Algebra 2 Syllabus:
Teacher: Mr. Cordeiro (Room W-116)
Email: alan.cordeiro@edmondschools.net
b  b 2  4ac
x 
2a
School phone number: 405-726-7172
Teacher Website: www.alancordeiro.net
Introduction – Welcome to Algebra 2! I look forward to each of you having a very productive and successful year in the class,
and I strongly believe that every student in this class can succeed in Algebra 2. I understand that not every student
enjoys math, but it is my goal to help every student gain the math skills and knowledge needed to be successful as
adults. As with any skill, you learn math by doing it, not by watching someone else do it. So take an active role in
your own learning and you will do fine. Ask questions! If you are having any difficulty, please feel free to contact me
during class, or stop by in between classes to set up a time that we can work together to overcome the difficulty.
Office hours – I will be at school from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. (later as needed) Please feel free to contact me at any time during
these hours except when I have a class in session. I offer math help daily after my last class, on a first-come, firstserved basis. No appointment needed. I also have 1st—2nd hour open, since I teach 3rd—7th. Students MUST get their
other teacher’s written permission before coming to my class during their class with that other teacher.
Course description – Algebra is the branch of mathematics which uses letters (variables) to represent unknown numbers.
Equations using these variables are solved using the same rules of operations that apply to all numbers. For example,
the “Golden Rule” of Algebra tells that whatever you do to one side of an equation you must do the same thing to the
other side of the equation, to keep it equal. Algebra 2 is an extension of what you already learned in Algebra 1 and preAlgebra. The following (and more) will be covered this year:




Properties of Real Numbers
• Radical Expressions
Linear Equations & Inequalities
• Rational Expressions and Functions
Systems of Linear Equations & Inequalities • Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Quadratic Equations
• Polynomial Functions
Common Core State Standards in Mathematics – This year, we are adopting Common Core standards for Mathematics, so
the lessons will be modified somewhat from the current textbook. The Common Core Algebra 2 units can be viewed on my
website. ( http://www.alancordeiro.net/Algebra2.html )
Materials – The following materials will be needed on a daily basis:
 Algebra 2 Textbook (there's a class set in the classroom, so keep your textbook at home)
 3-Ring Binder or Folder, and 3-ring notebook paper (also some graph paper from time to time)
 Pencils (preferably mechanical)
 Graphing calculator (Texas Instruments TI-84 or TI-83; the Casio version is NOT recommended)
Note: Edmond North provides a few calculators in each classroom, including mine. However, these are in short supply,
and students will want to get their own personal calculator to use at school and home. The Texas Instruments TI-84 or 83
is recommended, and can be purchased at Wal-Mart or other stores for around $90-120. They are usually on sale in
August. It is not required for students to purchase a calculator, but I highly recommend you purchase one if at all possible.
The same calculator will also be used in many college courses.
Grading system – The student’s grade will be figured from grades taken on homework, quizzes, chapter tests,
checkpoint tests, and the semester exam. Extra credit projects may count as quizzes. The letter grade
earned will correlate to the percentage the student has earned in the class based on the following scale:
Letter Grade:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
D = 60 – 69
F = 0 – 59
Weight of each category:
Daily classwork/homework = 15%
Quizzes = 15%
Chapter Tests = 45%
Checkpoints = 5%
Semester Exam = 20%
Class Expectations: ALL my students will….

Arrive in class on time and with all needed materials, including completed homework.

Actively participate in the day’s math lesson.

Take active responsibility for your own learning. Come in and get extra help if you need it.

Treat me and each other with respect at all times. (both what you say and how you act)

Do not disrupt the class or distract others from learning.

ALL rules in your student handbook also apply in my classroom.
Re-tests – Students are given an opportunity to retake any failed quiz or chapter test, but only after a thorough
review of the first test with the teacher in which the student demonstrates mastery of the missed problems. If
improved, the re-test grade will replace the original grade. Only one re-test will be allowed for any test or quiz. (No
“third tries”.) Daily homework is graded on a scale of 0-10. Sometimes I use unscheduled "clicker quizzes" as a
way of checking homework. Clicker quizzes count the same as homework. Also, on days that I have a scheduled
quiz or chapter test, I will collect all the homework from that chapter as a package, and grade it on a scale of 0-50.
Absences – For any excused absences, students will be given more time to make up missing assignments, as per
the student handbook.
Seating arrangements – Each student will be given an assigned seat.
Please refrain from switching seats unless you have cleared the idea with me first. I may change seat
assignments during the year, whenever it appears that a different seating arrangement will facilitate better
learning.
Bathroom Breaks – These are supposed to occur during lunch or passing periods. Occasionally, a student has to
go during class, but this should be a rare exception. Students must ask permission to leave my class for any
reason, and they have to sign out on a sign-out sheet, then sign back in when they return. If a student asks to go
more than twice in one week, then I may charge them a 15 minute teacher detention for each interruption.
Mr. Cordeiro’s 3-Strike Policy
No Classroom Disruptions or Disrespect!
Strike One = Verbal Warning
Strike Two = Time out; Phone call to parent
Strike Three = Written discipline referral to an Administrator and/or Detention
Cell Phones = Silent and Invisible! (NOT hidden in your lap or on your desk.)
Strike One = Phone is confiscated; pick it up after school.
Strike Two = Phone is confiscated; pick it up after school. Parent notified.
Strike Three = Parent must pick up the phone at the Principal’s office.
ANY severe disruption will result in the student being sent immediately to the front office.
Repeat offenders will also be referred to the front office for further action.
**All rules in the Student Handbook apply in my classroom, as well as the use of common sense for
situations not specifically covered in the rules.
Overall – If you have any concerns about your progress, or the grade you are earning at any point in the school
year, please feel free to contact me. It is my belief that EVERY student CAN succeed at math, and I am certain
that each of you can earn an “A” in this class if you are willing to work hard enough for it. If you fail, it will be
because you quit.
****PARENTS, PLEASE FILL OUT AND RETURN THIS PAGE TO ME****
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am looking forward to working with both you and your children throughout this school year. As a teacher, I
will do everything I can to help your children be successful in my class, and in their future life. As a parent myself, I
consider your children’s success just as important as if they were my own children.
While I can appreciate how difficult math might be for some students, I fully believe that every student is
capable of achieving success in this class, and in life. The key is the student being well motivated and actively
working towards reaching their goals, not just passively floating through life. As parents, your role is crucial,
helping your children develop long-term goals, keeping them motivated and working towards those goals.
I encourage and welcome you to visit our classroom anytime you like, but request that you make an
appointment through the front office for security reasons. If you would like to contact me for any reason, please call
me at school (726-7172) and leave a message, or better yet, email me at alan.cordeiro@edmondschools.net and I
will contact you as soon as possible. (usually by email)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------******IMPORTANT******
PARENTS: PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH YOUR CONTACT INFO so I can keep you informed during the year.
Also, Fill Out Your Info Below, And Have Your Child Return This Last Part To Me.
PARENT NAME:___________________________PARENT PHONE:___________________
PARENT EMAIL:_____________________________________________________(please print clearly!!)
PARENTS: My child has discussed these class expectations with me. I understand the expectations and
will support my child in meeting them.
Signature _____________________________________ Date __________________
PRINTED parent name_________________________________
STUDENTS: I have read and understand what is expected of me in this class, and I will act accordingly.
Signature _____________________________________ Date __________________
PRINTED student name_________________________________
THANK YOU!! 