Algebra 1
Mrs. Fortenberry
Grading Scale
Daily 40%
Tests 60%
Semester Exam 20% of Semester Average
Contacting your teacher
Mrs. Fortenberry
kforten@oxford.k12.ms.us
Welcome to Algebra I and the start of another school year. Algebra I is one of the most
important hurdles between you and a diploma. You must not only pass Algebra I, but you must
also pass the Mississippi State Algebra Test. The State Algebra Test will be given on Thursday,
May 8, 2014. I hope that this will be a successful and enjoyable learning experience for both of
us.
What is covered in Algebra I:
The Algebra I framework provides the minimum competencies required for students to be successful in
higher-level math courses. Students should enter Algebra I with fluency in computing with all four
operations using rational numbers and basic knowledge and understanding of how to use formulas to
solve problems. Solving equations and graphing is extended to include linear and non-linear functions and
relations and higher-degree equations. Concepts and computations with matrices are introduced. The
analysis of graphs includes scatter plots. Written and oral justifications to support solution methods and
solutions are required. We will also be including many of the objectives from the Common Core Curriculum.
Class Procedures
Class will start each day by going over homework. Students should ask questions about problems they
had on their homework. Homework will be graded for completion and/or accuracy. Students must show
all work when completing their homework. If they do not show their work, they will not receive any
credit. Next, we may be taking a daily quiz on previous material. We will next take notes on new
material or complete class work. Students must write down all notes. All Algebra work must be
completed in pencil.
We will have a scheduled test on Friday of each week. These tests may include vocabulary and material
from previous tests. Tests are typically created to be completed during one class period. If a student has
special circumstances, such as a 504 plan or an IEP, they may be allowed extended time if they use the
original class period productively. This will be left to the teacher’s discretion.
Homework
The homework for the week will be available for students to write in their planners on Monday each
week. Students and Parents will have the opportunity to sign up to receive text reminders about their
homework. I will also post a copy on my school website (http://www.oxford.k12.ms.us/ohs) for students
who are absent or misplace their planners. Homework will also be posted in Power School for the
upcoming week on Fridays. Parents and students can set Power School up to automatically send them
notifications of homework. I do not accept late homework from students who have not been absent.
Zero’s on Homework
If a student receives a zero on a homework assignment, they may request the opportunity to do an
alternative assignment. Alternate assignments receive a maximum grade of 65. Students may
have the opportunity to do alternate assignments to replace two zero homework assignments
during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 9-weeks. Those assignments are due in the absent work tray by the
beginning of their class on the designated day.
Extra Credit
I do not offer extra credit assignments.
Absences
If a student is absent and does not have their homework for the current day complete when they return to
school, they will need to complete a make-up assignment. The make-up assignments are due in the
absent work tray by the designated day. Students with an excused absence will have the opportunity to
receive full credit for their make-up work. Homework that was assigned their last day present is due
when they return to school for full credit or it will result in a grade of zero. An unexcused absence will
result in the student receiving a zero in all work missed in class that day. Students who are absent
will be exempt from any daily quizzes that take place.
Make-Up Tests
All math make-up tests will be taken before or after school on Tuesdays. Please set up an
appointment with your teacher and make your ride arrangements in advance.
Drop Grades
Drop grades will be offered during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd nine weeks. Drop grades will not be offered during
the 4th nine weeks. Students may earn 1 daily drop grade and 1 test drop grade each 9-weeks as long as
they meet the requirements.
1. Participation in the activity at the originally scheduled time and place.
2. Completion of the activity (a 50% or higher grade earned).
Both requirements must be met for all activities within a category before a grade can be
dropped from that category.
Calculators
**A classroom set of graphing calculators will be provided for in class use. It is recommended
that students purchase a calculator for use on homework and in future math classes (not all
classes provide a class set). I recommend a TI-83 or TI-84, these cost between $80 and $130.. This
calculator will be sufficient for any future math classes in high school or college.**
We will start using calculators toward the end of the first 9-weeks.
Power School
Please be aware of a few things that I do in Power School. If a student is allowed to make up an
assignment, I will put in a grade of 0 and tag it as missing. If a grade is blue, that means that I have put a
comment on that particular grade. I will be putting in assignments on Fridays for the next week. I will
not be posting any assignments for daily quizzes, because those are considered pop quizzes. I will be
adding descriptions on assignments letting you know more information about the assignments.
