Algebra II Common Core
Syllabus 2015-2016
Mrs. Bie
bbie@rhinebeckcsd.org
(845)871-5500 ext. 5146
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: Room 146: 10:35-11:16 and by appointment
Afterschool Extra Help: Wednesdays 2:30-3:15 (Room 146) (see board for additional
days and times)
Course Description: Algebra II is the third course in the New York State Common Core
math sequence. Students should have completed successfully Common Core Algebra 1
and Common Core Geometry or Intermediate Algebra. The topics we will cover include
Algebra II, Functions, Transformations, Equation Solving, Sequences and Series,
Financial Applications, Statistics, Probability, and Trigonometry. A Regents exam will be
given on June 1, 2016 and all students enrolled in this course are required to take the
exam. Expect the course to be extremely fast-paced and challenging! The course and
the Algebra 2 Common Core exam must be passed for graduation with Advanced
Regents designation.
Materials Needed: Each student will need a notebook or composition book, a three-ring
binder; a writing utensil, and a calculator*.
*A scientific calculator is necessary in class and at home. I strongly recommend that you
purchase a TI-Nspire CX or TI-84 graphing calculator to maximize your class experience
(the school will provide, for in class use ONLY, if the student chooses not to purchase).
For use at home, there are free graphing calculator applications available for mobile
devices (freegracalc is one offered for iPhone) Also, students can purchase the TI-Nspire
software to be used on a device at home.
Grading Policy: You are graded on a total points basis. The primary difference between
a test and a quiz is the point value assigned to each. Also, a quiz may be unannounced.
You will have at least 1 day notice of an upcoming test. Homework will be checked
and/or collected daily. Any student caught or suspected of cheating or copying will
receive a zero and no make ups will be offered, this holds for tests, quizzes, homework,
weekly projects, and corrections. Each week you can expect a quiz/test. There will likely
be daily 1-3 question quizzes. At the end of the quarter, I add a class participation grade
to your average; it is based on your attendance.
Test Corrections and Re-Takes: Students may be given the opportunity to make test or
quiz corrections. All corrections must be completed with me during study halls or
before/after school unless otherwise specified. All corrections must be completed on a
separate correction sheet with all work shown. All solutions must be correct in order to
receive credit. Corrections are due by the specified date and no late corrections will be
accepted. If offered, corrections will be given to all class members, and will not be given
at all times. The need for corrections will be based on the level of mastery gained by the
students and will be decided by the teacher after the exam is given.
If a student is absent on a day of an exam, the exam must be made up by the next class
day after the student returns in order to hold the validity of the exam. Exceptions will be
made for extended absences.
Homework Policy: Homework will be given and checked daily for completion.
Homework assignments will be graded on effort and completion on a scale from 0-2.
Zero points will be given if an assignment is not done. One point will be given for
partially completing an assignment and two points for total completion with full effort
given. All assignments should be done to the best of the students’ ability and students are
asked to come in for extra help when needed. I do not accept late assignments, unless
previous permission is given. If a student is absent the assignment is due the day after the
student returns.
Weekly Projects: Often a weekly take-home assignment will be given. This assignment
may contain sample Regents exam questions meant to help the students gain comfort
with the end of year assessment. I ask that the student complete these problems as they
would a Regents exam. The assignment will be graded as any exam would be—partial
credit will be given on free response questions. Students are allowed to use their notes
and ask me for help when needed. Please do not rely on your classmates (see cheating
above). Take home assignments will be given on Monday and will be due on Friday, or
Tuesday and will be due on Monday, or some similar time configuration. I do not accept
late assignments, unless previous permission is given.
Website: My website is meant to help students and parents to be aware of what has been
done and what will be done in classes to come. You will likely find links to guided notes,
weekly projects, calculator files, and textbook or classroom videos. If a student is absent
I ask that they go to the website and print missed notes and/or watch lesson videos,
complete homework assignment and, if necessary, download any needed calculator files.
The students are asked to come prepared to the next class with any questions they may
have. If a student does not have Internet access at home, the school’s library and the
computer lab (room 142) has many computers available for use during study halls and
before or after school.
Classroom Rules: My classroom is meant to be a safe learning environment for all
students. If at any time I feel that a student is impeding the learning process for any other
student, that student will be asked to leave. My rules are simple:
1. Come prepared with your calculator, notebook, and writing utensil on time, daily.
2. Do not speak when others are speaking; this is common manners.
3. Do not put down or make fun of any other student.
4. Keep inappropriate language, comments, and visuals out of the classroom. If you
cannot resist using your cell phone, please deposit in the cell phone caddy at the
beginning of the class period; don’t forget to retrieve at the end of class.
5. Request help immediately when unsure, lost, or need more practice with the
material presented. I encourage you to interrupt me to ask questions.
6. Try your best, and ask questions as soon as you feel the need! Don’t hesitate; my
goal is to leave no one behind.
7.
8.
Hard work and achievement go hand-in-hand!