September 12, 2011
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Hello, my name is Ms. Jackson, and I will be your student’s Algebra l teacher this year. Please take a few
minutes to read these expectations and review them with your student. Then please sign and return the
acknowledgement page at the end. Copies of this document and other resources are available online at
http://my.ccsd.net/csjackson.
Please check that your student has the supplies he/she will need to succeed, and is completing the
assignments on a daily basis. It is extremely difficult to catch-up when previous material not been
learned. Please check your student’s progress for this class on Parentlink. It can be accessed from home
or from any computer with internet access. If you do not have a Parentlink account, you may request
one with your student’s counselor.
Clark County School District is reminding parents/guardians of the following guidelines: Phone must be
turned off and remain off during the instructional day and passing period in compliance with CCSD
Policy 5136. Phones left on, even in vibrate/silent modes are subject to seizure. Cellular phones may
only be used prior to the first bell, after the final bell, or during scheduled lunch period. Cellular
phones should be stored in a non-visible location (backpacks, purses, pockets). Phones confiscated in
violation of these guidelines will only be returned to a parent/guardian during non-instructional hours.
We understand how families have come to rely upon cell phones and other electronic devices to
maintain the lines of communication; however, we seek your support and hope that you will speak with
your student so he/she also fully understand the importance of following these guidelines during school
hours and especially during instructional time.
Hats are not allowed on campus. Any hat worn, carried, attached to belt or backpack by a student on
campus will be confiscated. This included hallways and classrooms. If the hat is visible, we will
confiscate it.
If found in violation of this policy (and/or with other electronic devices or nuisance items), the
consequences are:
1st offense: Confiscate nuisance item. Student may pick up the confiscated item during non-instructional
hours from the Assistant Principal in their Counselor’s Office.
2nd offense: Confiscate nuisance item. Parent/Guardian may pick up the confiscated item during noninstructional hours from the Assistant Principal in their student’s Counselor’s Office.
Thank you for taking part in your student’s education. I look forward to working with your student.
Sincerely,
Cindy Sue Jackson
csjackson@interact.ccsd.net
Rancho High School
(702)799-7000 ext 2321
Cell : (702) 498-5508
Please keep this cover sheet for your records.
Algebra 1 – 4790 Course Goals
2011-2012 Course Expectations
CCSD- Rancho High School- Ms. Jackson
Course Scope:
This one-year course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be
prepared for further studies in mathematics. It is intended to increase mathematical fluency in problem
solving, logic, reasoning, and effective communication in the study of patterns, functions, and algebra.
This course builds on the concepts of rational and irrational numbers, data analysis, probability,
geometry, measurement, spatial relationships, patterns, and algebraic concepts. The use of technology,
including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill the
algebra requirement for and one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation.
Course Goals:
1.
To understand the structure of the real number system and identify and apply its properties. [NS:
1.7.7, 1.8.3, 1.12.7, 1.12.8, 5.12.1, 5.12.5]
2.
To solve and graph linear equations and inequalities using a variety of strategies.
[NS: 2.7.5, 2.8.4, 2.8.5, 2.8.6, 2.12.1, 2.12.4, 2.12.6, 5.12.6]
3.
To solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities using a variety of strategies. [NS: A,
2.12.5]
4.
To evaluate exponential expressions.
[NS: 1.8.1, 1.12.6, 2.12.3]
5.
To solve and graph quadratic functions using a variety of strategies.
[NS: 2.12.2, 2.12.4, 2.12.6]
6.
To classify, simplify, and factor polynomial expressions. [NS: 2.12.3]
7.
To simplify and perform operations using rational expressions and radicals.
[NS: 1.12.6, 2.12.3, 3.12.3, 3.12.5, 4.12.7]
8.
To analyze, interpret and model linear and quadratic data in problem solving situations. [NS:
2.12.6, 5.12.1, 5.12.6]
9.
To apply mathematical reasoning and communication skills to solve problems using algebraic
concepts. [NS: B, C]
10.
To formulate mathematical strategies, generalizations, and predictions through oral and written
communication using appropriate mathematical language. [NS: A, B]
11.
To reinforce and extend logical reasoning ability using patterns and relationships to analyze
mathematical situations. [NS: C, D]
12.
To apply prior knowledge and mathematical modeling to solve interdisciplinary problems. [NS: D]
Text:
The text used for this course is Algebra 1 by Larson, Boswell, Kanold, and Stiff. Each student will be
assigned a text book. Students are responsible for the care of this textbook. The textbook will be left at
home. This will minimize wear and tear due to transport of the book. If the book is not returned or is
damaged fines will be levied. Replacement cost is $54.00.
