ALGEBRA I
Course Syllabus
Mrs. Cathy Thomas
606 573 8750 ext 4
Cathy.thomas@harlanind.kyschools.us
Course Description:
The goal of Algebra I is to prepare students for higher level thinking in mathematics
through the building of skill knowledge, the mastery of key concepts, and the
development of problem solving strategies. The content of Algebra I is organized around
families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. As you
study each family of functions, you will learn to represent them in multiple ways – as
verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. You will also learn to model realworld situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
In addition to its algebra content, Algebra I includes lessons on probability and data
analysis as well as numerous examples and exercises involving geometry. These math
topics often appear on standardized tests, so maintaining your familiarity with them is
important. To help you prepare for standardized tests, Algebra I, provides instruction and
practice on standardized test questions in a variety of formats. Technology support for
both learning algebra and preparing for standardized test and test is available at
classzone.com.
The course is scheduled for 36 weeks of study in which the students will be exposed to
the concepts listed below in various ways. We will discuss the concepts in detail during
class discussions. Classroom PowerPoint presentations will be used to reinforce
concepts. Many sample problems will be presented and I will lead students step-by-step
through various thinking and problem solving strategies required to solve many kinds of
problems. Students will be given ample opportunity to practice solving problems through
in-class assignments as well as through homework assignments. Student will keep
binders that contain their class notes.
Topics Covered include, but not limited to:
 Equations in One variable
 Equations in Two variables
 Exponential and Quadratic Functions
 Radical and Rational Functions
Materials Required
 3-ring binder 1 ½ - 2 inches
 tab dividers (Labeled: Notes, Vocabulary, Quizzes/tests)
 loose leaf papers
 graph paper
 Note cards or composition notebook
 TI-84 Plus Calculator – recommended, but not required.
Grading Policy: The main reasons students are students are not successful in my
class are absences and not turning in assignments (zeros).
90% Classwork, Quizzes, Tests
10% Final Exam
Homework/Assignments will be given on a daily basis some assignments will be graded
others will not, based on teacher discretion. All assignments are designed to help students
master the concepts and should be treated as if all are taken for a grade. These
assignments will be scored on the point system. Students will be awarded points based
on the number of problems they attempt to do on a particular assignment, not necessarily
whether or not they are correct. All homework will be posted on the “Week at a glance”
board and communicated to parents via class website as well as Remind101.
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Quizzes will be given at least once a week, usually twice a week and will also be
graded on points. Each quiz will generally be worth 50 points.
Tests will be given approximately every two weeks and are worth 100 points
each. If you score less than 70% you have the option of retaking the test under the
following conditions.
A) You must attend at least two days of before or after school tutoring.
B) You must retake the test on your own time not class time.
C) You must retake the test before we finish the next unit/chapter.
D) If you retake a test, your grade will be determined by the following
average: original test 1/3, retest 2/3, (Ex. Original Test 60, retest 80
60+80+80=220 220/3=73.3%)
THE QUIZ AND TEST SCHEDULE IS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE.
These dates are flexible with the pace of the course and are designed to help
you have an idea when assessments will be given.
Notebook – you are expected to keep a formal notebook for the class. This
notebook will be counted on as a test grade on the day of the final, both in
December and May.
Activities and points possible may be added at the teacher’s discretion.
Remind101 – will be used to communicate assignments and important dates. This
service sends notifications via text message or email. This is a good way for parents
and students to stay up to date with class information. Each class has it’s own
group notification.
 TO SUBSCRIBE VIA PHONE TEXT 606-619-9774 with the code for your
class.
 5th period Algebra @b65c8 for email notification
http://www.remind.com/join/b65c8
 7th period Algebra @bde27 for email notification
http://www.remind.com/join/bde27
Class Expectations:
1) When the tardy bell rings, class begins, you are expected to be in your seat when
the bell rings not running through the door.
2) Respect everyone in the classroom. I will always respect you, I expect you to
respect other and me.
3) Bring materials to class (e.g., book, paper, pencil, assignments, etc.).
4) Do not eat or drink in the classroom.
5) Restroom: You will be allowed to go to the restroom during appropriate times
and I am the determiner of those times. It is best to take care of that BEFORE
class.
6) Be responsible! When you are absent YOU are responsible for your make up
work! This must be done in accordance to school policy.
7) You will be assigned a number for a calculator. Each day your get the same
calculator and replace it when you are finished.
8) Keep an organized notebook containing notes, assignments, worksheets, and
activities.
Should you need to contact me after school hours, please use the school email address at
the beginning of the syllabus. I am available to meet before or after school with students
needing additional help or for parent conferences. Please schedule these times one day in
advance if possible.
I have read and agree to the terms in the syllabus.
_____________________________
Student
______________________________
Parent/Guardian
Date Returned to the classroom ________________________