Algebra II Jefferson City High School Amanda Wehrle, Instructor I. What skills do I need to bring to Algebra II to be successful in the class? A student entering Algebra II will be expected to have the following skills: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide real numbers without a calculator. Solve multi-step linear equations. Graph linear functions. Factor expressions – including: GCF, difference of squares, and all trinomials. Solve and graph quadratic functions. Furthermore, the student seeking success in Algebra II will need to have: A commitment to completing daily assignments. A willingness to seek extra help as needed. A desire and commitment to be prepared for quizzes and tests. II. Course Description: Algebra II emphasizes functions including exponential, logarithmic, quadratic, rational, square root, and cube root. Included are such topics as rational exponents, irrational numbers, complex numbers, quadratic relations, factoring, probability and statistics, sequences and series, rational expressions, rational equations, composition of functions, and inverse functions. Prerequisite: “C” or higher in Geometry or teacher approval. III. Course Curricular Objectives: The student will simplify radical expressions, solve radical equations, and solve equations with complex solutions. The student will use different techniques to factor polynomials and will solve quadratic equations/inequalities. The student will perform function operations and composition, use inverse functions, and graph square root and cube root functions. The student will develop concepts relating to exponential and logarithmic functions. The student will simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations including complex fractions. The student will determine the number of combinations or permutations possible and the probability of an event. The student will determine and interpret standard deviations. The student will use and apply arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. The student will solve systems of equations and inequalities (linear and quadratic) by employing various methods. IV. Course Materials: Textbook: Larson, Ron, Laurie Boswell, Timothy D. Kanold, and Lee Stiff. Algebra 2. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell Students should provide and bring with them daily: Binder to organize all class notes Student Planner Student ID to be worn around the neck Textbook Paper – Notebook AND Graph Paper Pencil with eraser Pen for grading Graphing calculator (Preferred: TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition) V. Course Policies: All district and/or school policies are enforced (tardies/absences/behavior…). Absences: Daily attendance is a necessity. If you have an excused absence, you are expected to get all materials, notes*, and assignments you may have missed. You will have one day for every day of excused absence to submit the make-up assignments. If absent on the day of a test, the student should plan to take that test upon returning to school without delay. Arrangements should be made with me with respect to scheduling the missed test. * You can locate the class notes on my website: www.jcschools.us/awehrle Homework: Homework completion is essential to success in Algebra II. All homework assignments must be completed in pencil and most will be recorded based on a 100-point scale. One late paper per unit is allowed for half credit. NO papers will be accepted after the cumulative unit assessment has been taken. Assessments: Students must prepare properly for unit formative and summative exams by reviewing past homework assignments and any provided review sheets. Summative assessments (unit tests) compose 70% of the learner’s overall grade while formative assessments (quizzes) compose 10% of the course grade. Assessment Retake Policy: Students have the opportunity to retake unit tests outside of regular class time as outlined in the following bullets. Re-taking a unit test is a privilege. In order to earn that privilege, a student must give a “valiant effort” on the original test. (Valiant effort includes, but is not limited to: the test must be complete, there is valid work shown, the score is similar to formative scores earned in the unit, etc.) o Students have the option to retake the test as long as each assignment was completed prior to the original test date. If a student chooses to retake the test, he/she: * will take a complete unit test of equivalent length and difficulty, but not identical to the original test. * will earn the higher of the two scores. * must attend at least one study session with an Algebra II teacher outside of class time to complete a reflection sheet and discuss missed problems on the original test. (This study session cannot be on the same day as the retake.) * must complete their retake within 2 weeks of the date the original tests are returned to the class. o If a student chooses to retake a unit test, but does not take that privilege seriously (on two different unit retakes), then the student will lose retake privileges for the rest of the course. VI. Term Grade Composition: (District Grading Scale is adhered to) Nine-week Grade: 10% Assignments 10% Quizzes 70% Unit tests 10% Cumulative Exam (Term 1 Exam, EOC) Scale: 93-100 90-92 87-89 83-86 A AB+ B 80-82 77-79 73-76 70-72 BC+ C C- 67-69 63-66 60-62 0-59 D+ D DF VII. Course Procedures: An outline, which includes daily objectives and assignments, will be given at the beginning of each unit. The teacher reserves the right to alter an assignment from the outline. All homework papers will be graded and turned in daily. If a student is absent or has late work to submit, he/she must grade his/her assignment outside of class time. VIII. Personal Statement: This is my first year teaching. I recently graduated from Columbia College with my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. I am excited to be a part of the Jefferson City Public School District. I believe all students can learn math and I have very high expectations for my students and myself. I will do everything I can to help each student succeed. Likewise, I expect each student to give his/her maximum effort in and out of the classroom toward achieving the success he/she desires. I am looking forward to a great semester of Algebra II. IX. Additional Information: E-mail: amanda.wehrle@jcschools.us Webpage: www.jcschools.us/awehrle TIME 7:30 – 7:50 1st Block 2nd Block 3rd Block Advisory (T/Th) 4th Block 3:00 – 3:45 pm Math Office: 659-3089 SCHEDULE Before School Help* (M/W/F – Rm 165) Academic Labs (T/Th)** Introduction to Geometry (Room 157) Conference Block Algebra II (Rm 165) Advisory (Rm 168) Introduction to Geometry (Room 165) After School Help (Rm 165) * * Please visit with Mrs. Wehrle about scheduling before/after school help to make sure a conflict does not exist. ** Teachers are not individually available to assist students on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, but the academic lab is available most Tuesday and Thursday mornings in room 154 if a student is seeking extra help. ------------------------- return this page with student AND parent/guardian signature-----------------------------------I have read the syllabus for Mrs. Wehrle’s Algebra II class. I understand that Mrs. Wehrle’s expectations are high and that she will work hard to ensure that my child has every opportunity to be successful through appropriate lesson structure, activities, homework practice, etc. Furthermore, I understand that my son/daughter must play an active role in his/her education, and will be expected to… 1. 2. 3. 4. bring the course materials (book, paper, pencil, pen, calculator*) to class every day, use class-time appropriately (take notes, participate in activities, work on homework, etc.), ask questions and/or come in for extra help, respect the other students and their learning opportunities in the classroom. I also understand in Algebra II, students are allowed to retake Algebra II tests as outlined in the syllabus. Student Name (print): ______________________________________________________________________ Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name (print): _________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian contact information: Communication between parents and teachers is essential for student success. With this in mind, please provide your contact information below. Periodic updates will be provided through the messenger feature of Infinite Campus. If you have not provided an email address to the school and wish to receive these updates, please contact your student’s counselor. Furthermore, please contact me during my conference period if you have questions and/or concerns about Algebra II. 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