Letter to Parents and Students
Welcome to the Portola Middle School Honors Algebra 1AB program. The purpose of this
letter is to explain how I will conduct the teaching of this course and how parents and
students actively participate to make this a meaningful learning experience. Parents,
please review the following information with your child to help them prepare for a
successful year.
Mathematics Content Standards
Honors Algebra 1AB will be standards-based. The State of California content standards
describe in specific and comprehensive terms what students need to know and be able to do.
There are content standards for each grade level and subject. The course of study is set
by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The content standards for this course are
attached.
Course Description
The course textbook required by the District is California Algebra 1, GlencoeMcGraw-Hill,
Holliday, et. al. In addition, Algebra 1, California Edition, Prentice Hall, by Hall, Smith,
Charles, Dossey, and Bittinger will be used as a supplement to the course textbook.
The Algebra 1AB course schedule by unit is as follows:
Unit
Introduction to Algebra
 Algebraic properties and expressions
 Integers and rational numbers
Linear equations & inequalities
Absolute Value Equations & Inequalities
Graphing linear equations & inequalities
Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Exponents & Polynomials
Relations & Functions
Quadratic Equations
Radical Expressions
Factoring Polynomials
Rational Expressions & Equations
Month
August - September
October - November
December - February
March - May
Homework and Classwork Policy
Homework is assigned as a section is finished, usually daily. Homework is due the next class
day unless otherwise instructed. Answers are reviewed and questions answered the day it is
due.
Students are expected to make corrections to their papers. Homework is not collected. It
should be kept in a math notebook. Students receive credit for homework by having it in
class on the day it is due.
Students are expected to do all warm-ups and classwork in their math notebooks. A
consistent failure to do such work when in class will result in a reduced Work Habits grade.
Academic Grading Policy
A
B
C
D
F
89.5 - 100
79.5 – 89.4
69.5 – 79.4
59.5 – 69.4
59.4 and below
Weighting:
Homework Quizzes 15%
Quizzes
35%
Tests
50%
Extra-credit: (1) Each test and quiz has an extra credit worksheet worth 5% on
the exam, (2) Students may correct missed problems on quizzes and
test and receive one-half the missed points back, and (3) Problems
or projects relevant to our course of study during each 20-week
grading period.
Grading Rubric
The number of points per problem vary as the number of problems per test vary.
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Full credit when all appropriate work is shown and the answer is correct.
Half credit is given when all appropriate work is shown and some minor mistake is
made in calculating the answer.
No credit is given when no work is shown and it is appropriate to show work whether
the answer is correct or not or when no work is shown and it is not appropriate to
show work, but the answer is incorrect.
Work Habits and Cooperation Grading Policy
The Work Habits grade involves student participation in good study practices including
whether students do warm-ups, classwork and homework. It also includes whether students
have required materials in class.
The Cooperation grade involves reasonable classroom behavior including the number of
tardies, disruptive behavior, attentiveness, and commitment to learning.
Late Work Policy
Students are expected to stay current on all studies if their absence is for a school
activity. Students who miss class for an illness or other verified excuse have the 5-week
grading period in which the missing work was assigned to turn it in. Deadlines for each 5week period will be posted in the classroom.
Assessment Schedule
Each chapter of the math textbook is divided into sections. Students will be given a quiz
after completing 2-3 sections in the text unless a section is of sufficient complexity to
warrant its own quiz. At the end of each chapter (approximately every 8-9 sections in the
text), students will be given a chapter test.
Required Materials
Students need a math notebook in which to take notes, do warm-ups, and do classwork. It
can be a spiral or a three-ring binder. Students also need loose paper, pencils, an eraser,
and a colored pen/pencil for making corrections to homework.
Communication
Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at vistamartin@sbcglobal.net. Otherwise, please
feel free to telephone me at school at (818) 654-3300 or fax at (818) 996-0292.
Class Rules
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Be in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. That includes placing
backpacks and all non-math materials on the floor.
Treat all persons in the classroom with respect and courtesy.
Be honest.
Bring all necessary materials to class each day. These include math notebook, paper,
pencils, eraser, colored pen/pencil, and assigned homework.
Do not leave the classroom without permission and then only for an emergency.
No food, drinks (except water), gum, running, pushing, or loud talking is allowed in
the classroom.
I will do my best to make this course an interesting and enjoyable learning experience.
Please let me know how I can be the best teacher for your child. If there is any reason
why your child needs special consideration, please take this opportunity to let me know
by attaching a message to the parent signature page. Otherwise, please feel free to email (vistamartin@sbcglobal.net) or telephone [(818) 654-3300] me.
Shirley Martin
Please sign and return by August 24, 2012.
I have read Mrs. Martin’s Letter to Parents and Students and reviewed it with my child.
Parent’s Signature
Student’s Signature
Honors Algebra 1AB, Period ___
Information about my child that will help you to be a better teacher for him/her:
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