Algebra 1 Course Outline
2015-2016
Ms. Mary Cusack
Course Description: This is a full year required course for freshmen with limited or no previous experience in algebra.
Daily Materials: Textbook: Pearson, Algebra 1 Common Core
Pencils
Three ring binder/loose leaf paper OR notebook/folder
Calculator (recommended: TI-30II XS or TI-83 Plus or TI-84)
Classroom Rules: There are three “rules” for this class. The teacher expects each student to be prompt, prepared, and polite.
-Being prompt means being in class and seated with the previous night's homework on the desk before the bell rings. School tardy policy will be enforced!
-Being prepared means that the student has all of the necessary materials for class (notebook/paper, book, pencil, calculator, etc.). The teacher is not responsible for providing the student with materials; every student should have his/her own materials. Prepared also means that students have completed their homework and studied for tests or quizzes.
-Being polite means that the student treats the teacher and his/her fellow classmates with respect.
-Students are also expected to abide by the expected behaviors and dress code found in the student handbook.
Course Work: There are three types of course work for Algebra 1: practice, quizzes, and tests.
-Practice: Practice includes homework, warm-ups, and in-class activities. Work should be shown for every problem. Homework will be assigned on a daily basis and is due the following day at the beginning of class. A student's best effort is expected in attempting homework as it is graded based on completeness, not correctness unless otherwise announced. Warm-up problems will be completed at the beginning of class as a way to review a previous concept or introduce a new concept. Warm-up problems will be graded in the same manner as homework. In-class activities will vary to further the understanding of current concepts.
-Quizzes: Due to the significant amount of concepts covered in a chapter, there will be multiple quizzes between each test. Quizzes are an excellent way to gauge understanding of material before the test occurs. The weight of each quiz is dependent upon the amount of material the quiz covers.
-Tests: Generally each test will be the culmination of a chapter of material. Reviewing previous quizzes from the chapter is an excellent way to prepare for the chapter test. All tests and quizzes will be announced well in advance to give students ample time to prepare and review.

Evaluation:
Quarter weights:
Practice 15%
Quizzes 35%
Tests 50%
Semester weights:
1st Quarter 40%
2nd Quarter 40%
Final 20%
Grading Scale:
100 - 90 % A
89 - 80% B
79 - 70% C
69 - 65% D
Below 65% NC
Absences: There is no substitute for being in class. If a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to get the notes from the day(s) the student missed and complete the homework from the day(s) missed. The student must show the teacher their makeup work; the teacher will not ask for it. Homework should be submitted within two days of the student's return to class. Missing notes should be acquired outside of classroom time from another responsible student. All missing tests and quizzes must be completed within two weeks of the student's return to school. It is the student's responsibility to schedule a time to complete any missing tests and quizzes.
Late Work: Any work turned in after the initial due date is considered late (with the exception of an absence).
A student can receive at most half credit for any late assignment. Late work will be accepted up to and including the day of the chapter test, otherwise it remains a zero.
Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty of any kind will be treated with a zero tolerance policy. Academic dishonesty includes copying another student's homework, quiz, or test and then presenting it as the student's own work. Absolutely no credit will be given and further consequences are possible.
Electronic Devices: Cell phones are to remain off and entirely out of sight. School policy will be enforced for any violations. IPad use in class is for school work only. IPads will be utilized in class periodically, but only when students are directed to do so; it is not to be used for any other purpose. If a student violates the policy, the iPad may be confiscated for the remainder of the class period and further disciplinary action may occur.
Calculator use is left to the discretion of the teacher. Students will be expected to complete practice, quizzes, and tests without the aid of a calculator from time to time. Restriction of calculator use will be communicated.
Extra Help: The teacher will be available outside of class time for extra help. Students should also take advantage of other opportunities made available at Fenwick High School.
Contacting Ms. Cusack:
E-mail (preferred): mcusack@fenwickfriars.com
Phone: (708) 386 – 0127 ext. 138