Algebra 1 CP Syllabus
(2015/16)
Teacher: Mr. David Palensky
Phone: 843-553-5300
E-Mail: palenskyd@bcsdschools.net
Website: Goose Creek web site/ teacher pages
Welcome! I am very excited about working with you this school year. It is a privilege for me to be at Goose
Creek and I hope that you consider it a privilege to be in my class. I am committed to helping you meet the
required South Carolina Algebra standards and expect you to be an active participant in your learning. Let’s
work together to create a positive learning environment for the benefit of you and the other students.
Course Description:
Algebra 1 CP is a course that will meet the SC Algebra 1 (Elementary Algebra) standards. The South Carolina
State Algebra 1 End-of-Course Exam will be given at the completion of the course. We will focus on the
development of your ability to understand and apply mathematics to realistic workplace problems. Emphasis is
on active participation through project work, group and individual class work, discussion, and practice. The
South Carolina standards for Algebra 1 (Elementary Algebra) are at South Carolina Mathematics Academic
Standards.
Topic Sequence:
Unit 1: Expressions, Equations, Inequalities
Unit 2: Linear Functions
Unit 3: Systems of Equations & Inequalities
Materials Needed:
Pearson Algebra 1 textbook
3-ring binder, dividers, and notebook paper
Pencils
TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator
Unit 4: Exponents, Exponential Functions
Unit 5: Quadratics Equations & Functions
Students have access to a calculator during class time. It is HIGHLY encouraged to purchase your own.
Students will be given a grade sheet every Friday so they will know exactly where they stand. If it is
returned on Monday with a parent’s signature, the student will receive 5 extra credit test points.
Classroom Rules
1)
2)
3)
4)
Be Prepared for class with all required materials.
Be Respectful of others before, during and after class.
Take Responsibility for your actions and learning.
Show all work, all of the time.
To create a positive environment where every student has the opportunity to learn,
all students are expected to:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Actively participate without distracting other students or the teacher.
Follow all class rules, procedures and directions given by the teacher.
Respect others and their property.
Follow all school rules. (cell phones, electronics, drinking, eating, dress code, ID, etc.)
Students who do not meet classroom expectations will receive the following consequences.
1) Verbal Warning
2) Student/Teacher Conference
3) Detention and Parent Contact
4) Discipline Referral to Administrator
Any blatant disruption, defiance, or disrespect will result in an immediate referral to an administrator.
Grading Procedures:
All tests, quizzes, classwork, and homework are graded and returned to the student. This material must be
kept in the student’s math binder for use in studying and preparing for future quizzes/exams.
Tests (40%), Quizzes & Classwork (40%): All tests and most quizzes are announced. Projects are
intended to help students make a connection between Algebra and real world applications. The due date for
each project will be given during class. Classwork is graded on accuracy and completion. Late
projects/assignments will NOT be accepted unless a student is absent.
Homework Assignments (20%): Every student will be expected to actively participate in each lesson.
Homework Assignments are given every day and will be graded on completion and accuracy. Students are
expected to show all work for each problem on every assignment. Late homework is NOT accepted unless a
student was absent.
Grade Breakdown:
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Grading Scale
100-93
92-85
84-77
76-70
69-0
Final Course Grade: 1st Semester 40%
2nd Semester 40%
SC End-of-Course Exam 20%
Absence/Make-up Work Policy: Students are responsible for all material presented in class during any
absence. It is the student’s responsibility to request, complete, and submit make-up work.
Students who are absent the day before a test/quiz will take the assessment with the class as scheduled.
Students who are absent the day of a test/quiz are not permitted to take the test/quiz during class time
upon their return. The student must take the test/quiz during lunch, before school, or after school within
the time frame determined by the teacher. The time frame will be based upon the student’s
circumstances. If the test/quiz is not taken, the student will receive a grade of 0. See the student
handbook for further details.
Parent Portal System: The Parent Portal system will keep parents updated about grades via the internet.
The Parent Portal can be accessed from the district website at www.berkeley.k12.sc.us under the parents
section or on the school’s website on the homepage. Grades will be updated routinely. Parents can contact
the guidance office to register for Parent Portal. Students can also access their grades through this system
to keep track of their personal grade.
Extra Help: Teachers will be available to give extra help during lunch, before school, or after school by
appointment. An Algebra teacher will be available for extra help after school every day. Students are
encouraged to seek help early.
Parent Information Sheet
Please return this sheet to Mr. Palensky
Student: _____________________________ Home Phone: ______________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): ____________________________________________________
First and Last Name(s)
Parent/Guardian Cell Phone: ________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian E-mail: ___________________________________________________
Please Print
Is there anything I should know about your child that would help us in the classroom?
(medical, academic, visual, hearing problems, etc.)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Graphing Calculator:
□
□
Student owns one.
Student will rent one from Library.
Does your child have internet access?
Yes
No
I have reviewed the Course Syllabus. I understand what is required of me in order to be
successful and help create a positive learning environment.
________________________________________
Student Signature
date
I have reviewed the Course Syllabus. ________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
date