Ms. Driscoll’s Algebra 1 Syllabus for 2015-2016
Class Schedule (Room 521)
1st hr
Algebra 1
2nd hr PLAN
3rd hr Algebra 1
1st lunch
4th hr
5th hr
6th hr
Algebra 1
Algebra 1
Algebra 1
Course Objectives:
This year we will focus on the following areas:
 Writing Expressions
 Solving Equations
 Writing and Solving Inequalities
 Percent and Ratios
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Functions
Slope and Linear Equations
System of Equations
Polynomials and Factoring
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Simplifying Radicals
Exponential Expressions
Quadratic Equations
Required Daily Supplies that will be needed by Monday, August 24th:
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McDougal/Littell Algebra 1 Textbook
Composition Notebook (for bellwork & daily notes)
Binder/Folder for returned assignments
Pencils or pens
Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
TI 30XS Multiview Calculator (They run anywhere between $15 and $20, we have a class set for
the classroom but students will not be able to check them out for homework)
Agenda (required by school and a student may not leave the classroom without it)
Student ID (required by school and a student may not be admitted to class without it)
Classroom Supplies:
The following are required supplies for classroom use.
 1st/3rd/5th Hours: 1 box of tissues, 1 pack of index cards
 4th/6th Hours: 1 box of washable markers, 1 package of notebook paper
Grading Policy and Course Design:
Every student starts the school year with 100% but it is their responsibility to maintain that grade.
The student’s grade will be determined by the following:
Daily Grade (40%) - Homework assignments, Quizzes and Projects for each semester will be worth 40% of the student’s total grade.
Homework assignments
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Procedures for homework.
1) Assignments are graded on a 10 point scale. This is based on the following criteria:
 Students will grade assignments for accuracy. Any problems left blank will be marked as incorrect, it is important that
students attempt all problems assigned.
 The percentage correct will correspond to how many points the students receives out of 10. For example:
o A 85% will round up to a 9.
o A 71% will be a 7.
o A 58% will be a 6.
If no work is shown on assignment zero points will be awarded!
2) I will check assignments sporadically to make sure students are being truthful in their grading. Incorrect grading will result in an
automatic zero.
3) Homework is due at the beginning of the hour before grading, if not turned in lunch tutoring will be assigned to make up the
assignment, this must be completed before the chapter test. If tutoring is missed the student will receive a zero.
Bellwork/Exit Slips
 Students will complete bellwork daily as they come into class unless otherwise posted.
 Bellwork may consist of review problems, leading questions, math journals, or logic puzzles and should be completed in the first 5
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10 minutes of class.
Exit Slips will be given at the end of class (last 5 minutes) and will consist of 1-2 problems or questions to be handed in before
leaving the classroom.
Bellwork and Exit Slips combine for a 10 point grade each week.
If a student is absent it is his/her responsibility to write ABSENT for the day’s bellwork or it will be considered incomplete.
Reviews
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These are very important homework assignments for the students to do because it will help the students review for tests.
There will usually be one day of in-class review for chapter tests and two days for 9 weeks and semester exams.
Procedures for Reviews
1. Reviews will be given a few days before they are due and are kept inside the student’s notebook.
2. Reviews are to be finished at the beginning of the hour on the day before the test, when the class will go over them.
3. We will go over the review in different ways: game, students work on board or I work the problems.
4. After we have gone over the reviews, students can use them to study that night before the test. They are to turn them back in the
next day before the test starts.
Quizzes will occur approximately once a week and are worth 50 points each and are open note, there will
typically not be a review assigned for a quiz.
Important information about homework assignments and reviews
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Late work policy:
1. If a student has excused absences then the number of days absent is the number of days given to complete missed
assignments
a) All daily assignments will be written on the calendar, handouts will be kept in the “Absent?” Files by the door-students are
responsible for picking up missing assignments and getting them turned in when necessary.
b) If a student is absent the day before a quiz or test, they will take it the day they come back.
c) For school activities, assignments need to be picked up before student leaves and turned in the day they come back.
d) Those in school activities will either take quizzes and tests before they leave or the day they come back.
e) Students who have been suspended or are in ISD will get assignments before they leave and will turn in those
assignments and make-up any quizzes or tests when they get back.
2. If there is not an excused absent and the student was present when the assignment was given:
a. Student will attend lunch tutoring during their lunch time before the end of the chapter test.
(1st lunch room 522 & 2nd lunch room 742)
b. They are to stay at least 15 minutes. (students will sign in and out of tutoring)
c. They are to get the signature of the tutor before they leave.
d. If a student does not do homework, lunch tutoring is mandatory to make up assignment and refusal to do so will
result in contacting guardian and principal if necessary. All work is mandatory in order to be successful in this class.
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If a student accumulates 1 missing assignment parents will be contacted after 5 the parent and principal will be informed.
After the chapter test any assignments not turned in for that chapter are a permanent zero.
