Lanier Middle School
“An International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme School”
Algebra I
2015-2016
Stephen Cabell - Room 128
scabell@houstonisd.org
GOALS: Students will explore and discuss concepts through hands-on activities, individual products, and
group work. The use of manipulatives, graphing calculators and computer technology will reinforce the
basic concepts learned in the course. This year’s class will emphasize critical thinking, mathematical
concepts, and communication skills through detailed problem solving as well as applying algebraic skills
to real life situations.
GRADING: Report Card grades for each 9 weeks period will be based on total points earned divided by
total points possible. Progress reports will be based on total points earned divided by total points
possible. My grading system is a comprehensive system that includes:
Items that are
Assigned a grade
Points of
Total Grade
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5 - 100 points
50 - 200 points
25 - 100 points
50 - 200 points
Classroom activities
Projects
Quizzes
Tests
Objective Testing and IB Grades will be included
in Gradespeed for communication only.
Earn whole class and individual rewards for
beginning each day ready to work!
Extra credit opportunities will be provided to all
students periodically, and not by request. Points will
be given for accurate answers with clear, concise,
and complete work.
Homework should be expected nightly. It is due at
the start of class, and work left in the locker is
considered late and may not be retrieved during
class. In order to receive full credit homework must
be 100% complete with all work shown in a neat
manner.
TUTORING: Wednesday morning 7 – 7:45am or by
appointment.
High School Credit: ½ credit per semester; each nine weeks is 40%, the final is 20%
Warm-ups: Upon entering the classroom, students are expected to quietly work on the warm-up which
will be for a classwork grade.
HONOR CODE: Students will not lie, cheat or steal. Students are personally responsible for all
assignments. Discussing content or format of any assessment is cheating. Be PRINCIPLIED!
ABSENCE: Students with excused absences will have the equivalent number of days to their absence to
complete missed assignments. If a student was absent on the day a project was due, but present when it
was assigned, it will be due the day of their return. My advice, avoid absences at all cost.
Lanier Middle School, 2600 Woodhead, Houston Texas 77098 Phone 713-942-1900
LATE WORK: The Lanier late work policy may be found in the planner. However, it should be noted that
your Algebra material builds from day to day all year long, getting behind is setting yourself up for
ultimate failure.
MATERIALS: All students will bring the following to class each day.
• Graph paper spiral
• Mechanical Pencil
• Additional lead and erasers
• Red checking pens
• Brad folder with pockets (plastic will last longer)
Student may select one item from the following list to donate to class:
• 1 box of tissues
• $5 gift card to an office supply store
• AAA batteries
Note: TI-84 graphing calculator will be provided for classroom use only. While NOT required, students
should have access to a calculator at home. See the links page for calculator resources.
ORGANIZATION
All students will organize their course work in the provided graph spiral utilizing specific approaches to
learning as guided by myself. The methods which are shown at the start of the year should be
implemented throughout, and can be graded at any moment without warning. Suggestions for
improvement are always encouraged!
Every sheet of paper is a valuable resource, so do not throw anything away! I may occasionally conduct
notebook quizzes to check up on organization and note-taking skills.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
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All math work must be done in pencil.
Show ALL of your work clearly. Correct answers, without supporting work, will not receive full
credit.
When correcting work, write the correct solution in its entirety, not just the final answer.
For safety reasons, place all belongings underneath your chair. Only your math materials may be
on your table top.
Restroom passes are for emergencies only. Request permission during non-instructional time. Fill
out your planner completely once permission is given.
BEHAVIORIAL EXPECTATIONS:
1. We will respect ourselves and others
2. No food, drinks or gum without permission!
3. I will be prepared with materials and homework daily. (Materials include: mechanical pencil(s)
with good eraser, lead, eraser, red pen, spiral, planner, student ID and brad folder)
4. I will be on time, in my seat and working at the bell.
5. The bell does not dismiss you!
COMMUNICATE:
It is extremely important that you keep the lines of communication open. I want to know if you’re
struggling, or have current obstacles that are keeping you from being at your best. I am here to support
you!
Lanier Middle School, 2600 Woodhead, Houston Texas 77098 Phone 713-942-1900