Algebra II Mrs. Garrett 2014-2015 Course Objectives: This course is an extension of Algebra I and provides further development of the concept of a function. Topics include: (1) relations, functions, equations and inequalities; (2) polynomials; (3) algebraic fractions; (4) logarithmic and exponential functions; (5) sequences and series; and (6) counting principles and probability, and as time allows. Algebra II students are expected to: Read mathematical problems actively and critically. Write effective solutions to problems and projects Present solutions to problems effectively Use a variety of appropriate resources including the computer and calculator to solve mathematical problems Employ multiple critical and creative thinking strategies in reasoning and problem solving Demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation of how mathematics can be used outside the mathematics classroom Course Outline: For each standard, students will be completing work that draws from the information presented in the class, as well as the text and other outside materials. To master each standard, each student will complete of some combination of bookwork, activities, projects, and real-life applications of the math. The Algebra II class will be following a pacing calendar for much of the year. This calendar divides the standards into smaller units, each lasting two to three weeks. In addition, each Monday, the assignments and topics for the week will be posted online. This way both parents and students will know exactly what is happening in the class. Classes will be structured in a group format, allowing me to be able to structure lessons around student needs. Each group will participate in two different types of groups each day. The groups will be New Material, Practice, Spiral I (Review), Quizzes (will be random and may be unannounced), and Exam Correct days (which will be after a Unit Test). Unit Tests will be given on Fridays. Classroom Expectations: Students will need to have the following supplies with them EACH DAY in order to be successful in Algebra II. -A composition book for notes -A one-inch (1”) binder with four dividers (Do Nows, Homework, Quizzes, Test Results) -Loose-leaf paper (lined and graph) for the binder -A Writing Utensil (pen, pencil, crayon, etc.) Notes and Do-Nows: Each student is required to take notes and do all Do-Nows. Notes should include chapter and section headings, vocabulary, formulas, etc. as presented and reviewed in class. Homework/Class work: Homework will be assigned every night. Late assignments will not be accepted unless the student is absent. Late projects will be penalized one letter grade for each day they are late. a. All work turned in for credit must be done in pencil with all work shown. b. Use proper heading (first and last name, date, period, and assignment). c. Copy problem, unless it is a word problem. d. Circle, box, or highlight your answer. e. Grade in another color (not black). f. Write the correct answer for all missed or skipped problems. If the problem was done on the board, copy the work for the problem (not just the answer). Participation: Students are expected to be in class every day, on time and prepared with all necessary notes, assignments, textbooks, writing tools, calculator, etc. Students will earn points each semester based on required materials, attendance, tardiness, paying attention, asking and answering questions, and being actively involved in all classroom activities. Quizzes: Quizzes will be frequent and may or may not be announced. If you are absent, your unit test score will replace any missed quizzes. If there is no unit test for a quiz, then a make-up quiz will be given. Tests: A test will be given at the end of each unit. All tests will be announced. Makeups are typically more difficult. While I review tests in class or during tutorial, I do not return the test to the student to keep. The reason for this is that we need to ensure that the assessment instrument is an accurate measure of the individual student’s learning and not distorted by access to the past versions of the same exam. However, I am committed to using tutorials to ensure that students can gain the maximum value that can be derived from their performance on prior assessments.