The Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville
3519 South Giles Avenue
Chicago, IL 60653
Algebra I Course Syllabus
2015-16
Department: Mathematics
Department Chair: Miss Krista Leskinen
Instructor: Miss Krista Leskinen
Phone number: 773.534.9750
Email: kmleskinen@cps.edu
Office Hour: Monday 3:15-4:15
The Skills-based Learning and Assessment Curriculum of the
Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville
The Skills-based Learning and Assessment Curriculum of the Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville is a
standards-based curriculum designed to provide cadets with skills mastery of the Common Core State Standards
and ACT College Readiness Standards. Within these standards frameworks, course objectives are defined as a
compilation of the skills and knowledge identified herein. The Critical Benchmark Skills List constitutes the
learning standards of this course.
1. Course Description
The purpose of the Algebra I curriculum is to increase student awareness of the importance of mathematics in
his/her life and in the world. Students will become more confident in their ability to work with mathematical
concepts and discover relationships among mathematical ideas. They will learn how to think systematically and
use the logic necessary for problem solving in mathematics and in everyday situations.
This course builds on a student’s understanding of basic mathematics in the study of algebraic skills and
problem solving. Students will learn to express real-world problems in a variety of algebraic ways in order to
find solutions. Successful completion of the course is an essential step in preparation for Geometry, Algebra II,
and College Math.
2. Course Resources
Materials: 1-inch binder, one pack of loose leaf paper, pencils
3. Course Requirements
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Each student is expected to actively participate in class each day. Students are required to arrive to class
on time, fully prepared with all of the required class materials, remain on task and contribute during
class activities. This is graded in the executive function category.
Students are required to complete all assignments in a timely manner to practice all of the skills
introduced during class.
Student progress is evaluated in the form of benchmark assessment on a weekly basis (approximately).
A student must achieve at least 70% on each quiz. If a student does not earn 70% on a quiz, he/she will
attend academic augmentation to review the skill and re-take the quiz until the student achieves at least
70%. The maximum score a student can earn on a re-take quiz is 70%.
A benchmark exam is given at the end of the quarter, and at the end of the semester, covering all of the
benchmark skills learned during the quarter (i.e. there will be 8 benchmark skills covered on the first
quarter exam).
Approximately each month, students are assigned a Problem of the Month to complete. Students will
have class time to work on the problem, but it will also require time outside of class to complete.
Please note that all assignments are vital in practicing and mastering math skills and are a required part
of the course.
Computation of Grades:
 Benchmark Assessments:
 Benchmark Assignments:
 Executive Functions:
70%
20%
10%
Grading Scale
A
90%-100%
B
80%-89%
C
70%-79%
D
60%-69%
F
Below 60%
Each quarter students will learn eight to ten benchmark skills. Listed below are the benchmark skills that will
be covered during the first quarter. Check the website at the start of quarters 2, 3, and 4 to see the skills that
will be included in that quarter.
4. Critical Benchmark Skills List (Quarter 1)
1. Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context. (A-SSE.1)
2. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors and coefficients. (A-SSE.1a)
3. Solve linear equations in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters. (AREI.3)
4. Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the
previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable
argument to justify a solution method. (A-REI.1)
5. Create equations in one variable and use them to solve problems. (A-CED.1)
6. Understand that a function from one set (called the domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each
element of the domain exactly one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain,
then f(x) denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x. The graph of f is the graph of the equation y =
f(x). (F-IF.1)
7. Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities. (F-BF.1)
8. Understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted on the
coordinate plane, often forming a curve (which could be a line). (A-REI.D)
CCSS Codes
A-SSE = Algebra – Seeing Structure with Expressions
F-IF = Functions – Interpreting Functions
A-REI = Algebra – Reasoning with Equations & Inequalities
A-CED = Algebra – Creating Equations
F-BF = Functions – Building Functions
5. Administrative Standards
Attendance: Cadets are expected to attend every class on time. All school functions require pre-approval.
Excused absences are recovered through the CMA-B Attendance Office and cannot be corrected via the
classroom teacher. Cadets missing more than 20% of scheduled class time may be ineligible for course credit.
Academic Integrity: It is assumed that all cadet work is original. Plagiarism/cheating is punishable under the
guidelines of the CPS Student Code of Conduct and the CMA-B Cadet Handbook. Any second chance options
for cadets are at the discretion of the classroom teacher in consultation with the Academy Superintendent.
Support: Support services for cadets are available via the Academy Counseling Department. Self-referral is
the preferred method of academic and/or introspective intervention. Occasionally a cadet may be referred for
counseling and/or support services at the discretion of the teacher.
6. Academic Support
Augmentation is available every Monday after school from 3:15 to 4:15. A certified math teacher is always
available during that time, as well as peer tutors, to help students gain a better understanding of concepts taught
in class. Benchmark quizzes are to be re-taken during this time.