ALGEBRA SYLLABUS
Instructor:Leah Koehne, 815.899.8160, lkoehne@syc427.org
Wiki:koehnemath.pbworks.com
Available Tutoring Times: Most days before and after school except Thursday morning (PLC late start)
ALGEBRA COURSE DESCRIPTION
Algebra is a traditional course in the college-prep sequence and is designed to give students a solid foundation in
mathematics. Students in Algebra have a math ability that is considered to be “at grade level.” This course emphasizes
simplifying expressions, solving equations and inequalities, using problem-solving techniques to solve word problems and
learning methods of graphing. Scientific calculators are used on a regular basis. This is the suggested course as a
prerequisite for Geometry.
Textbook: Algebra I, McDougal Littell ISBN #978-06185-9556-3
Required Calculator: TI-30 or higher (a scientific calculator). It does not need to be a graphing calculator, but it is fine
if you decide to purchase one this year. (It will be required in 2 years in Algebra 2.)
Math Department Critical Outcomes
Upon exiting high school, students will be able to:
Solve equations and inequalities
Use logical reasoning
Interpret and model data
Know, use, and manipulate formulas
Use technology to solve problems
Demonstrate a number sense
Use mathematical operations at the appropriate level
Analyze attributes and explore relationships of multi-dimensional shapes
Understand, evaluate, interpret and apply functions
Know and use appropriate mathematics vocabulary
Schools in 46 states are now in the process of implementing the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. These
standards help teachers develop curriculum. If you would like to take a look at these standards, please visit
www.corestandards.org. To see the learning targets we have developed, you may visit the school website.
Approximate Course Sequence and Grading
Each chapter will take approximately 2 - 3 weeks to complete. The wiki will have a chapter-by-chapter outline for
planning purposes. Semester 1 will consist of chapters 1 through 5. The semester 1 exam will cover these chapters.
Semester 2 will consist of chapters 6 through 12. The semester 2 exam will cover these chapters. Semester exams
account for 20% of the semester grade.
Materials to Bring Every Day
Textbook, Pencil, Grading Pen,Notebook, Calculator
Technology Policy
Cell phones and music players must be out of sight and turned off during class time (unless, on rare occasions, consent is
given). The first infraction will be recorded as a warning, and any other infractions will result in disciplinary
consequences. They cannot be used in place of a calculator. Certain topics prohibit the use of the calculator.
Rules and Expectations
 Come every day prepared to learn. We will use all 50 minutes of every class period.
 Show respect for other people, their possessions, and their opinions at all times. Bullying or talk that degrades
others will not be tolerated.
 Trips to lockers, restroom, etc. should be taken care of before or after class.
 No eating or drinking in class is allowed other than a bottle of water. Gum chewing is acceptable as long as I
don’t see it, hear it, or find it in strange places.
 No bags or backpacks will be allowed in the classroom. You will be asked to return it to your locker, and a tardy
will be issued if you do not return before the bell. Small purses that cannot fit an assignment notebook will be
allowed.
 Please act maturely. I will respect you as young adults as long as you behave that way. Misbehavior will result in
a phone call home and/or referral to the Dean’s Office.
Note that all other rules stated in your student handbook also apply in class.
Grading Policy
Grades consist of:
Tests (1 per chapter) – 50% of grade
Quizzes (1-2 per chapter) – 30% of grade
Practice (assigned daily) – 20% of grade
As you might expect, practice is the essential ingredient in a good math grade. Practice will be given everyday.
 I will generally check for completion before we check answers.
 A complete assignment (including all work shown) is worth 4 points.
 If most of the work is done, you will receive a 3.
 If fewer problems are complete, you will receive a 2 or a 1.
 Practice must be completed before coming to class. If I see you working on it while I'm checking, you get a zero.
 Practice will be accepted late up to one week for half credit if all problems are attempted.
Helpful Hints
 Do ALL of your homework every day, making sure to show your work. You will work in pencil and grade with your
grading pen.
 Make sure you are taking good notes. They should be dated and show the section number. You may want to use
highlighters or colored pencils to draw attention to important examples. Keep it updated when you are absent.
 Study for tests and quizzes! Go over your notes and homework problems, as well as any extra problems. Rework
problems…practice helps you improve!
 Make sure you ask questions as soon as you have any. Do not let yourself fall behind!
Make-Up Work
If you miss a day of class, it is your responsibility to make sure the work is made up quickly. Class notes and assignments
will be posted on the class wiki. If your absence is due to a school function (field trip, early dismissal for sports, etc.), you
must make arrangements prior to the absence to get your assignments.
Communication with Parents
The Parent Portal will be open for both you and your parents to check your grades and attendance. It will be updated in a
timely manner. Please realize that certain grades (projects, tests, etc.) may take longer to be posted.
Grading Scale
98-100
88-89
78-79
68-69
A+
B+
C+
D+
92-97
82-87
72-77
62-67
A
B
C
D
90-91
80-81
70-71
60-61
ABCD-
Below 60 F
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Please sign below and return by Friday.
My signature shows that I have read and understand the expectations for this class.
Student signature: ____________________________________
Student name (printed): _______________________________________
Parent signature: ____________________________________
Parent name (printed): _________________________________
Class period: ___________