CT Algebra I
2011-2012
Instructor: Ms. Shannon Strayer
Email: sstrayer@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Textbook: Carnegie Learning Cognitive Tutor Algebra I
Class Website: USC Teacher Page
Grades: www.edline.net
What will I do in Algebra I?
Topics:
-graphing points
-defining variables
-solving equations
-finding intercepts
-graphing lines
-writing algebraic expressions
-collecting & analyzing data
-solve real world situations
-graphing curves
-writing algebraic equations
-finding slope of a line
Take responsibility of your own learning:
1. Complete homework assignments
2. Be an active participant in class
3. Be an active listener in class
4. Work cooperatively with peers
5. Come prepared ready to learn
6. Ask questions as soon as something is unclear
7. Seek additional help before, during, or after class
Resources:
1. Student Text
2. Homework Helper
3. Cognitive Tutor Online Program
Typical week:
We will use both the Student Text and Cognitive Tutor Online Program (CT) on a weekly basis.
Generally, we will be spending 3 days per week on lessons and 2 days on the CT program. During
the lessons, you will work through “real world” situations in groups and as a whole class. During
the CT days, you will be working independently. The CT program is designed to provide you with
even more “real world” problems. The program will keep track of problems you complete and
provide prompts to assist you in mastering each skill/concept.
What will I need to be successful??
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Textbooks (1 Student Text, 1 Assignment Book, 1 Homework Helper Provided)
One 1.5” Three-Ring Binder
Dividers – Labeled: Agendas, Classwork/Homework, Write Abouts, Assessments and Other
Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
Pencil(s)
Three-Ring Pencil Case that will fit into your binder
Ruler
Scientific Calculator (TI-30XIIS, TI-30Xa, TI-34)
You are not permitted to borrow necessary tools (including calculators) from other students in
the class during a test or a quiz. Everyone is expected to have their own tools in class everyday!!
How will I receive a grade??
Grading will be based on five main categories – Assessments, Computer Work, Homework,
Projects/Presentations/Cooperative Learning, and Write Abouts. A point system will be used to
calculate your average for each category. This average will be factored into your final grade based
on the following percentages.
 Assessments (35%)
 You can expect to have an average of one quiz or test every two weeks. Quizzes will
generally be worth 20-30 points. Tests will generally be worth 50-65 points. Don’t be
surprised by the occasional POP Quiz as well. These will be worth 5 – 10 points.
 Computer Work (30%)
 You are expected to complete a specified number of Computer Units during each chapter.
Your computer lab grade will be based on your completion of these units in addition to your
successful completion of each lab unit test.
 Generally, you will have two class days per week to work in the Computer Lab. Our lab
days will usually be Monday and Friday. You are encouraged to work on lab at home by
logging into your account. However, Unit Tests must be completed in class.
 Homework, Projects, Presentations, and Cooperative Learning (20%)
 Homework assignments will be graded on a regular basis. Each assignment is worth 3
points if completed according to the directions given for that particular assignment. You are
expected to at least try every problem.
 “Appropriate Work” for homework problems:
- Pictures
-Drawings
- Explanations
-Calculations
- Questions prepared to ask in class
-Markings on problems
 Assignments that are incomplete or not done according to the directions will not receive full
credit. No Work, No Credit!!!
 Some homework assignments may also be collected and graded for accuracy and/or to see
that you have made corrections to an assignment during our class discussion of that
assignment.
 Late homework Policy: With an Oops! Pass, a homework assignment may be turned in
for full credit, 1 Day Late. Oops! Passes may only be used for Daily Homework
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Assignments, and must be completely filled out and stapled to the late assignment. Unused
Opps! Passes will be worth 1 bonus point each at the end of the nine weeks. (You will
receive 4 passes per nine weeks) All other late homework will be accepted up to two weeks
late for partial credit. Homework will not be accepted more than two weeks past the due
date.
You will be required to work cooperatively with other students to complete in class
assignments. Each student is required to participate by answering assigned questions and
helping teammates. Students who do not participate will not receive full credit on team
assignments.
Teams will often be required to present solutions to the class. Presentations will be
assessed on an individual basis. See team expectations below.
Active participation, cooperation, and effort will positively affect your grade for this course.
Team Expectations
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Sit facing each other
Read, think, and complete each problem together
Listen to each other’s ideas
Be respectful!!
Stay on task – Learn as much as you can
Every team member must contribute
Make sure everyone understands
Show all work, label graphs and diagrams, and use sentences for all answers and
explanations
 Write Abouts (15%)
 You will be required to complete 2-3 Write Abouts per chapter. Write Abouts will be
assigned as class work and/or homework, and may include, but are not limited to, solving
and writing an explanation to a mathematical problem, responding to a quote or question,
writing a comparison of two problem situations, or explaining a mathematical current event.
Write Abouts are graded for accuracy!
What is the Grading Scale??
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You will receive a letter grade at the end of each nine weeks and at the completion of each
semester. A Midterm Exam will be factored into the First Semester average. A Final Exam
will be factored into the Second Semester average. These exams will be weighted as 10%
of the semester grade. Semester grades will be based on a cumulative total of your
performance during the 2 nine weeks and on the semester exam.
