Strategic Algebra Readiness
COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor:
Classroom:
Sosciety Louden
600 and 605
School Year:
Class Meeting Days:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Website:
Tutoring Hrs:
951-696-3503
slouden@murrieta.k12.ca.us
http://tinyurl.com/loudenmath
Tuesday and Wednesday 3:15 – 4pm and any
morning by appointment
Class Meeting Hours:
Class Location:
2011-2012
Monday, Tuesday
and Thursday
Period 3
605
I.
Welcome!
I am very excited to be able to offer this class to you. While we are covering the same topics as your previous Algebra
Readiness class we will be working on independent growth in your areas of weakness. With goal setting, reflections,
progress monitoring and the creation of a math portfolio you will become a true mathematician!
II.
Course Description
This is a one period strategic mathematics course. Students will be working in groups of 9 traveling through 3
stations on each block day. The three stations are as follows:
1. ALEKS work on computer
2. Independent Work
3. Teacher led instruction of the Algebra Readiness textbook
Non-block days will be ALEKS worksheet time, portfolio organization, and Algebra Readiness work.
III.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course students will be able to assess the growth that they have made in filling in their gaps.
Students will be creating a portfolio throughout this course which can be used as a math toolbox when they leave
and go to high school. Students will be able to set attainable goals and reflect on their progress toward succeeding
with those goals. Students will learn how to organize their work and their materials in order to be more successful
with their math and in school overall.
IV.
Required Texts and Materials
Prentice Hall Mathematics Algebra Readiness Text Book
Prentice Hall Mathematics Algebra Readiness Work Book
1” binder
8 notebook dividers
V.
Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials
ALEKS license (provided by school)
Internet access at home for completing ALEKS hours out of school (options are available for those who do not have
internet access at home)
VI.
Basis for Final Grade
Assessment
Weekly Goal Sheets
 Signed each week by parent/guardian
Grade Sheet
 2 per week
ALEKS Worksheet
 1 per class
Minimum of 5 hours per week on ALEKS
 (OR) 1 worksheet per ½ hour of ALEKS time
Tool box for important rules and vocabulary
 1 page for each piece of the ALEKS pie
Algebra Readiness Work
Biographical Summary of a Mathematician
 1 per semester
Percent of Final Grade
10%
5%
20%
35%
10%
10%
10%
100%
Grading Scale (%)
94-100
A
90-93
A87-89
B+
84-86
B
80-83
B77-79
C+
74-76
C
70-73
C67-69
D+
64-66
D
60-63
D0 - 59
F
VII.
VIII.
Grade Dissemination
Graded tests and materials in this course will be returned individually only by request. You can access your scores at
any time using the ABI portal. You can also track ALEKS progress by going on-line with your child.
Course Policies: Grades
Late and Absent Work Policy:
Late work is accepted for 70% or the graded credit. Absent work will not have points taken off if it is turned in
within one week of the absence. Late and absent work must be signed by the parent/guardian and must state
whether it is late work or absent work. Signature must be at the top center of the paper.
Extra Credit Policy:
I will not be offering extra credit in this course.
Grades of "NW":
Students are required to show all work. If the student does not show the work for the assignment there will be 0
points assigned and it will be noted NW.
Rewrite Policy:
Students may do corrections for 100% credit. The corrections must be stapled to the original assignment and
labeled corrections.
IX.
Course Policies: Technology and Media
Email: I am available by e-mail on each school day and also check e-mail periodically on the weekend. I will do my
best to reply within 24 hours.
Webcourses: Students are required to use the ALEKS program. We will use the program during class group
rotations. Students are required to log a minimum of 5 hours per week. Making up the additional hours outside of
class time is the only homework that students will be required to complete. Options for completing this
requirement are as follows:
1. At home by logging on to www.aleks.com
2. Before school with Mrs. Louden. The gates open at 8:15 am and unless I am in a meeting I am in my
classroom (room 600).
3. During my tutoring times listed above.
4. Students who do not have access at home AND who cannot make up the time before or after school
MUST have a parent signature on the opt out form and will be required to complete 1 ALEKS worksheet
for each ½ hour that needs to be made up. (This also applies to students going on vacation)
Classroom Devices: Students will be allowed the use of calculators only when the focus of the content is not on
calculation ability. ALEKS also allows use of calculators during this time. Students completing all of their required
work will be in the “High Five Club” and will be allowed music time or time. Personal listening devices are not
permitted on campus, therefore music opportunities will be provided by me.
Please cut the bottom portion of this letter off and return to Mrs. Louden
_______________________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the Strategic Algebra Readiness Course Syllabus.
_______________________________________________
Parent signature
____________________
Date