Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry
Syllabus 2015 - 2016
Contact information: Bethany Blackwood
bblackwood@cps.edu
773-697-2023
Office Hours: Wed & Thur 3:30 – 4:30pm. (Other times by appointment.)
Class website: www.duaablackwood.weebly.com
Course Description:
(taken from http://mathimp.org/general_info/iis/section2_2.html)
In this class we will be studying Algebra and Trigonometry topics that provide a strong foundation for higher levels
of high school and college mathematics. This class will use an IMP (Interactive Mathematics Program) approach
that involves integrated problem-solving math units. It is a shift from traditional math teaching because:
 It is problem-centered with long-term, open-ended investigations
 It requires extensive oral and written communication by students
 It focuses on developing deep understanding
 It involves an expanded role of the teacher, as facilitator, and a more active role for the student learner
 It requires group work, graphing calculator technology and perseverance in problem solving
Course Objectives:
This is a rigorous honors level math course that follows Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. By the end
of the year, students should be able to:
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Use tables, equations and graphs to problem solve in real-life contexts
Model situations using appropriate functions (linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, and trigonometric)
Solve trigonometry problems involving right triangles, the unit circle and radian angles
Apply principles of counting, probability and statistics to analyze everyday situations
Apply mathematics to consumer choices (which fulfills the Consumer Education graduation requirement)
Read and write about math, using appropriate vocabulary, to learn and explain concepts
Course Materials: **Bring to class every day!**
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Text: Meaningful Math Algebra 2
Pencils
Binder and/or folder
Spiral notebook (or loose-leaf paper) for notes
Graphing calculator (TI-84 calculators are available to borrow from DeVry; the replacement cost is about $120 for
lost or damaged calculators)
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Absences, Tardies & Late Work:
Learning happens every minute of every day. If a student is absent or late, he/she must find out what was missed
from the class website and see me immediately upon return. Here are the policies:
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Excused Absences- Students will be allowed to make up the work for full credit within 3 days.
Unexcused Absences- Students will face the late work policy explained below.
Tardies- Students will have to make up the missed time outside of class. If being tardy becomes a habit
(more than 4 tardies/quarter), I will double the time that students need to make up and contact home.
Late work- 10% penalty per day late, or a 50% penalty if over one week late. Accepted in that quarter only.
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Grading Policy:
The class website, www.duaablackwood.weebly.com, has a calendar of assignments, helpful resources for
students, and videos that explain the main learning targets of each unit. Grades will be given on an ongoing basis
and updated by 9:00 am each Friday. Students and parents should check grades often on the CPS portal.
Grade overview:
15% Assignments
15% Projects
30% quizzes**
40% tests**
(includes final exam)
SIGN UP FOR TRIGGERS ON STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL!
Grading scale:
Homework, classwork and other assignments are graded based on
effort and accuracy.
Long term assignments: problems of the week, writing assignments,
and other projects are graded using rubrics.
Quizzes on learning targets (targets given at beginning of each unit).
See retake policy below!
Unit problem write up, mid-unit test, end of unit test, final exam
(cumulative). See test corrections policy below.
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = under 60%
**In an effort to promote mastery of the skills and concepts being taught, students have the following options:
 QUIZ RETAKES: Students may earn the right to re-take a quiz by doing quiz corrections (either
independently or with the teacher at tutoring). If a higher score is received on a quiz retake, it will replace
the previous grade. Quiz re-takes can be taken until the day of the test of the following chapter.
 TEST CORRECTIONS: Students may earn the right for test corrections (up to half the missed points) by
earning a 75% average on their quizzes for the unit. Then the student can come to tutoring for corrections.
Expectations:
In order to promote a supportive environment of learners, I have the following expectations of students. In case of
persistent issues, school administration and parents will be notified of discipline issues.
Behavior
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Responsible learners
Respectful
Prepared
No food in class
Technology
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Cell phones & devices
for school activities
only
No ear buds in class!
Mindset
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Growth mindset
Determined
United
Adaptable
Achieving
I don’t know! (IDK)
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Review notes
Try again
Ask classmates
Other resources
Tutoring
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ADVANCED ALGEBRA/TRIGONOMETRY WITH MS. BLACKWOOD
2015-2016
Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s),
I am excited to begin my 4th year teaching at DUAA, and I am glad your student will be part of our community
this year! I have high expectations for my students and I will do my best to support your child’s learning and progress.
Their math course will be rigorous and challenging, yet I am confident that if they put in solid effort, they will learn a lot
and be highly successful in my class. I emphasize our school Core Values, which means DUAA students are encouraged
to be Determined, United, Adaptable and Achieving. I will expect students to work well in groups and keep a “growth
mindset” about learning through struggle. This will help them on the ACT, in college and beyond! Be sure to read the
following sections of the syllabus carefully:
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Tutoring (office hours) (Tutoring helps improve grades! Develop good habits before it’s too late.)
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Tardy policy (Missed time = makeup time)
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Grading (updated at 9:00am Friday; sign up for triggers on Parent Portal for notifications)
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Quiz & test retake policy (Growth mindset: if you need to try again, do it! Put in the effort needed for success.)
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Materials needed for class (Staying organized (binder/folder/spiral) and having a pencil & calculator are key!!)
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Website (homework, helpful resources, deadlines can be found at www.duaablackwood.weebly.com)
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at any point during the year. You may email me at
bblackwood@cps.edu or call my desk at 773-697-2023. Thank you so much!
-Ms. Bethany Blackwood
**PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION TO MS. BLACKWOOD BY 9/9/15**
Student name: ______________________________________
Class period: ____________
STUDENT: If you have read the syllabus, understand the expectations & agree to put forth your best effort, sign below:
Signature: ____________________________________________
PARENT: If you have read the syllabus, understand the expectations and agree to your student borrowing a Ti-84
graphing calculator (if they do not already have one) please sign below.
Signature: ____________________________________________
Best method of contact: ______________________________________________________ (provide phone and/or email)
Will your student borrow a graphing calculator? ________________ (calculator required for course, $120 if damaged/lost)
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