Materials:
The following materials will be needed daily:
1. 3 ring binder
2. 4 dividers, labeled with these headings:
 Warm ups
 Notes/Vocabulary
 Practice/Quizzes
 Tests
3. Pencils & an eraser.
4. Lined notebook paper.
Hours of Availability:
I am available for extra help every day before school at 6:15 am; after school until 3:30 pm on Monday
through Thursday; and during my lunch period. Please let me know when you will be coming by for
extra help so that I am definitely in the classroom at that time. I may be e-mailed at
csjackson@interact.ccsd.net anytime. Copies of this document and the notebook directions are
available online at http://my.ccsd.net/csjackson
Classroom Rules:
1.) Students are expected to treat all teachers, substitutes, and fellow classmates with respect. Respect
includes paying attention, listening to directions, refraining from obscene or inappropriate language,
not disturbing the class, staying in your seat, speaking in a respectful tone at all times, not touching
anyone’s else’s person or property, and not interfering in any way with someone’s right to learn.
2.) The school’s attendance, tardy and cell phone policies will be enforced without exception; these
may be found on the CCSD website.
3.) Come to class prepared with all the materials you will need.
4.) When you are given time to work on assignments during class use this time wisely. Get your work
done or get the help you need.
5.) No food or drink of any kind is allowed in the classroom, except bottled water.
6.) All school rules apply in this classroom.
7.) Hall passes are a privilege, not a right, and are issued at the teacher’s sole discretion. Restroom
passes will not be given. Students are to use the time before class, during the scheduled passing
periods, and after class to use the facilities. Rarely will students be allowed to exit the classroom.
8.) When the school rules are not followed the consequences, in order, are as follows: student/teacher
conference, parent/teacher conference, detention, referral to dean. Note: some infractions such as:
insubordination, fighting, vandalism, etc. are automatic dean or school police referrals.
Algebra 1 Class Requirements
Quarter Grading
10% Notebooks: Random checks will be made on notebooks. They must be organized and up-todate.
10% Practice: Due next class day. Practice will be corrected by students daily. The correct answer
will be given; correct answers should be noted by students, and questions asked immediately
after grading for explanation of incorrect answers. Late practice assignments must be done in
the classroom after school to receive full credit.
If absence is excused then missed practice assignments are due within three (3) class days.
If absence is for a school activity then assigned practice work is due the day before the missed
class day. See below for more information about practice assignments.
All work must be shown to receive credit. All accompanying diagrams must be neatly drawn and
labeled to receive credit. Failure to draw diagrams will result in a 0 score. Failure to follow the
Rancho math class practice assignment guideline directions will result in a 0 score. Practice
assignments are graded on the amount completed not the amount correct.
Most Practice assignments are worth 4 pts. per assignment and graded as follows:
100% of problems attempted with work shown:
4 pts.
75% to 99% of problems attempted with work shown:
3 pts.
50% to 74% of problems attempted with work shown:
2 pts.
25% to 49% of problems attempted with work shown:
1 pt.
Less than 25% of problems attempted:
0 pts.
10% Quizzes: These will be given on a regular basis to assess understanding and comprehension of
concepts. Notes can be used on quizzes.
70% Tests: Tests will used to assess understanding and comprehension of the standards. All tests
will be taken in class.
If absence is excused the test is taken within three (3) class days before or after school. No
make-up tests will be given during class.
If absence is a school activity then the test is taken ahead of time, the day before the missed
class day.
Failure to make-up a test within the time constraints noted above will result in a 0% score
*** If a student has a prearranged school activity the teacher must be notified by the student ahead of
time. The student must make arrangements for getting missed notes, practice assignments, or making
up tests.
Test Retakes
The student will have the opportunity to retake any test after school until one week before the end of
each quarter. Any student who received less than a 70% on any test will be required to retake it. To
retake a test, the student must redo the practice test and do selected problems for the teacher. When
the teacher feels the student is ready, they will be able to retake the test. A student may retake a test as
many times as they need
Practice Assignment Format
1. Write your name and class period clearly at the right hand top of each page, along with the page
number and the problem numbers. Put your name on all pages.
EX:
Name
Period
Date
Page and problem numbers
Kenny McCormick
4th
Sept 12, 2011
pg 345 #1-19 odds, 23, 25, 31-45odd
2. Use standard-sized paper (8.5” X 11”) or graph paper, with no “fringe” running down the side as a
result of the paper’s having been torn out of a spiral notebook.
3. Attach your pages with a staple.
4. Clearly indicate the number of the exercise you are doing. If you accidentally do a problem out of
order include a note to the teacher, referring to the location of the missing work.
5. Do all of your work in BLACK pencil. Write legibly, suitably large and suitably dark. If the teacher
cannot read both your work and your answer, it is wrong.
