Algebra I
2014-2015
Instructor
Instructor: Ms. S. Cook
Room: 2505
Phone: 342-2670
Email: scook@tcss.net
Course Description
The Algebra I course builds on foundational mathematics content learned by students in Grades K-8 by expanding
mathematics understanding to provide students with a strong mathematics education. Content is designed to engage
students in a variety of mathematical experiences that include the use of reasoning and problem-solving skills, which may
be applied to life situations beyond the classroom setting. This course serves as the cornerstone for all high school
mathematics courses; therefore, all subsequent mathematics courses require student mastery of the Algebra I content
standards.
Algebra I is a study of the structure of the real number system with specific attention to algebraic properties and
operations, problem solving, and higher-order thinking skills. Topics of study include variables, expressions, linear and
non-linear equations, inequalities, ratio, proportion, factoring polynomials, graphing on the number line and in the
coordinate plane, properties of slope, and operations involving exponents. Students who have passed Algebra IA or
Algebra IB may not take Algebra I for credit.
Course Prerequisites
Algebra IA or IEP placement
Textbooks and Materials
Algebra I (Holt McDougal, 2013) is the text for this course.
Selection of supplemental materials maybe used. The following is a list of materials needed for this class.
The following is a list of materials needed for this class.
 Three-ringed binder filled with paper.
 Scientific or basic four function calculator
 Pencils-Work completed in pen will not be graded!!!
 Students should bring $5 and a ream of copy paper.
 Additional supplies of Kleenex’s, paper towels, and cleaning supplies will be greatly appreciated.
Attendance and Conduct
All Tuscaloosa County Board policies, individual school policies, and classroom rules will be followed. You are expected
to attend everyday. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to come get all missed assignments. You are only
allowed to make-up work if the absence is EXCUSED.
Grading Policy
The final grade for each nine-week grading period will be based on various methods of assessment. These methods may
include, but are not limited to, tests, homework assignments, journals/logs, projects, portfolios, essays, organized
notebooks, quizzes (announced and unannounced), and class participation. Credit for late assignments will not be given
unless the student has an excused absence. Each student will have a minimum of at least one grade per week. A
mandatory comprehensive assessment will be administered at the end of each nine-week term counting no more than
twenty percent (20%) and a comprehensive final examination at the end of the second nine-week term will count twenty
percent (20%) of the course final grade. The sum of the each nine weeks’ averages will be added to the course final exam
grade. This total will be divided by five to get the course final grade. Mandatory comprehensive final examinations are
administered to all students except those students meeting the exemption criteria. The final course grade for students who
meet exemption criteria will be determined from the average of the two nine weeks’ grades.
Point Values for Assignments
Homework/Projects/Notebook/Class Participation/Other
40%
Test/Quizzes
40%
Nine Weeks Test (not the comprehensive final)
20%
Total
100%
I feel that it is necessary to stress the importance of each student completing his/her homework. Not only does this
help their overall grade by giving them a review of the material, but it also helps their homework grade.
Homework may not be taken up everyday.
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Essential Functions
To be successful in this class, students must be able to perform the following (at the 9th grade level or higher)
 Read and comprehend the text and supplemental material
 Communicate in writing and orally using standard grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph structure
 Participate in class discussions and activities
 Take accurate and useful class notes including example problems
 Work effectively and productively in groups and teams
 Keep a notebook of all grades, notes, class work, homework, and graded papers
 Use and apply arithmetic skills presented in grades K-8 and/or previous math courses
Classroom Rules:
o If you enter the room after the tardy bell rings then you are tardy. You should go to the restroom and
water fountain before the bell rings.
o You will come to class on time and prepared to participate everyday. You should always be prepared to
use any material listed above. On test days or individual assignments, you ARE NOT allowed to share
calculators.
o Be prepared for a quiz or some type of grade every day of the week.
o You can only earn credit for missed assignments if the absence is EXCUSED. You are expected to ask
for the missed work. If BONUS/EXTRA-CREDIT WORK is given out on a day you miss, you WILL
NOT be allowed to make it up. If you are planning to be out ahead of time (field trips, etc.) you must get
your assignments in advance when possible.
o You are expected to complete ALL MATH assignments on time and MAY NOT return to your locker
for an assignment. You will complete all math assignments before working on assignments from other
classes. During lecture and assignment time, work from other classes will be taken up and it is up to Mrs.
Montgomery if the material is returned.
o You will be expected to write using a PENCIL ONLY. Work done in pen WILL NOT be graded.
o You are expected to turn in assignments on time. ASSIGNMENTS WITHOUT A NAME WILL BE
THROWN AWAY.
Parents:
Please make sure to fill out the student information sheet and sign below saying that you have read and
understand the syllabus. Please be sure to give me your email address so I can maintain contact with you when
needed.
I have read the above syllabus and class rules. I am also aware that students’ grades will only be given out on
progress reports and report cards. Students and parents can check grades using INOW.
Student’s Signature
Parent’s Signature
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Student Information Sheet
(Please Print)
Course:
Grade:
Name:
Name Used:
Home Phone:
Address:
(Street Address)
Parent/Guardian Name(s):
1.
(City)
(Zip)
(Please circle the parent/guardian you are currently living with.)
Phone:
Work Info:
Phone:
Email:
2.
Phone:
Work Info:
Phone:
Email:
In order for me to better serve your needs; please answer the following questions.
Have you been diagnosed as ADD or ADHD?
Have you ever received special services?
Do you have a vision problem?
Do you have a hearing problem?
Do you have a kidney/bladder problem?
Do you have a 504 plan on file?
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
If yes, medication?
Yes / No
If yes, ____LD ____EMR ______Other
Please describe any health problems that may need attention during my class.
Schedule
Class
1.
2.
3.
4.
Teacher
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
Please place a check by the math classes you have passed.
___Algebra I
___Geometry
___Algebraic Connections
___Pre-Calculus
___Algebra I A ___Geometry A ___Algebra 2
___Algebra 3 w/ Statistics
___Algebra I B ___Geometry B ___Algebra 2 w/ Trig
___Calculus
___Math Essentials I ___Math Essentials 2 ___Algebraic Concepts I
___Algebraic Concepts 2
Have you passed the Mathematics section on the AHSGE?
Yes / No
Algebra I teacher(s):
Geometry teacher(s):
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