Students:
When you receive a text back asking
for your name, please put your first and
last name.
Example: Lee Dumas
Parents:
When you receive a text back asking
for your name, please put your childs
name, mom/dad
Example: Lee Dumas mom
Class Rules:
1. Be on Time
(Have your materials ready and be in
your seat with your pencil sharpened
before the tardy bell rings)
2. Be Respectful
(Behave and treat others as you would
like to be treated.)
3. Be Responsible
(Be prepared. Take care of all your
needs at the appropriate time.)
4. Be Safe
(Listen to and Cooperate with all adults
while at Oxford High School.)
5. No Gum, Candy, Food or Drink in
Ms. Fortenberry’s Room
Textbook -
Consequences:
1. Warning
2. Counseling
with Teacher and
Parent Contact
3. Teacher Punishment (After-school
detention or 500 word maximum
writing assignment) and Parent
Contact
4. Office Referral
Algebra – Algebra 1 by Glencoe 2008 edition
OHS Website - http://www.oxford.k12.ms.us/ohs
Online Material
Algebra
www.algebra1.com
A link will be posted on my school website (http://www.oxford.k12.ms.us/ohs ).
You will find an online student edition (an access code is needed: FDDC5EF167 ), student workbooks
(Study Guide and Intervention, Skills Practice, Practice, and Enrichment), online graphing calculators,
online chapter tests, personal tutor, and self-check quizzes for each section.
I will post answers to the Study Guide and Intervention worksheets on my school website. These
worksheets would be great study tools for tests.
The public library is open Monday - Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 5:30
pm, and Sundays 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The following is a list of sections that we will be covering during each 9-week period. We may or may
not cover this list in the order that they appear. We will also be adding objective from the Common Core
Curriculum. We will be completing a Benchmark test each 9-weeks. We will also be taking either a 9weeks test or semester exam at the end of each grading period.
1st 9-weeks
2nd 9-weeks
Integers
1-1 Variables and Expressions
1-2 Order of Operations
1-4 Identity and Equality Properties
1-5 The Distributive Property
1-6 Commutative and Associative Properties
1-8 Number Systems
1-9 Functions and Graphs
2-2 Solving Equations by Using Addition and
Subtraction
2-3 Solving Equations by Using Multiplication and
Division
2-4 Solving Multi-Step Equations
2-5 Solving Equations with the Variable on Each
Side
2-6 Ratios and Proportions
2-7 Percent of Change
2-8 Solving for a Specific Variable
3-2 Representing Functions
3-3 Linear Functions
Operations with Matrices
4-1 Rate of Change and Slope
4-2 Slope and Direct Variation
4-3 Graphing Equations in Slope-Intercept Form
4-4 Writing Equations in Slope-Intercept Form
4-5 Writing Equations in Point-Slope Form
4-5 Writing Equations in Point-Slope Form
4-6 Statistics: Scatter Plots and Lines of Fit
4-7 Geometry: Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
6-1 Solving Inequalities by Addition and
Subtraction
6-2 Solving Inequalities by Multiplication and
Division
6-3 Solving Multi-Step Inequalities
6-4 Solving Compound Inequalities
6-5 Solving Open Sentences Involving Absolute
Value
6-6 Solving Inequalities Involving Absolute Value
6-7 Graphing Inequalities in Two Variables
6-8 Graphing Systems of Inequalities
5-1 Graphing Systems of Equations
5-2 Substitution
5-3 Elimination Using Addition and Subtraction
5-4 Elimination Using Multiplication
3rd 9-weeks
4th 9-weeks
Distance and Midpoint
10-4 The Pythagorean Theorem
7-1 Multiplying Monomials
7-2 Dividing Monomials
7-3 Polynomials
7-4 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
7-5 Multiplying a Polynomial by a Monomial
7-6 Multiplying Polynomials
7-7 Special Products
11-5 Dividing Polynomials
8-1 Monomials and Factoring
8-2 Factoring Using the Distributive Property
8-3 Factoring Trinomials: x2 + bx + c
8-4 Factoring Trinomials: ax2 + bx + c
8-5 Factoring Differences of Squares
8-6 Prefect Squares and Factoring
Rational Expressions
9-3 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing
the Square
9-1 Graphing Quadratic Functions
9-4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the
Quadratic Formula
Review for State Algebra Test