Algebra One
Policies and Procedures
Mr. Olson
Room 915, (858) 454-3081 ext 4915, molson@sandi.net
Class Description: Algebra I is a year-long college preparatory
course. The class will take advantage of the self-paced, interactive,
on-line ALEKS program. ALEKS uses Artificial Intelligence (AI),
reacting in real time to each answer: the content and pace is
customized for each and every student. This allows for much more
individualized instruction. I then can teach one-on-one and also give
assistance in small groups. The course is aligned with the CA State
Content Standards, which are at www.cde.ca.gov/standards/
Classroom Computer Equipment: There are scarce replacement computers
and keyboards for this class. It is extremely important to treat the
equipment as if it was yours. If a student damages or sabotages the
operation of the resources provided for them, a referral will be issued
and they will be held responsible. Students are to inspect the
equipment and sign a checklist before logging on. Any discrepancies
need to be reported to the teacher immediately or they will be assumed
to have happened during the incoming student’s class time.
NO FOOD OR DRINKS OR PENS are allowed in the classroom; unfortunately,
this includes H2O.
TEACHER & STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Respect the rights, property,
safety, and learning opportunities of everyone. 2) Exhibit a positive
attitude, and be ready to learn from each other. 3) Students take
responsibility for their own education, actively participating in all
aspects of the learning environment.
Classroom Procedure: It is expected that the students will come to
class everyday, log onto ALEKS, and work diligently, to include taking
notes. Tests will also be via ALEKS in the classroom. At the end of
each semester, the student will take a paper-and-pencil final.
ALEKS assessments will generally be given every 3rd Tuesday. The
student has two class periods to complete it. If the student is not
finished by then, they will have to press the “I don’t know” button
until exited from the assessment. Just like any other test, incomplete
or lack of understanding will lower your grade, by reducing the number
of concepts mastered within ALEKS, aka as lowering my ‘pie’. (Your pie
number is shown visually as a pie chart.) The pie number resulting
from these tests comprises 50% of your grade.
During an assessment, a student may see ‘new’ problems, in which case
incorrect answers or hitting the “I don’t know” button DOES NOT affect
a student’s pie. Fortunately, answering ‘new’ problems correctly can
increase the pie number. When a student is doing well on a test ALEKS
looks for ways to add to a student’s pie, by asking content not
previously covered material, to see if they already know it.
Homework: Class time is too limited to provide students the practice
required to master the material. Individual practice and study at home
is imperative. Approximately 45 minutes each evening on ALEKS, either
from home or on the school’s computers, is expected. “Hours per week”
is a number that is clearly tracked on ALEKS. Less than 8 “Hours per
week” earns a low grade in Homework, and may be indicative of future
sub-standard performance on the tests.
Student’s Responsibilities: Daily - Bring Math Notebook (3-ring
binder), pencils, erasers, highlighters (h2o based) take organized
notes, ask questions after using the ALEKS tutorial, and work
conscientiously. Don’t slack and try to cram a month’s worth of work
into a weekend!!! I will confiscate anything on a student’s desk that
is inappropriate and/or distracting, i.e. cell phones, CD players,
iPods, Blackberries, other classes’ work, food, drink, makeup, personal
notes. The first time, I will keep it for a day. The second time, the
student will call you immediately. If necessary, I’ll give it to a VP.
Tardiness: tardy = not in your seat when the bell rings.
Cheating or Copying: A student who gives or receives unauthorized
assistance on any work earns a 0. For a second cheating offense, the
instructor has the right to drop a student from the class with an F/U
for the semester.
Citizenship Grade: is based upon many factors such as attendance,
behavior, promptness, preparedness, cooperation, participation, and
being a positive influence on and a contributing member of the class.
DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES and REWARDS: warning; after class; Behavior
documentation, signed by parent; 30 minute after school detention and
parent/guardian phone call; Parent meeting and/or referral. Praise,
positive call home, homework tickets, ???.
Grading
Category
Percentage
ALEKS Pie Points (Tests) 50
Notebook/participation
15
Homework/Total Time Spent 15
Final Exam
10
Quizzes
10
Overall Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percent
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
Grading matrix for the ALEKS program
Semester 1, Algebra 1
Topic areas answered correctly on ALEKS:
Grade
Week 3
Week 6
Qtr 1
Week 12
Week 15
Semester 1
A+
111+
126+
141+
156+
171+
186+
A
106-110
121-125
136-140
151-155
166-170
181-185
A101-105
116-120
131-135
146-150
161-165
176-180
B+
96-100
111-115
126-130
141-145
156-160
171-175
B
91-95
106-110
121-125
136-140
151-155
166-170
B86-90
101-105
116-120
131-135
146-150
161-165
C+
81-85
96-100
111-115
126-130
141-145
156-160
C
76-80
91-95
106-110
121-125
136-140
151-155
C71-75
86-90
101-105
116-120
131-135
146-150
D+
66-70
81-85
96-100
111-115
126-130
141-145
D
61-65
76-80
91-90
106-110
121-125
136-140
D56-60
71-75
86-89
101-105
116-120
131-135
KEEP THIS PAGE IN YOUR MATH NOTEBOOK.
KEEP THIS PAGE!!!!!
The 1st homework assignment:
Return this page to Mr. Olson.
1. I ___________________ am the parent/guardian of ________________,
in your Period ___ course.
2. We have read and understand the syllabus and reviewed it together.
3. We have visited www.aleks.com and started downloading the files or agree to
have the student stay after school to work on ALEKS for a total of 4 hours/week.
Home number:
Work number:
Cell number(s):
Parent’s email address(es):
Student’s email address:
Internet access at home: Y N
Language read or written at home, if different than English: _____________________
Please tell me anything that you feel I may need to know about your child that would
enable me to better meet his/her needs:
Please feel free to contact me at school, at (858) 454 - 3081 or via email.
Parent/guardian signature _____________________________
Student signature ___________________________
Comments and suggestions for rewards for good behavior/performance: