Mrs. Lamotte West Ottawa High School North, Room A228 (616) 994-5220 email: lamotten@westottawa.net website: ezaspimath.com ALGEBRA A SYLLABUS Materials Required: TI-30 or Scientific calculator Pencil, eraser, one-subject spiral notebook, 3-ring binder to organize homework, handouts, etc. TEXTBOOK: Glencoe, Algebra 1 (available for in-classroom use and online. If you need a textbook outside of class, please ask and we will get one for you to check out for the semester.) COURSE DESCRIPTION: Algebra 1 is designed for all students preparing to enter the work force or continue study at the post-secondary level. Students will use algebraic expressions as problem-solving tools in real-world and theoretical situations. This course prepares students to continue study in Geometry and Algebra 2. ONLINE RESOURCES Our textbook includes a great deal of online support. There are study guides and self-tests, as well as an online version of the entire textbook on the website. Students and parents can access the information at the following website: http://www.math.glencoe.com/ To access the online resources, follow the link above. Select our state, and indicate whether you are a student or a parent. On the next screen, click the link for Algebra 1 © 2005 Edition. When you access the “Student Online Edition,” you will need to enter the following information. username: ALG1MI06 (that’s capital ALG, the number 1, capital MI, followed by numbers 06 (zero, six)) password: ohm68mld ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If students do not have computer access at home, there are many options. Computers are available at school during certain hours, and students may access the information online at the library. Students may also be issued a textbook by the teacher. Please ask about this option if you are interested. TEACHING FORMAT Please come to class on time and I will do the same. Class will begin promptly with a warm-up activity or a short quiz over the previous lesson (following a Q&A time). The new lesson(s) will be covered through a variety of learning strategies—possibly including reading, small and large group discussion, cooperative learning, investigative activities, lecture, labs, etc. GRADING PROTOCOLS Tests (70%) There will be one test at the end of each chapter. Some chapters may be broken into smaller unit tests. If you are absent on the day of the test, be prepared to take it on the day you return. Form B of any given test will be available for students who complete the correctives assignment and make arrangements with the teacher. The last test score earned will be the recorded score. Quizzes and Projects (20%) There will usually be two quizzes per chapter. There may be opportunities to use notes and partners on quizzes. If you are absent on the day of the quiz, be prepared to take it on the day you return. Homework (10%) Students can expect algebra homework daily. It is crucial to complete the assignment, showing all steps. Expectations (Rules): 1. Be on time to class. Be nice. Be pleasant. Be courteous. 2. Come to class prepared with your own textbook, calculator, pencil, binder, and homework. 3. Respect other students, the teacher, and the classroom. 4. Participate in class discussions/activities. 5. Please refrain from eating or drinking in the classroom. (only water is allowed). Guidelines: PLEASE, ask questions when puzzled, unsure or skeptical. Do not ask for a bathroom pass during presentation of new materials, as a courtesy to me and others in class. Raise your hand to be recognized if you have something to share.