The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.
–Stan Gudder
IIS
ALGEBRA
YLLABUS
Somerville High School, 2014-2015
Ms. Jackson
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Amber Jackson
ROOM: 109
EMAIL: ajackson@k12.somerville.ma.us
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday & Thursday 2:45pm-3:45pm, Monday - by appointment
Course Objective
Algebra II consists of a detailed development of algebraic theory. Students will
[1] study the properties and representations of relations with special attention to polynomial, logarithmic,
exponential, and rational functions
[2] solve linear and nonlinear equations as well as problems with powers and roots
[3] use technology to model and explore critical thinking and problem solving situations
Class Website
The class website can be accessed at akjacks.weebly.com. The website contains information about the course,
grading, assignments, links to math tools, reference materials, and more.
Required Materials
Textbook - Pearson; 2012; Algebra 2: Common Core
A Three-Ring Binder
Tab Dividers
Lined Paper & Graph Paper
Pencils & Erasers
Scientific Calculator
Grading Scale
[FIRST & THIRD QUARTER]
Category
Weight
60%
Assessments (Tests,
Quizzes, & Projects)
Homework
Classwork
Participation (Effort,
Timeliness, & Binder)
20%
10%
10%
[SECOND & FOURTH QUARTER]
Category
Weight
35%
Assessments (Tests,
Quizzes, & Projects)
25%
Midyear Exam/Final Exam
20%
Homework
10%
Classwork
Participation (Effort,
10%
Timeliness, & Binder)
Online Grades
All grades are posted online on the district’s X2 system. Each student has been issued a userID and password
for access to the X2 system: https://studentdata.k12.somerville.ma.us
Expectations
Exist. Show up, on time and awake. Avoid distractions. Electronics are NOT permitted in the classroom.
Organize. Bring your binder, paper, and a pencil every day. If you do not have these, purchase them or see me.
Study. Do your homework. Study for tests and quizzes. See me before or after school for help.
Communicate. Ask questions if you're lost. Request to do revisions. Propose extra credit.
Electronics. I will subtract one point from your quarter grade each time you use your cell phone or any other
unauthorized electronic. This includes iPods, MP3 players, and game consoles.
Absences
There will always be a copy of the notes and work assigned each day. It is your responsibility to find out what
you missed while you were absent. You have as many days to make up assignments as the number of days you
were absent.
Cuts . Any cut classes will be reported to your Housemaster and will result in an automatic zero for all work
(including tests) missed.
Assessments
Throughout the year, students will be formally assessed in a variety of ways.
Quizzes. Individual quizzes are given on a weekly basis except during weeks in which a test is scheduled. These
quizzes are scheduled and closed notes. Group quizzes may occur once per unit. They are closed notes and will
replace a scheduled weekly quiz. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3. Pop quizzes are given as needed. These
quizzes are based on notes, classwork, & homework. Students may use all the aforementioned while taking a
pop quiz. Students are also permitted to work with a partner.
Tests. Tests are given at the end of each unit. There will be review before each test. If a student misses a test,
they must make-up the test within a week of their return. The test must be taken either before or after school
in one sitting. If a student misses both the review and the test, the test must be taken within a week and one day
of their return. The extra day is to account for the time needed to complete the test review. If a student scores
below a 75 on an exam, a student is required to do test corrections. For each corrected question, students will
receive half a point back toward their original exam grade and may earn up to, but not exceed, a 75.
Exams. Exams are given twice a year. They are cumulative and students are strongly encouraged to study
together and come in for extra assistance with any concepts they find unclear. The midyear and final exam are,
respectively, worth 25% of the second and fourth quarter grade.
Coursework
Classwork. Classwork is assigned daily. In class assignments give students the opportunity to practice
their skills in class with their peers, with my assistance or both. Classwork is designed for students to complete
before the end of class. Some assignments will be collected for a grade, others will be given a grade that reflects
the effort given by the student in class.
Homework. Homework is due each day at the beginning of class. Each student may have one excused homework
assignment per quarter. In order to be excused from a homework assignment you need to leave a note with your
name on it on the corner of your desk or pass it in when homework is collected. There are two components to
the homework grade. Homework is graded on effort and completion and will be checked while students work
on their warm-up. We will review homework during class. Twice per unit, I will choose three random
questions on several previously checked assignments to grade for correction**. This will be part of students binder
grades and is to help students stay accountable for making homework corrections and encourage them to use
homework to study for quizzes, tests and exams.
Participation
Effort & Timeliness. Students will be graded on their in-class participation, attendance (timeliness and
unexplained absences), and academic integrity.
Binders. Be sure to keep your binders neat an organized. This will allow you to easily access previous
assignments and assessments when studying for unit exams, midterms, and finals.
Topics of Study
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Expression, Equations, & Inequalities
Introduction to Functions
Linear Functions, Equations, & Graphs
Linear Systems
Factoring Polynomials
Quadratic Functions
Polynomial Expressions & Functions
Radical Functions & Rational Exponents
Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Rational Functions
Data Analysis & Statistics
Sequences and Series
Probability
PSAT/SAT Prep
MCAS Prep