Accelerated Algebra I
Mrs. Reiner
lreiner@crsd.org
Council Rock High School South
2014-2015
Course Description
“This course is designed to give students a mathematically sound introduction
to algebra. The student is given the opportunity to develop fundamental algebraic skills
and concepts based on the structure of the system of real numbers such as equations,
inequalities, problem solving, polynomials, factoring, graphs and functions, simultaneous
equations, irrational numbers, square roots, relations, functions, and variations.
Because graphing activities are integrated throughout classroom presentations and
textbook activities, a graphing calculator is required for this course. The TI-83, TI-83
Plus, or TI-84 Plus are the recommended calculators.”
*Source: Council Rock School District Academic Planning
Textbook Information
Algebra
Brown, Dolciani, Sorgenfrey, Kane 2000
ISBN: 0-395-97722-3
Grading Policy
 Quarter and final grading will follow district procedure.
 Class grades using a points system, but please understand that homework ends up being
approximately 15% of your grade! Do your homework!!
 Extra credit may be available throughout the year at the discretion of the teacher. Students
should not ask for it.
 Overall grades will be given by the teacher at interim time and at the end of every marking
period. Intermittent grades can be checked by logging onto the Home Access Center (HAC) or
by asking during clinic.
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Class Expectations
 Respect my right to teach and your classmates’ right to learn.
 Come to class prepared everyday.
 Uphold all of your student responsibilities and conduct yourself accordingly.
o Attendance policy: Upon returning to school after an excused absence, all work MUST
be made up within the number of days missed. If work is not made up within this time
frame, the missed work will be graded as a zero.
o Lateness policy: Three unexcused late arrivals result a teacher detention.
 Most importantly…always put forth your best effort!
Academic Integrity
Every student is responsible for his/her own learning. A student may not share their work with
another student unless given discretion to do so by the teacher. Failure to commit to this expectation
will result in disciplinary action. This applies to all parties involved!
Required Materials
You are expected to bring the following materials to class daily: textbook, a 3-ring binder or folder
with an ample paper supply, a TI-83+ or TI-84 calculator, pencils, a colored pen/pencil and graph
paper. Being unprepared for class may result in a deduction of points from your grade with a
maximum of 2pts each time you are unprepared.
Homework
Homework is usually assigned daily. Your name, the date, and assignment (if appropriate) must be
written on the top of your paper. Each problem (with the exception of word problems) must be written
before showing your work. An example is shown below:
Mrs. Reiner
9/4/12
Pg 3 #1-4
1. x + 4 = 7
- 4 - 4
x=3
Attempt all assigned work even if you cannot complete the problems. In order to receive full credit,
you must have work when I am checking it in class. Leaving a problem blank or putting a “?” (or
something similar) WILL NOT GET YOU FULL CREDIT. When checked, a completed homework
assignment (with all work) earns 2pts, an incomplete (but strongly attempted) assignment earns 1pt,
and an assignment showing little to no effort earns 0pts. Homework quizzes may be given before each
chapter test. Students, with their homework assignments allowed out in front of them, will be asked to
reproduce five of the homework question and answer combinations for a grade.
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Assessments
Council Rock School District recognizes the need for regular student assessment. Assessment can take
many forms: class work, homework, reports, projects, student writing, student performance, quizzes,
teacher developed tests, department/district tests, mid-term and final exams, and standardized tests.
Teachers will provide the opportunity to review assessments in a classroom setting. With the exception
of District Assessments, students have the option of taking assessments home. District Assessments are
defined as summative assessments that are collaboratively created and administered across schools.
District Assessments are available for review at parent request. These are the current District
Assessments administered to students: mid-terms, finals, quarterlies/unit tests and elementary pre and
post assessments. At the secondary level, the Home Access Center will indicate with an asterisk those
District Assessments that will not go home.
Clinic
You may arrange to make up work or get extra help after school between 2:15 PM and 2:55 PM on
Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 260. Please be sure to sign in and out when you attend clinic. If you
know you are going to be absent from class, pick up work before leaving school or arrange for another
student to get your work.
Graphing Calculator Usage
Graphing calculators are used in virtually every mathematics class at South on a daily basis for the
purpose of providing an alternative, visual approach for enhancing mathematics instruction. These
calculators are used in every level of mathematics, and are required for successful completion of the
PSSA, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP Calculus AB/BC, and AP Statistics exams.
Scope & Sequence
Throughout the year, we will be covering the following topics:
 Introduction of Algebra
 Working with Real Numbers
 Solving Equations and Problems
 Polynomials
 Factoring Polynomials
 Fractions
 Applying Fractions
 Introduction to Functions
 Systems of Equations
 Inequalities
 Rational and Irrational Numbers
 Quadratic Equations
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Survival Hints for Class
 Be prepared for class. Everyday you should have the following with you:
notebook (3-ring binder with sections preferred), paper, 2 pocket folder, writing
instrument (have a few different colors), textbook, calculator, and YOUR
ENTHUSIASM!!
 Be in your seat and ready to go with your homework out when the bell rings.
 NEVER bring your cell phone or headphones to my classroom. I will take them if
I see them.
 Be respectful of everyone in the classroom. This classroom is OURS and we all
want to feel safe to express our ideas.
 BE ORGANIZED! The better organized you are the easier it will be to study and
find materials.
 HAVE FUN! I am looking forward to a great year and learning some wonderful
mathematics with you!
 DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS!
Contacts
You are responsible for making up any missed work. Please collect information from 2-3
classmates to contact with questions when you are absent.
Name: __________________________________________
Phone: _______________________
Email: ________________________________
Name: __________________________________________
Phone: _______________________
Email: ________________________________
Name: __________________________________________
Phone: _______________________
Email: ________________________________
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