MVHS
COURSE INFORMATION SHEET
Course Title:
Algebra 1
Instructors:
Forthoffer
UC/CSU: Yes/Yes
Textbook and other learning resource:
Grades are based on the following overall percents
90-100%
A
80-89.99%
B
70-79.99%
C
60-69.99%
D
50-59.99%
F
Algebra Connections by Dietiker, Kysh, Sallee, Hoey
College Preparatory Mathematics
What Students Can Expect From This Course
Course Description:
This course is the entry level course. Topics covered include basic operations and
properties of the real number system, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities,
and basic coordinate geometry of lines. Also studied are systems of equations in two
(2) variables, properties of exponents, rational expressions, irrational numbers and
radicals, and word problems related to the above topics.
Assessment and Grading:
Students’ grades will be determined as follows:
15%
Quizzes
5%
Written Homework
10%
Class Work/Homework
Three cumulative standards based tests and a final per semester
5%
Test 1
15%
Test 2
20%
Test 3
30%
Test 4 (Final)
The cumulative tests will be spaced approximately evenly and may include all
material covered in the class to that point. The cumulative tests will give students
multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding and to improve their grade. The
questions from earlier tests will emphasize the key ideas (standards) of the earlier
chapters. Students will be able to see their tests, but the cumulative tests will be kept
by the teachers.
The lowest a test or quiz score can be is 50%.
The lowest the homework/classwork category can be is 50%
Homework/Late Work:
Complete assignments will receive full credit when checked in class. Late
complete assignments will be accepted until the next test and will receive 80%
credit. Incomplete assignments will receive partial credit.
Missed Tests:
There will be alternate “make up” versions of the first three cumulative tests
so that students who miss a test and have an excused absence will be able to
make up the test. The student will have a day for each day of the absence, up
to three days, to make up a missed test. After that time, the missed test score
will be replaced by the next cumulative test score. If the student has not
missed a test, the cumulative test will replace one of the previous tests if it
improves the grade.
Students missing class for all or part of a day to participate in expected
excused absences such as school activities, family vacations or doctor’s
appointments must let the teacher know in advance, and must make
arrangements to make up missed assessments prior to the absence.
Students excused from class for unplanned absences must let the teacher know
as soon as possible upon their return and make arrangements to make up
missed assessments after the absence.
Extra Credit:
There will be no extra credit in the class.
We will follow the school’s Cheating and Attendance Policies.
Mountain View High School Mission
To increase the instructional coherence within and between departments while raising the achievement of all students
What Is Expected Of The Student
Attendance:
ABSENCES: An “unexcused absence” is an absence in excess of a 30-minute period occurring in a given
class. Students may not exceed 14 unexcused absences across their entire schedule. A full day, unexcused
absence counts as 5, 6 or 7 absences depending on how many classes a student carries toward the total of
14. On the 15th unexcused absence, students may be referred to an alternative educational program/site
pursuant to the District’s involuntary transfer policy (AR/OP 5113).
TARDIES: Students may not exceed 19 unexcused tardies across their entire schedule. An unexcused tardy
is an absence from class from when the bell rings until up to 30 minutes of a class period. At the 15th
unexcused tardy, there will be a mandatory parent conference with the student’s Assistant Principal. This
conference will be scheduled to occur the morning after the family is contacted by the school. At the
student/parent conference, consequences for continued tardiness are discussed and the student is assigned to
Saturday School. An attendance contract will also be signed at this meeting. Failure to attend Saturday
School may result in a transfer to an alternative educational program/site.
Cheating Policy:
The Board expects that students will not cheat, lie, plagiarize or commit other acts of academic dishonesty.
Examples of cheating include: anyone who copies another’s work or turns in someone else’s ideas as his or
her own, collaboration with another student or students could be considered cheating if students are
expected to complete an assignment independently, copying homework, allowing someone else to copy
your work, plagiarism, copying or allowing others to copy from another’s exam, improperly obtaining
and/or using tests, questions, or answer keys, using unauthorized notes/materials or electronic equipment
(calculators, cell phones, etc.), with greater access to the Internet and electronic sources, students need to be
very clear about their responsibilities in using these tools with integrity. Check with your teachers if you are
unsure or unclear about his/her expectations regarding the use of the Internet.
Help and Contact Information
Email: jim.forthoffer@mvla.net
Mountain View High School Mission
To increase the instructional coherence within and between departments while raising the achievement of all students