Notebooks/Tests Grade (40%) – Notebooks and Tests for each semester will be worth 40% of the student’s total grade.
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There will be tests given over certain sections or entire chapters throughout the year and they are worth 100 points each.
There will be no retakes on any test or quiz.
There will be 9 week cumulative tests given each semester that will be taken as a test grade.
Students will know in advance when my tests are so they need to be prepared to take them on test day.
a. Students should always read the boards in my class.
b. I write upcoming test dates and any important information on these
c. Students are responsible for whatever information is on my boards.
If the student has received all lecture materials and/or has attended the review, they will take the test on test day.
If we have any projects during the year they will also be considered a test grade.
Notes will be taken and kept in a composition notebook. All sections will be labeled in a table of contents and at the beginning of each
section. If a student is absent it is their responsibility to acquire the notes from my webpage or a peer to place in the notebook. Notes
will be checked at the end of each chapter and will be a separate test grade worth 40-100 points depending on the chapter.
Semester Exams (20%) - There are cumulative Semester Exams worth 20% of the student’s total grade.
Extra Help:
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Help times:
1. Each morning at 8:00 and directly after school Wednesday-Friday.
2. Unexpected situations may arise so a student can also make arrangements for help before/after school or at lunch.
3. Please make sure that if an appointment is made that the student shows.
Math help line (when this schedule is announced I will tell the students).
Website
1. I will try to keep my website updated with assignments and important information (www.mooreschools.com and under school
staff click on Danielle Driscoll).
2. If your student does or does not have Internet, the book has the information.
3. The Algebra 1 Book online
a. If you would like access, please see my website for more information. There are detailed instructions posted.
Remind
 I have set up a Remind account for my Algebra 1 classes.
 Remind allows teachers to send mass texts to all students (or parents) to remind them of upcoming due dates or tests without
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students being able to respond to that text. (It will not come from me but from the Remind web program.)
If you would like to enroll in my Remind texts simply text “@P7374” to the number: 81010.
I will have the information about Remind posted in my classroom as well.
Achieving Classroom Excellence Exam (ACE - Previously known as the EOIs)
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The ACE will be administered in April or May and will encompass all topics covered this year.
Algebra 1 and English 2 are required for graduation
Students must also pass 2 of the following 5 ACE exams at the High School level in order to graduate:
1. Algebra 2
2. Biology 1
3. English 3
4. Geometry
5. US History
The students EOI scores will also be reflected on the student’s diploma as to whether they passed or failed
Failed EOI’s could result in them being required to take remedial math courses in college.
As for my class, I will review and give a Practice Test before the real EOI and we will spend an abundant amount of time reviewing in
the spring.
Grades
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The school sends out progress reports every 3 weeks
All parents/guardians with internet access can use the schools portal to see the student’s grades and attendance
Parents/guardians can call or e-mail me (danielledriscoll@mooreschools.com) with any questions on grades and/or attendance (or
behavior) and I will get back with them ASAP.
Attendance
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If a student is tardy they must let me know so that I can change the attendance; if they do not then it stays an absence.
If a student receives 10 ½ unexcused absences for that semester, they will receive no credit for the class.
Two tardies is counted as an absence
If the student is over 5 minutes late to class it is considered an absence.
The school makes calls regarding daily absences
Parent/Guardian Contact
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I find it easier to communicate via e-mail and will most likely do so in the event contact is necessary (i.e. attendance or behavior
problems, poor grades, or I just need to tell you how great your kid is!)
If it is better for me to contact you via phone please write me a note on the parent signature section so I can see to that.
If at any time you would like to contact me please feel free to shoot me and e-mail (danielledriscoll@mooreschools.com) or call
the school and they will get the message to me, (405)735-4200.
The Student Handbook will be followed especially in the situations of:
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Cell Phones/Headphone of any type
1. Students are not to have their phones out in class AT ALL.
2. If students are playing or texting on cellphones in my class I will turn the phone in to the office. (students may pick up phones at
the end of the day)
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School Dress Code 3. Please have student read and follow the school dress code.
4. If dress code is not followed they will be sent home to change.
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ID’s and Agendas
5. ID’s must be worn at all times
6. Must have Agendas to leave class
Expectations
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Students should be respectful of each other and their surroundings.
Students should come to class prepared to learn and participate.
There are no cell phones, food, or drinks allowed in the classroom with the exception of water.
Students should follow all rules in the Student Handbook and use common sense at all times.
Discipline:
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Failure to meet classroom expectations and/or disruption of the learning environment in place will result in the following discipline
steps.
Discipline is dependent on the severity & consistency of the action (if severe - go directly to Grade Principal).
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Student/Teacher Conference
3rd Offense: Parent Notification (Conference if necessary)
4th Offense: Principal Intervention
If I happen to have a substitute teacher, any student that had his/her name written down will have parents contacted the first time it
happens (unless the action is severe and then it is an automatic referral), and a referral the second time any substitute writes his/her name
down.