/Daily Work: Homework is a major part of your learning experience. Reading the textbook
and working problems go hand in hand for student learning. To be successful, it is essential that you
complete your assignments. Homework will be graded and checked each day. In most cases, a
completion grade will be given. In order to be complete, the problem, work and solution must be
shown.
Grades
The scale will be no lower than the following:
Percentage
Grade
93 100
1
85 92
2
77 84
3
69 76
4
68 and below
5
Homework:
Quizzes:
Tests:

20%
20%
60%

(The grading scale is adopted from district policy.)

Please Note: It is a school policy that if any student

should receive a 5 for the final semester 1
grade, the student will be removed from the class
before the semester 2 begins and the class schedules
will be adjusted to accommodate a study hall or an
alternative course. The student is to repeat
the course at a different time.

Retakes: If all homework is fully completed then you will be allowed to retake all quizzes for that unit.
You will be required to come in to do quiz corrections and get extra help prior to retaking the quiz. Any
retake must be completed one week from the day it was given back in class. Retakes will be done in the
morning by appointment or after school in the Testing Center with a proctor. In addition to retaking
quizzes you are allowed to retake one chapter test per semester.
Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes will be given often during each chapter. Homework quizzes will be 3-5
questions. All notes and homework can be used on any homework quiz given. One bigger quiz will be
given each chapter. These quizzes are meant to check your accuracy on homework. Chapter tests will
be given about every 5-8 school days. If you are absent on a test day, you have as many days to make
up the test as days you were absent before the test. If you are absent the day before a test or quiz, you
will take the test on the originally scheduled day with the rest of the class.
Math Help Lab: Math is a subject that builds on previous knowledge. If you need additional help
there is a math help lab available after school on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:30. I will also be
available for help in the mornings from 7:30-8:00 each day (except Monday).

SMART Goals
1. What are your plans (educational or career) after high school?
____________________________________________________________________
2. I am thinking about college?
Yes No
If yes then where?
__________________________________________________________________
3. How can this class help you achieve your long term goal?
____________________________________________________________________
4. What is your objective in this course beyond earning a letter or grade (academic or personal
growth)?
_________________________________________________________
5. How will you reach this objective? What practical steps will you take beyond just doing your
homework?
____________________________________________________________________
6. What do I need to know about you as a learner?
____________________________________________________________________
7. Careers that I may be interested in pursuing include:
_____________________________________________________________________

Dear Parents/Students,
The purpose of this syllabus is to open lines of communication and acquaint parent/guardians
and students with:
1)
2)
3)

Course content and requirements

Classroom policies and expectations
How to make Algebra a successful experience.

I hope this will clarify any questions you may have regarding the course and the
expectations of the course. Your signatures below indicate that you have had the opportunity
to review this syllabus. Feel free to call or email me any time if you have a question 402-7156047 or mncrisman@mpsomaha.org. If I am unavailable, please leave a message and I will
return your call as soon as possible. I value the students and parents/guardians questions
and comments.
The Parent Access Website is available for parents to view their students grade on-line.
Because of this access, I will not be sending updated grades. Grades will be updated any time
there is a quiz or test. Please contact the guidance office for the steps to sign up for this
website 402-715-6091.
Your signature below indicates that you have had the opportunity to review this syllabus. I
would really appreciate having an email address at which I could reach one parent, just in case
it is necessary to send out information. Thank you.

Return last page of syllabus with signature and SMART Goals

Student name (printed):______________________________________

Parent/Guardian name (printed):___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________________________
Phone Number: Home:___________________ Work:_____________________
Please circle one (Mother, Father, guardian)

Parent Email Address (printed) _______________________________________

Please circle one (Mother, Father, guardian)