Transitional Algebra Course Syllabus
Larry A. Ryle High School
2014-2015
Contact Information
Jerra Wood
Jerra.wood@boone.kyschools.us
School phone: 384-5300
Course Overview
Welcome to Transitions! This course is designed to help improve your number sense and mathematical skills and to
help develop your algebra skills. Among the activities that you will be doing are number talks, a computer course
“How to Learn Mathematics for Students”, ALEKS computer work, problem solving, skills development and
practice, enrichment activities, and whole class and small group activities. This course will help support you as you
take Algebra I.
I will plan and supply activities to help you grow as a mathematician. I will provide expertise and support your
growth. I need you to bring a good attitude, be willing to work hard, and be curious about math. You will be
expected to follow established classroom procedures. We are building a community of mathematical learners, and I
need you to work cheerfully and productively with me and your classmates. This classroom is to be a safe place in
which to make mistakes, because we all make them and we learn from them.
My vision for this class is to have four stations with activities for students that the students rotate through: ALEKS,
Mastering and Practicing Skills (MAPS), Small Group Instruction, and Enrichment Activities. I plan on meeting
with every student every week. I also want to pre-teach Algebra I skills. In order for this to happen, students will
need to be able to stay on task and actively work toward a productive and orderly classroom environment.
Grading Policy
Successful completion of this course earns an elective credit toward high school graduation. This course does not
earn a mathematics credit, per state regulations.
Formative assessments may be given on occasion. Homework, except in the case of absenteeism or lack of effort in
class, will rarely be given.
Assignments – 50% of term grade
Assignment grades will be based upon accuracy and completion. Assignments include journals, individual work,
group work, activities, and Star Math tests. I expect for the scores on the Star Math tests to show growth over time
and reflect a good faith effort.
ALEKS – 50% of term grade
Progress in ALEKS
We will be using an online program called ALEKS to work on essential Algebra content. ALEKS is an instructional
program distributed by Academic Edge that has quite an outstanding record for students who use the program on a
regular basis. Class time will be given to work through the ALEKS program. If students are absent or off task, they
will need to make up that time at home, the library, or during RAP.
Students must stay on pace to complete 100% of the ALEKS algebra class by the end of the school year. At the end
of each quarter, a grade will be assigned for total progress based on what percentage of the course they have
mastered. The goal is to complete 25% of the program each quarter.
Weekly ALEKS progress grade
A grade will be assigned to the number of topics mastered each week. The breakdown is as follows:
8 topics = 100%
7 topics = 95%
6 topics = 90%
5 topics = 85%
4 topics = 80%
3 topics = 75%
2 topics = 70%
Less than 2 topics = 50%
Semester grades are calculated as follows:
* Each quarter grade 45%
* Semester Exam 10%
The two semester grades will be averaged for your final course grade.
Technology
Students are responsible for any technology used in the classroom. If the technology is lost, stolen, or damaged
while in their possession, they will be responsible to repay the school the cost of that piece of technology.
Course Policies and Expectations
Students are responsible for beginning class. They will have an assignment or an activity to work on at the
beginning of each class. Students are to enter the class room quietly, get their notebooks, sharpen pencils if needed,
sit down, and start working. Students are expected to be seated and working when class begins.
Follow established classroom procedures.
Work on math the entire class period.
This is not a time for you to do your Algebra I homework. I will support your learning in Algebra I, will do preteaching of skills, and if needed, occasional re-teaching. However, this course is not a study hall for you to use to do
your homework.
You will need to have your AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) signed before you will be allowed to do any work on the
computer.
Good attendance is important for learning. Please make every effort to be in class every day. If you are absent,
upon your return to school, you will need to collect the work that you missed. According to school policy, you have
as many days as you were absent to turn in missed assignments.
You will be allowed to use calculators on some assignments, but will not be allowed to use calculators on other
assignments. While a calculator is a powerful tool, it can also be a crutch. We will be working on your ability to
work with numbers, and sometimes that needs to be done without a calculator. Follow the given directions related
to calculator use.
Show work on all written assignments. I like to see what students are thinking, and that is best accomplished by
showing your work. This benefits you, also, because you have a record of what you did and therefore are able to
remember how you worked the problem.
Be responsible for your work. Bring supplies, your agenda, and a willingness to work every day.
You will be required to keep a journal. This journal may be stored in the classroom. Pick it up at the beginning of
class to do your bell ringer, do your reflection in it at the end of class, and turn it back in before leaving.
Bring your agenda to class every day. Agendas will only be signed twice per quarter for you to leave the classroom.
You may only use your own agenda to leave the room. If you do not have your agenda and need to leave the room,
you will need to wait until class is over. Being present in the classroom is important for your learning. I
recommend that you use the time between classes to use the restroom, sharpen pencils, get a drink, go to your
locker, etc. (Medical exceptions on file in student records will be honored.)
Cell phones are to remain turned off and put away. Also, do not use your cell phone for your calculator, even at
home. Not all calculators work in the same way, and you need to be familiar with how your calculator works.
Since we meet in a computer lab, school policies for the labs are in effect. That means that you may not eat, drink,
or chew gum in this room.
Please leave the classroom in the same condition that it was in when you entered the room.
Students will be dismissed when the class is seated and quiet. Wait for my signal to leave the classroom. Please be
sure you are logged off your computer, leave your area neat, gather your supplies, push in your chairs, and leave the
classroom quietly.
Please note: This syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes. Also, the best way to
contact me outside of class is by email: jerra.wood@boone.kyschools.us
Materials List for Transitions – due Monday, August 18th

Notebook/Journal

Folder

Loose-leaf paper

Pencils

Highlighters, colored pencils, and/or markers

Scientific calculator (TI-30 series with a 2 line display, for example) (Bring the same calculator
you use for your Algebra I class.)
Read and discuss this course syllabus with your parent(s) or guardian(s). Please return the attached signed form to
me by Monday, August 18th, 2014.
I, ________________________________ (printed student name) have read and understand the Transitions course
syllabus and the course expectations.
I, ________________________________ (printed parent/guardian name) have read and understand the Transitions
course syllabus and the course expectations.
Student signature: _________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Parent/Guardian signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________________________
Parent Contact Information: Please indicate the best method of contacting you.
Email
Cell Phone
Home Phone
Letter
Other: ________________
Please supply the contact information for that best method: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
When using that contact information, I will be in contact with ___________________________________________
(Name and relationship to student – please print)