Algebra Essentials
Ms. Patricia Larson
Room: 2705
Phone: 206-631-7000
Email: patricia.larson@highlineschools.org
Algebra Essentials is designed to support student success in Algebra 1. Students will be learning and practicing the same
topics they are learning in their regular Algebra class, as well as refining their pre-algebra skills.
GRADING
Students in this class will be graded A/Pass/Fail. A Pass grade does not influence a student’s GPA. A Fail does affect the
GPA, just as it would in a traditional grading system. Students will assign themselves a grade each day at the conclusion
of class. This grade is based on a rubric. Their self-assessment is shared with the teacher and she has the discretion to
agree or change the grade in the presence of the student. These daily grades lead to a weekly grade, also clearly
outlined in a rubric. The weekly participation grades are entered into Illuminate and used to determine a student’s
grade for the course. The actual form, including rubrics is included with this syllabus.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is expected in this class and necessary for success. Students who are tardy will receive 2 warnings
per semester. Students who are tardy more than twice will be expected to make up 15 minutes in my classroom for
each tardy. This can happen during lunch or after school on most days. If none of these times are feasible,
arrangements can be made for another alternative. At the semester, if the time has not been made up or an alternate
consequence agreed upon, the student will not receive credit for the course.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
I expect every student in my classes to come to class prepared with materials and an attitude to be productive
participants in the learning process in a way that benefits both themselves and others in the class. Students must be
prepared with notebooks, pencils and calculators during the period, and are expected to engage with others when asked
to do so. I have zero tolerance for students who interfere in their own learning or the learning of others. My first
priority will always be to correct the behavior so all students can continue with their learning, however if those efforts
are not successful, the following steps will be taken:
1)
I will speak privately with the student.
2)
The student will be asked to go to the hallway for a brief (2-5 minute) period of time and will complete a
reflection document before re-entering the classroom.
3)
The student will be removed from class for the entire period, spending the remainder of the period in the office,
with the incident reported in the student’s permanent disciplinary record. I will schedule a conference with the
student and parent by phone or in person preferably the same day.
Any item that can be a distraction to the learning process will not be allowed out during class time. This includes, but is
not limited to: cell phones, music players, games, backpacks, food and drink. Water is allowed in the classroom.
Students using electronic devices or other distractions will have them confiscated. They will be returned to the student
24 hours later or to a parent if a parent chooses to come to school to pick up the item.
COMMUNICATION
Parents and students can communicate with me in a number of ways. Email is generally the easiest and in most cases, a
response should come within the day or at a minimum within 24 hours. If for some reason a response from me is not
received, please re-send the email. Most days, I should be available between 2:05 and 3:00pm for phone calls, help, or
other communication. You are encouraged to notify me in advance if possible to guarantee I will be available.
Algebra Essentials Course Grade
Algebra Essentials is designed to support a student’s success in Algebra and is not graded on a student’s actual ability
with the subject matter. In this class, students will be graded A, Pass, or Fail with the grade based on participation and
satisfying classroom expectations. Students will chart their daily success by choosing which criteria most closely match
their behavior for the day. If Mrs. Larson’s assessment is different than the student’s, it will also be recorded and
considered for the final weekly grade. The rubric is included with this document. The weekly score will be entered into
Illuminate and used to determine a student’s grade.
Expectation Criteria
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Student will be in attendance and in the proper seat when the bell rings
Student is prepared at the beginning of the period with notebook, pencil and has stored their
backpack
Student is not conversing with other students unless directed to do so
Student has a positive attitude and is willing to learn
Student prepares and asks questions focused on learning
Student is abiding by classroom rules, including food, drink, electronics and distraction
restrictions
Student did not leave the classroom during the period
Weekly Grade
4)
3)
2)
1)
Exemplary every day
Exemplary or Satisfactory every day
Student was “Close” two or fewer days, with the remaining days “Exemplary” or “Satisfactory”
Student did not meet the above criteria for a higher score
Final Semester Grade
A
Weekly scores are consistently at the 4 level with a maximum of three weekly scores of a 3.
The student’s weekly participation average percentage is at least 95%.
Pass
The vast majority of weekly scores are at the 3 and 4 level.
The student’s weekly participation average is at least 70% and no more than 4 weekly scores are below the
satisfactory level.
Fail
The student’s weekly participation scores do not meet the above thresholds.
Students may be allowed to enter into a contract with Ms. Larson for a plan of improvement to recover credit. This
would require a meeting with a parent and possibly a counselor or advisor.
Name: ___________________________
Week of _______________________
Initial the box next to today’s day that most closely matches your behavior and productivity for the day.
Expectation Criteria

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




Student will be in attendance and in the proper seat when the bell rings
Student is prepared at the beginning of the period with notebook, pencil and has stored their backpack
Student is not conversing with other students unless directed to do so
Student has a positive attitude and is willing to learn
Student prepares and asks questions focused on learning
Student is abiding by classroom rules, including food, drink, electronics and distraction restrictions
Student did not leave the classroom during the period
Behavior & Participation Assessment
Day
Exemplary Satisfactory Close Unsatisfactory
Level of Understanding
Learning Target
4
3
2
1
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Weekly Grade: _______
Exemplary
 Every criteria above is fully met.
 No detention time is currently owed
Satisfactory
 All but one criteria above was met. Only one reminder was needed and the issue was resolved immediately.
 No detention time is currently owed
Close
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More than one criteria above was not met.
Student was productive, but some reminders were necessary
Detention time may be owed
Unsatisfactory
 Student consistently had difficulty meeting the expectations stated above
 Behavior interfered with the learning of others
 There was little productivity during the period
Weekly Grade
4)
Exemplary every day
3)
Exemplary or Satisfactory every day
2)
Student was “Close” two or fewer days, with the remaining days “Exemplary” or “Satisfactory”
1)
Student did not meet the above criteria for a higher score