Sidney Lanier High School
1201 PAYTON GIN
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78758
(512) 414-2514
Ryan Hopkins
SHELBY BURNETT
ALGEBRA/MATH MODELS
ROOM T16
Principal
Course Overview:
In this class we will establish foundation concepts for high school mathematics. Throughout the course
we will study functions, which represent the systematic dependence of one quantity on another. Students will
use functions to represent and model problem situations and to analyze and interpret relationships. We will
examine the relationship between functions and equations, and the students will build techniques for working
with each. During the course of their studies, students will continually use problem-solving techniques,
computation in problem-solving contexts, language and communication, connections within and outside
mathematics, and reasoning, as well as, multiple representations, applications and modeling, and justification of
solutions.
Course Objectives:
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) will be the foundation for this course. Upon
completion of this course, students will:
1) Understand a function represents a dependence of one quantity on another and can be described
in a variety of ways.
2) Use the properties and attributes of functions.
3) Understand the meaning of the slope and intercepts of linear functions and interpret and
describe the effects of changes in parameters of linear functions in real-world and mathematical
situations.
4) Formulate equations and inequalities based on linear functions, use a variety of methods to
solve them, and analyze the solutions in terms of the situation.
5) Formulate systems of linear equations from problem situations, use a variety of methods to
solve them, and analyze the solutions in terms of the situation.
6) Understand the graphs of quadratic functions are affected by the parameters of the function and
can interpret and describe the effects of changes in the parameters of quadratic functions.
7) Solve quadratic equations using a variety of methods.
8) Understand there are situations modeled by functions that are neither linear nor quadratic and
model the situations.
Materials:
 Composition Notebook
 Pencil or pen
Class Rules:
1) No Electronics in Class
2) Be Nice- No put downs, assume positive intent of others, be inclusive not exclusive.
3) Work Hard- Be on time and here every day. Work hard all the time, there is always something to be
doing. Give everything your best effort.
Classroom Expectations:
Students must follow the Lanier High School rules at all times (see “Student Handbook”).
It is the expectation of Lanier High School that all students will have a successful year. To accomplish this goal,
the following expectations should be met:
 Complete each assignment and project by the due date. It is the student’s responsibility to
obtain missed assignments, notes, etc. Late or missed assignments will be accepted according
to school policy.
“It is Sidney Lanier High School’s policy to allow one day to make-up work for each
day the student is absent from the time the student returns to class.”
“If a student fails to turn in an assignment by the required due date, the student is given
three additional days to turn in the assignment for a maximum 70% credit. If the
student has not turned in the assignment by the end of three days, the student will get
zero credit for the assignment.”
Students absent on the day of a pre-scheduled test or quiz will be expected to take it on
the day they return.
Grading Policy:
Student grades will be calculated based on the following weighting system:
Daily work – 40% of grade
Quizzes –
35% of grade
Tests –
25 % of grade
Homework Policy:
Homework will be given every day. Homework assignments must be completed before the quiz for that
unit is given. Any homework assignments turned in after a unit quiz or after the end of the six-weeks will not be
accepted.
Tests & Benchmark Exams:
Tests will be given one week before the end of each six-weeks. We will review for each test at least one
day in advance. The tests will include questions in a variety of formats, including multiple choice and free
response. Students will be allowed to complete test corrections until the end of the six-weeks. Test corrections
can earn the student up to half of their points back.
There will be benchmark exams as mandated by Austin Independent School District. These will be
cumulative in nature and will help prepare you for the STAAR/End of Course exam, counting towards
graduation requirements established by the State of Texas.
Extra Help:
Students may seek extra help from any Algebra 1 teacher at Lanier High School. All tutoring dates and times
are listed below. Students may also arrange tutoring outside of these hours by talking individually with
teachers.
Sidney Lanier High School
1201 PAYTON GIN
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78758
(512) 414-2514
SHELBY BURNETT
T16
Algebra/Math Models
***************** Please read, sign, and return this.**************
Student: I have read the syllabus and understand its content.
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(Signature)
E-mail: ______________________________
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Parent: I have read the contents of the syllabus. My student will be expected to follow the contents.
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E-mail: ______________________________
Thank you,
Ms. Burnett
Algebra/Math Models
575-640-7569
Shelby.burnett@austinisd.org
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(Date)
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