Your grades will also be updated and posted on Edline approximately every two
weeks.
Grading Scale:
o 89.45% – 100%
A
o 79.45% – 89.44% B
o 69.45% – 79.44% C
o 59.45% – 69.44% D
o 59.44% - Below
F
Classroom Expectations
1. Be respectful at all times. Please listen carefully when the teacher or any other classmate is
talking. You are expected to be in your seat, looking at the speaker and listening to the
directions, instructions or questions. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in the
following consequences:
a. Warning
b. Removal from Team activity. You will be required to complete all work assigned that
day individually.
c. Removal from classroom to Assistant Principal’s Office. You will be required to
complete all work assigned that day individually. Parents or guardians will be
contacted. Discipline report will be filed.
2. Water is the only beverage permitted in the classroom. On computer lab days, water must
be placed away from any school computer. (No other food or beverage is permitted.)
3. Aggressive behavior, vandalism, and offensive language will not be tolerated. You are
expected to treat others with respect. Discipline reports will be issued otherwise.
4. You are required to be prepared and in class on time. As per school policy, every 3 tardies
will result in a discipline report.
General Class Procedures
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Arrive to class before the late bell.
Place personal belongings on the floor under your desk. Please make sure aisles are clear.
Take out your pencil, calculator and class materials.
Place homework on your desk.
Complete the Warm-Up problem(s). You have 3-5 minutes from the time the late bell rings
to complete the problem(s). Make sure your name is on it. Turn it over when you are done.
6. When the time is up, I will either collect the Warm-Up or we will discuss. Sometimes I’ll
grade the Warm-Up problem.
7. Directions and objectives will then be given for the day.
8. You should stay in your seat and listen while directions are given.
9. If you finish an activity early, you may begin the homework assignment. You must stay in
your seats while the other teams finish.
10. If you have a question, please raise your hand.
What if I’m absent??
USE your AGENDA, EDLINE, and TEACHER PAGE!!! These tools are there for you and I
expect you to use them to keep up with the class even when you are absent. If you miss class,
complete the assignment(s) on the agenda, then contact a classmate and/or myself to see if there
were any additions and/or changes made to the assignment during class. Also, be sure to pick up
any worksheets/class work that you missed!
Absent due to Illness: Upon returning to school, you must make arrangements to turn in any
assignments that you’ve missed and to make-up any missed tests or quizzes. In general, if you
are absent your make-up work should be completed within the number of days that you missed.
For example, if you miss two days, you have two days upon returning to school to turn in your
missed assignments. Any make-up work that is completed more than two weeks after you
return is scored as a failing grade in the gradebook! This policy applies to homework, quizzes,
tests, projects, activities, and semester exams. Refer to the course agendas for due dates!
Absent due to Field Trip/Extra-Curricular Activity: You are required to find out about
assignments prior to missing class and are expected to have all assignments completed on the
same day as your classmates. If you miss a test/quiz, then arrangements for taking it are to be
made prior to your absence. I recommend that you see me in the Resource Center during
homeroom!!
Absent due to Truancy: Any student who cuts class will receive a zero for any work due in class
that day. This includes tests, quizzes, projects, activities, homework, etc.
Be ProActive!!!
If an issue arises that will prevent you from completing an assignment on time, taking a quiz, etc,
be sure to come and see me BEFORE OR DURING HOMEROOM!! Be proactive…recognize the
situation before it happens and we should be able to work something out. That’s part of taking
responsibility for your own learning!! (The issue of, “I just didn’t feel like doing it,” will not be
accepted!)
AHH! Help Me Please!!
Algebra doesn’t always come easily and for that, here is a list of resources you can access:
 Me! (Email or see me before or during homeroom – Resource Center)
 Homework Helper
 CT Lab Program
 Classmates
 Resource Center during lunch/free mods
Edline& USC Teacher Page
You are expected to visit Edline.net on a regular basis to stay up to date on your grades. My
teacher page will have agendas, copies of class assignments, answer keys, etc. If you do not
have internet access at home, use the computer resources in the school or in the local library to
visit these two sites.
Cognitive Tutor At Home…
You may complete lab time at home by logging onto the Carnegie Learning Server one of three
ways:
1. http://online.carnegielearning.com/launch/student/upper_st_clair_hs-15241/
2. USC High School Home Page » “Teacher Pages” » “Ms. Strayer’s Teacher Page” »
“CT Algebra 1 Helpful Links”
3. USC High School Home Page » “Staff” » “Staff Links”
My CT Username:_____________________________
Cheating…
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying homework, telling students in other classes about
the problems or answers from a quiz or test, copying from another student during class, or sharing
calculators during an assessment. Collaboration and obtaining help from peers is openly
encouraged. However, collaboration is not the same as copying or doing someone else’s work for
them. Cheating on homework, quizzes, tests, or other assignments is punishable under the school
discipline code. Anyone caught cheating will receive a score of zero for that assignment, quiz, or
test and/or a discipline report will be issued.
Student and Guardian Signature
I have read and discussed the course policies and procedures with my student/guardian.
__________________________________
Student
Date
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Guardian
Date