Washington County Middle School / North Washington Pre AP Algebra I Lolita Blanton Lolita.blanton@washington.kyschools.us Phone: 859-336-5983 Course Description: The purpose of the Pre AP Algebra I course is to better prepare students for AP math classes their senior year through AP style questions and lessons. Students are recommended by the teacher for Pre AP Algebra I based on 7th grade math class performance, MAP and Explorer test scores. The content is the same for Pre AP Algebra I and Algebra I, the pace is difference between the two classes. The Pre AP Algebra I will cover some content taught at the beginning of their Algebra II course. Course Competencies and Enduring Skills: Lessons for this course will be based on the mathematical practices listed below. These practices stress the importance of “processes and proficiencies” in mathematical education. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision. Look for and make use of structure. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning This course will follow Common Core Standards for High School Mathematics: The Real Number System Quantities Seeing Structure in Expressions Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Expressions Creating Equations Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities Interpreting Functions Building Functions Linear and Exponential Models Student Evaluation: The following list contains how the course grades are weighted: Tests 70% Quizzes 10% Homework/bellwork 10% Class Activities/Notebook 10% Midterm/Final Exam will count as 10% of the overall yearly grade. *Students who do not pass Part A and/or Part B of this course, must retake this course. The student will be placed in Algebra I the 2nd time taking this course. **Students must maintain a B average for Part A and B to be recommended for Pre AP Geometry the following school year. Students must maintain a 95 or higher in Parts A and B to be recommended to “double up” (Pre-AP Geometry and Pre-AP Algebra II) the following school year. Instructional Methodology: In this course, a bell ringer will be assigned on a daily basis. Students will need to keep bell work organized in a notebook; notebooks will be collected several times throughout the year. The students will be responsible to keep their binder/notes organized. I will help students set up their binder the first week of the course. Throughout the semester, we will be learning in various ways. Some lessons will be presented by the teacher and students will practice independently or with their assigned partner. Student work will be presented by individuals, groups, and through class discussions. Students should expect to have homework most nights. Homework will be graded on effort (attempting every problem, showing your work, and turning the work in on time). A test or quiz will be given most every week. Students should be engaged. I will make every effort to have activities, games, projects or other appropriate assignments to help facilitate learning and to foster a love (or at least like!) of mathematics. Students will be given a study guide to prepare for the unit test two days before the test. No extra credit will be given during this class at any time. I expect students to be attentive every lesson and come to class prepared. Classroom Expectations: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Always come to class prepared!! (Pencil, binder, paper, homework, etc). Stay seated while in the classroom. Raise your hand. Respect everyone!! Be attentive (participate, listen to others) No Cellphones unless permitted by the teacher. Keep food and drinks away during class. Students may have water. Required Materials: Notebook, 3 ring preferred Loose Leaf Paper Graph paper if desired ( I will make some copies as well ) Pencils * Calculators will be available for in class use only. Students are NOT required to purchase a calculator for this class. General Information Regarding Course: 1. Retake options will be available for students for every unit test (not on class quizzes, midterm, or final). The retake will take place during their class one week after the unit test was given. Students must attend an afterschool review session or complete assigned practice problems in order to take the retake. 2. Every student will be given TWO hall passes each semester. Those hall passes are their “emergency” passes to the restroom or locker. Students will not be able to leave class once it has started without using a hall pass unless they are called out of class or teacher gives permission. Student and Parent/Guardian Confirmation: We have read and understand the expectations for this course. Student Signature: ______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: __________________________________