6. Write neatly across the page, with each succeeding step immediately below the previous step. Begin
the next problem below the preceding one, not off to the right. Please do not work in more than two
columns down the page, like a newspaper.
7. Keep all work within the margins. If you run out of room at the bottom of the page, continue the
problem at the top of either the next column or the next page, whichever is appropriate. Do not try
to squeeze lines together at the bottom of the page.
8. Leave one blank line between one problem and the next.
9. Show all of your steps. Algebra is learning about the process as well as finding the answer.
10. BOX in final answer.
Extra Credit:
There will be no extra credit work available.
Grade Reports:
Grades will be available on ParentLink. You may contact me with any questions or concerns about
grades. You may contact me at csjackson@interact.ccsd.net or 799-7000 ext. 2321 on my cell at (702)
498-5508.
Semester Evaluation
A. Criteria for Arriving at Grades
Quarter grade:
Notebook
Practice
Quizzes
Tests
10%
10%
10%
70%
Semester grade:
Quarter 1 or 3
Quarter 2 or 4
Semester Exam
40%
40%
20%
B. Explanation of Student Grades
A
B
C
D
F
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
0-59%
Unsatisfactory notices are distributed to students during the middle of each quarter. Teachers distribute
report cards 1 1/2 weeks after the end of the quarter, except for the final report cards which are mailed
home in June.
Scholastic Dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to cheating on tests and/or assignments,
plagiarism, and collusion will not be tolerated. Students will receive a ZERO for any assignment or test
where the student has violated this policy.
______________________________________________________________________________
Citizenship:
Grades are given quarterly and are subjective. The grade is based on the teacher’s evaluation of you as
a cooperative, contributing member of this class. Things considered are attitude, attentiveness,
punctuality, courtesy, behavior, participation, and preparation.
Attendance:
Students will have an assigned seat. If a student is not in his/her assigned seat when the bell rings,
he/she takes the risk of being marked absent.
A student who accumulates more than 10 unexcused absences in a semester receives a denial of credit
for that semester from the school. This means that even if the student has an A in the course, he or she
will not receive credit for the class.
Guide to Standards- Semester 1
1.8.7
Calculate with real numbers to solve mathematical and practical situations. Use order of operations to
solve equations in the real number system.
1.12.7
Solve mathematical problems involving exponents and roots. Perform addition, subtraction, and scalar
multiplication on matrices.
1.12.8
Identify and apply real number properties to solve problems.
2.8.2
Evaluate formulas and algebraic expressions using rational numbers (with & without technology). Solve
and graphically represent equations and inequalities in one variable, including absolute value.
2.8.4
Identify, model, describe and evaluate functions. Translate among verbal descriptions, graphic, tabular
and algebraic representations of mathematical situations (with & without technology).
2.8.5
Solve linear equations and represent the solution graphically. Solve inequalities and represent the
solution on a number line.
2.12.1
Use algebraic expressions to identify and describe the nth term of a sequence.
2.12.2
Isolate any variable in given equations, inequalities, proportions, and formulas to use in mathematical
and practical situations.
2.12.3
Add, subtract, multiply, and factor 1st and 2nd degree polynomials connecting the arithmetic and
algebraic processes. Simplify algebraic expressions, including exponents and radicals.
2.12.4
Determine the domain & range of functions, including linear, quadratic and absolute value, algebraically
& graphically. Solve absolute value equations & inequalities both algebraically & graphically.
2.12.6
Solve mathematical and practical problems involving linear and quadratic equations with a variety of
methods, including discrete methods (with and without technology).
4.12.5a
Determine the slope of lines using coordinate geometry and algebraic techniques. Identify parallel,
perpendicular, and intersecting lines by slope.
5.8.1
Formulate questions and design a study that guides the collection of data. Organize, display, and read
data including box and whisker plots (with and without technology).
5.12.5
Determine the probability of an event with and without replacement using sample spaces. Design,
conduct, analyze & effectively communicate the results of multi-stage probability experiments.
5.12.6
Design, construct, analyze & select an appropriate type of graphical representations to communicate
the results of a statistical experiment. Formulate & justify inferences based on a valid data sample.
Algebra l – 2011-2012 Course Expectations
Ms. Cindy Sue Jackson
Rancho High School, room 1321
This page is to be signed and returned to Ms. Jackson.
I have been given a copy of Ms. Jackson’s Course Expectations packet containing the course description
with the required supply list, classroom policies, including tests, quizzes, and practice assignment as
well as the use of cell phone and other electronic devices in the classroom.
I will not use my cell phone or other electronic devices during class. If I do, I agree to comply with
Rancho High School’s progressive consequences.
___________________________________
Student Name
_______________________________
Period
___________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________
Date
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name
________________________________
Phone Number
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________________________
Date
Comments/Questions from Parent/Guardian: