Thomas Alva Edison High School
2014-2015
Advanced Algebra
Teacher: Mr. Agrimson
Room 207
E-mail Address: jacob.agrimson@mpls.k12.mn.us
Course Description
Advanced Algebra is a yearlong course that focuses on recognizing, describing, and generalizing
patterns to make predictions. You will be interpreting results, making conjectures, and using
mathematical reasoning to solve problems using knowledge and understanding of the topics
studied. We will use algebraic symbols and operations to represent and analyze mathematical
structures. Through inquiry-based learning we will be investigating patterns of graphs, tables,
equations, and contexts. You will be expected to use correct language in your communication
of mathematics throughout this course. We will focus on justifying mathematical findings using
effective reasoning both orally and in writing. Throughout the learning process you will have
time to practice reflection in mathematics. You will have the opportunity to reflect upon the
processes and evaluate the correctness as well as the significance of your mathematical findings.
Reflection will also allow you to become aware of the strengths and challenges you face as a
learner.
Course Topics
The units established in the Focused Instruction Curriculum Guide are Sequences and Series,
Families of Functions, Exponential, Power and Logarithmic Functions, Quadratics, Polynomials,
Advanced Systems of Equations, Probability, and Circle Trigonometry.
What you should bring to class
Please come EVERY DAY to class prepared by bringing your math notebook and a pencil. A TI83 calculator would help a lot, but I do provide them in class. Other tools will be provided for
your use.
TOMMIE CREED
Team
I will respect myself and others by being open-minded and a good communicator.
Opportunity
I will prepare for college and the career of my choice by being a thinker and becoming more
knowledgeable.
Make a Difference
I will honor myself, my family and my school by being principled.
Make it Right
I will restore my relationships and advocate for myself. I will be caring and try to understand
others by being an inquirer.
Integrity
I will make good decisions. I will stay balanced and be reflective about my choices.
Excellence
I will do my personal best and be a positive risk-taker.
MYP Fundamental Concepts
Throughout the year, our curriculum will support the three underlying principles of the I.B.
Middle Years Programme: inquiry, action, and reflection. We will ask questions about math and
the world around us, apply math in our community, and think deeply about what and how we
are learning.
MYP Global Contexts
You will be learning Intermediate Algebra through six Global Contexts. The Global Contexts give
meaning to what is learned through the exploration of real-world problems. Through inquiry and
active learning, you will use higher-order thinking skills to deepen comprehension and reflection
to better understand yourself as a learner.
Identities and relationships: Explore identity; beliefs and values; personal, and physical, mental, social and
spiritual health. Also, look at human relationships, communities and cultures. Think about what it means to be human.
Orientation in space and time: Explore turning points in humankind from discoveries and explorations to the
relationships between individuals and civilizations. Do this through different perspectives, not just yours, but also others
in Minneapolis, the U.S, and the world.
Personal and cultural expression: Explore the different ways that we discover and express ideas and
feelings on everything from nature to culture. Think about all the different ways that we reflect on and enjoy our human
creativity, and our appreciation of “beauty.”
Scientific and technical innovation: Explore the relationship between people and the natural world and
the impact of scientific/technological advances on communities and environments. Also think about the impact of
environments on human activity; how do we adapt?
Globalization and sustainability: Explore human-made systems and communities; and how our local
experiences at home affect the whole world. Reflect on the positive and negative effects of world “interconnectedness.”
Is it sustainable? Will it last?
Fairness and development: Explore rights and responsibilities, especially the relationship between different
communities around the world. Do we share what we have with other people? With other living things? Can we all
achieve equal opportunities and peace?
Identities and
Relationships
Who am I?
Who are we?
Orientation in
Space and Time
What is the
meaning of
“where” and
“when”?
Personal and
Cultural
Expression
What is the
nature and
purpose of
creative
expression?
Scientific and
Technical
Innovation
How do we
understand the
world in which we
live?
Globalization
and
Sustainability
How is everything
connected?
Fairness and
Development
What are the
consequences
of our
common
humanity?
Approaches to learning are a set of learning skills we will be developing in this class, as well
as in all of your classes, including communication, social, self-management, research, and
thinking skills.
Grading Breakdown
85%
Learning Targets
Each of the eight units established in the Focused Instruction Curriculum Guide will be broken
down into learning targets. You will have several opportunities to demonstrate your
comprehension of each learning target throughout the unit. These opportunities will include
tests, quizzes, projects, class work, and additional assessments. Learning targets will be graded
using the rubric shown:
Score
MCA Terms
Description
7-8
EXCEEDS
Got it and more!
Defends understanding of learning target in writing or solves an unfamiliar problem.
5-6
MEETS
Got it!
Shows understanding of learning target.
3-4
PARTIALLY MEETS
Kinda got it!
Shows mostly correct process but incorrect solution.
1-2
DOES NOT MEET
Don’t get it!
Attempts the task but does not address the learning target.
Didn’t do it!
No work shown/submitted. No attempt to meet the learning target.
0
15%
Classwork/Assignments/Projects
You will receive a weekly grade for classwork/assignments based on the previous rubric.
Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday. Assignments are designed to take 15-20
minutes. To be successful in this class, completing homework assignments is a necessity.
Assignments are due at the START of the hour in order to receive credit.
Grading Scheme
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
above 90 %
87 – 90 %
83 – 87 %
79 – 83 %
75 – 79 %
71 – 75 %
67 – 71 %
63 – 67 %
59 – 63 %
55 – 59 %
50 – 55 %
0 – 50 %
If you do not complete assignments, it is not possible to earn an A.
If you earn all 6’s, showing understanding of topics you will earn a B.
If you earn a combination of 3-6’s you will earn a C.
If you show only partial understanding of topics you will earn a D.
Below 50% will result in a failing grade.
Attendance and Tardy Policy
Please refer to the Thomas Edison Student Handbook.
Support
I am committed to holding each of you to the highest expectations and providing the necessary
support so that you can be successful in meeting all of the learning targets. Support includes:
• Regular feedback on your work so that you know what you are and are not understanding
• Explaining things more than one way
• Staying after school every Wednesday to offer extra help and being willing to schedule
additional days either before or after school as needed
Thomas Alva Edison High School
2014-2015
Advanced Algebra
Teacher: Mr. Agrimson
E-mail Address: jacob.agrimson@mpls.k12.mn.us
I am committed to holding each of my students to the highest expectations and providing the
necessary support so that they can be successful in meeting all of the learning targets. Support
includes:
•
•
•
•
Providing regular feedback on work so that each student knows what he/she is and is not
understanding
Explaining things more than one way
Staying after school every Wednesday to offer extra help and being willing to schedule
additional days either before or after school as needed
Encouraging a growth mindset which leads to a desire to learn and a tendency to embrace
challenges and persist in the face of setbacks
You can help your student be successful in math class by:
•
Asking them each day to explain to you what we did in class. If they cannot explain it to
you, they might not understand it and should seek help.
•
Encouraging your student to call/get together with other students to do math
homework. Expect him/her to have math homework every day Monday through
Thursday.
•
Reinforcing that being smart at math isn’t about being the fastest…it’s about working hard
and accepting that mistakes make us smarter!
Please email me anytime with questions or concerns. Thanks for your support!