Malibu High School
Algebra II – Ms. Smith
Policies 2015-2016
Overview
Building on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, students extend
their repertoire of functions to include logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical
functions in the Algebra II course. Students work closely with the expressions that
define the functions, completely manipulate algebraic expressions, and continue to
expand and hone their abilities to model situations and to solve equations, including
solving quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers and solving exponential
equations using the properties of logarithms. Instructional time will focus on four critical
areas: 1) relate arithmetic of rational expressions to arithmetic of rational numbers; 2)
expand understandings of functions and graphing to include trigonometric functions; 3)
synthesize and generalize functions and extend understanding of exponential functions
to logarithmic functions; and 4) relate data display and summary statistics to probability
and explore a variety of data collection methods. Calculators will be needed in class.
This is the perfect year if you can to purchase a graphing calculator. They will be used
in this class and in any subsequent math classes your student will take. Students
should get the Texas Instruments 83+/or 84
Mathematic Practices
Common Core mathematical practices will be used throughout the course. These
practices allow students to question and dig deeper so there is true understanding of
the concept. This understanding can then be applied to problem solving and will help
prepare the students for the common core assessments.
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Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Grades
90% of your grade for this course will be determined by points earned on class
assignments, homework, projects, quizzes, and assessments. You will also receive a
participation grade. Your participation grade will be determined by points gained or lost
in class, primarily by behavior, work habits, and attentiveness. Your grade will be
weighted approximately according to the following percentages but based on a total
point system.
Assignments/homework
Quizzes
Assessments
Participation
Final Exam
Grading Scale
30%
15%
30%
10%
15%
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
A
B
C
D
F
Assignments
You will only be successful in math if you practice the skills taught in class. You can
expect to practice every day. Practice may include classwork, homework, group work
and projects. You may have some class time to work on assignments, however,
whatever work you have not finished by the end of the class period becomes
homework. Homework must be completed outside of class and is due the next time the
class meets or it is considered to be a late assignment. Late assignments will only be
accepted for the current chapter of study.
Your assignment
Paper headed correctly, all problems
completed, minor errors
Points earned
10 points maximum
Incomplete assignment/heading
Incorrect/numerous errors*
5 points maximum
Late assignment
5 points maximum
* A student may redo any assignment for a maximum of 7 points. It must be
redone before the chapter test that covers the material from the assignment.
Make up work due to an excused absence must be made up within a reasonable
amount of time (usually one day for each day absent) to be considered for full credit.
If you are absent, it is up to YOU to find out what you have missed and to make up the
notes and assignment on your own time. Assignments will be posted on line on Ms.
Smith’s HW page. Notes given in class in your absence can be obtained from a
classmate.
Text – Big Ideas Math – Algebra 2 – Ron Larson & Laurie Boswell
Quizzes
Quizzes will usually be given weekly. I will always inform you in advance of an
upcoming quiz, or you can check illuminate and the posted weekly assignments to see
any upcoming quizzes. The point value for quizzes varies between 10 and 20 points.
You may retake one quiz per quarter and must be complete within that same quarter
(however all hw must have been complete to do this). I will take your better score. If
you miss a quiz due to an excused absence, you will not be allowed the retake
opportunity. Your make up quiz counts as the retake.
Assessments
Tests will be given at the end of each chapter and will be worth 40-100 points
depending on the chapter. Any test may be retaken on the students own time. To
retake a test however, all assignments must be turned in from the particular chapter
and test corrections from the original test must be completed. The highest grade will
be taken. Re-takes must be done in the current grading period (quarter).
Note - taking
Students are required to take notes in class. A composition book type notebook is
required. Class notes will include important vocabulary and examples of the types of
questions you can expect on assignments, quizzes, and tests. Do not use your class
notebook for assignments or for any other class. Only math notes should be in this
notebook. If I ever have open note quizzes or tests you may only use notes
that are in this composition book – get one 
Notes Quizzes or notebook check
Each chapter we may have a notes quiz or a notebook check – I will give notification
before hand – the answers to these quizzes can only be found from your competition
books where you took notes in class. YES, NOTES ARE VERY IMPORTANT . They will
be worth 10 - 20 points.
Help
Homework help will be available before school and lunch, (I should arrive between 7:00
and 7:15 each day) and some days after school. Also take advantage of the
department’s math homework help after school. Check ahead to make sure I will be
available after school just in case.
Supplies
*Textbook – You are responsible to have your text book with you each day in
class. I suggest you leave your book in your locker so you always have it here
and use the online text book at home.
*Paper & pencil (no pen) for assignments – you will also need graph paper I will
give you notice when it is almost time.
*Notebook (composition style for note-taking) and an organized folder to keep
all your Algebra I assignments, notes, tests and quizzes together.
*TI 83+/or 84 Graphing Calculator is recommended.
*** Any parents who would like to send in Kleenex feel free to do so. This is
one supply I go thru the most in class. We will also need lots of m&m’s when we
get to our statistics section. If you would like to donate and send some bags of
plain m&m’s in I would greatly appreciate it.
Expectations
You are responsible for your success in this class. School policies will be strictly
enforced (including NO CELL PHONES DURING CLASS – unless I have specified for
educational purposes). Please make the most of this school year by allowing yourself
some quality study time every day. Your attitude, work habits, and scholarship should
reflect the best of your ability. Ms. Smith will enforce the more than 15 absence rule as
well. If a student misses more than 15 days, no more than a C grade in the class will
be given. Please note 3 tardies count as one absence.
Online Resources
Online textbook can be found at bigideasmath.com – Ms. Smith will give students an
access code the first week of school – each student will then create their own user
account – this is required for all students. It is an amazing tool!
Parents--the easiest way to reach me is via e-mail c.smith@smmusd.org.
Please check your child’s progress in my class on a regular basis via the
Illuminate system. Grades will be updated at least once a week.
Obtaining a parent signature on this paper is a required assignment. Thank
you for your help and cooperation in making this a great school year!
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I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS POLICY SHEET. I AGREE TO COMPLY
WITH THE COURSE EXPECTATIONS.
Student Name ________________________________________________
please print
Parent Signature________________________________________________
Parent’s e-mail address___________________________________________