Course Name
Credit Hours
Room Number(s)
Advanced Algebra
3.0 credits
120 (west building)
Teacher
Contact Information
John Triscari
668-3030 x51062
john.triscari@mpls.k12.mn.us
http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/triscari_john.html
Course Description/Purpose
Course Goals/Learning
Objectives
Prerequisites/Technology
Use
Required
Textbooks/Equipment
Classroom
Procedures/Policies
This course focuses on pattern recognition, linear systems, matrices,
and elementary functions using multiple representations. Elementary
functions include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational,
exponential, and logarithmic functions. The student will develop
advanced algebraic tools that will help them participate fully as a
productive citizen in a changing world. The student will also review
standards that are required for the Minnesota MCA II Mathematics
exam.
To support students’ ability to
 recognize, describe, and generalize patterns to make
predictions;
 use algebraic symbols and operations to represent and
analyze mathematical structures and relationships;
 analyze the relationships and interactions between
quantities to model and compare patterns of change for
complex functions;
 use principles of probability to evaluate situations where
risk is involved.
Geometry or teacher recommendation.
Students should have some experience with TI-84 graphing
calculators as well as word processing software.
You are expected to bring the following every day to class:
 Pencils
 Spiral Notebook or Binder with loose leaf paper
 Calculator, TI-84 preferred
 Advanced Algebra Textbook
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


Attendance is crucial to our work in this class. If you miss a
day, you are expected to get the work from a classmate, the
website, or the teacher.
If you have an unexcused absence on a test day, you will be
awarded no points. Don’t skip tests.
While I do tolerate the presence of mobile technology, I do not
tolerate distractions to learning. Check your messages before
class, after class, but never during class. I will do the same.
Consequences for unapproved use of technology vary. Be
prepared to be parted from the source of the distraction for a
reasonable length of time.
We do our best to provide a supportive learning environment
here at Southwest. I cannot tolerate bullying behavior in my
classroom. If something you say or do makes someone in class
uncomfortable, consequences will follow. Consequences for
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
Assignments
And
Assessments
such behavior vary but will likely result in a referral to your
assigned assistant principal. Above all, be nice to everyone in
our room.
For more information on excused absences, see the School
Handbook.
The most important task you have in my classroom is to learn
mathematics, and you should expect that your grade will reflect how
much math you have actually learned. My grading system is slightly
different than what you may be used to. At the beginning of each
unit, I will give you a list of "Learning Targets," or the things I expect
you to be able to do by the end of the unit. While we will still have
tests and quizzes throughout the chapter (expect a quiz at the end of
every week), you will find that each assessment is broken down into
the learning targets from your list. The quizzes and tests are only
ways for you to show me that you know the things listed in the
learning targets. Attached is a rubric that I will use to decide how
well you know a target.
This system is beneficial in several ways for both student and teacher.
First, after a quiz or test the teacher will be able to tell what types of
problems students are struggling with and will be able to review only
what we aren't getting as a class. Second, you as a student will know
which concepts you already understand and which you need to study
more before the next assessment. Finally, retakes are simplified. If
you don't do well on a certain target, you can retake only that target
instead of a whole test. You do less work and I grade less.
Grades will be determined as follows:
 90% Learning Targets
 10% Assignments
The grade cutoffs are as follows:
%
A
+
Student Code of Conduct
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism/Consequences
B
87
83
80
93
90
C
77
73
70
D
67
63
60
F
Below 60
All students are expected to adhere to the Southwest High School and
Minneapolis District Citywide Discipline Policy, designed to promote
a safe and respectful learning environment. For more information
about your rights and responsibilities consult your Southwest
Student/Parent Handbook
It is expected that members of this class will observe strict policies of
academic honesty and will be respectful of each other. Any instances
in which cheating, including plagiarism and unauthorized use of
copyrighted materials, computer accounts, or someone else’s work is
determined, will be referred to Student Services and will be
investigated to its full extent.
Find a definition of plagiarism on page 10 of the Student Handbook
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