Algebra 1
2014-2015 Course Syllabus
Mrs. Sarah Sagert
School Phone: (262) 789-6375
New Berlin Eisenhower Middle & High School
Email: sarah.sagert@nbexcellence.org
Room: 221
***EMAIL PREFERRED
Course Description
Core Connections Algebra aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by
focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations and inequalities and systems; extending these
skills to solving quadratic and exponential functions; exploring functions, including sequences, graphically,
numerically, symbolically and verbally; and using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to
distributions of data.
Course/Unit Outline
Chapter 1- Functions
Appendix – Representing Equations
Chapter 2- Linear Relationships
Chapter 3- Simplifying and Solving
Chapter 4- Systems of Equations
Chapter 5- Sequences
Chapter 6- Modeling Two-Variable Data
Chapter 7- Exponential Functions
Chapter 8- Quadratic Equations
Chapter 9- Solving Quadratics and Inequalities
Chapter 10- Solving Complex Equations
Chapter 11- Functions and Data
Textbook/Resource Materials
College Preparatory Mathematics Core Connections Algebra Textbook
Required Materials and Supplies
 Graphing calculator. (TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, TI-84 Plus Recommended)
 3 - ring binder
 Binder dividers (5)
 Filler paper (college ruled)
 Graph paper (with 3-hole punches)
 Book Cover!!
 Coloring Utensils of Choice (colored pencils, markers, etc.)
 Flexible Ruler
Grading Scale
A+ 97-100
A
93-96
A90-92
B+
B
B-
87-89
83-86
80-82
C+
C
C-
Semester Grade Weight
Quarter 1 and Quarter 2
80% Assessments
20% Graded Assignments and Knowledge Checks
Homework
77-79
73-76
70-72
D+
D
D-
|
|
67-69
63-66
60-62
F
Semester Grade
Quarter 1 and Quarter 2
Final Exam
< 60
90%
10%
Homework is not optional, it is a requirement. Homework is practice and students need to be able to make
mistakes and not be penalized. However, very few students perform well on quizzes or tests without at least
some practice. Homework completion will be tracked and posted on Infinite Campus. A score of 1 means it
was complete. If homework is not complete, a score of a 0 will be assigned in Infinite Campus.
Assessment Retake Policy
The ultimate goal is to have every student demonstrate evidence of learning and growth on each of the
standards throughout the year and demonstrate and accept responsibility for their own learning. Students are
allowed to retake assessments, at the teacher discretion. In order to be able to retake an assessment,
students must demonstrate a better understanding of the standards being assessed. In addition, students
must have completed all classwork and assignments for the chapter meeting the teacher’s
expectations. Retakes must be completed in a timely manner. The teacher will notify students of the
appropriate time frame for retakes. Retakes will take a considerable amount of work and it should be noted
that doing all the work as it is assigned and preparing for assessments will be MUCH EASIER than having to
retake.
Requirements:
 All homework is complete and corrected with all work shown.
 Corrections made on test
 Discuss corrections with teacher
 Any additional practice assigned by teacher is completed
 Completed by given due date.
Absences & Make-Up Work
You will be given the number of days absent to make up any work without being penalized as long as the
absence is excused. Any absence that is unexcused on a quiz/test day will result in an alternative
assessment deemed appropriate by the instructor at a time determined by the instructor.
Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to conduct themselves in the highest ethical manner in this class. Plagiarism and
cheating will not be tolerated and school policies regarding misconduct will be strictly enforced. Cheating
includes giving or receiving information. Students are expected to show all work. Copying answers off of
answer sheets (online and/or hard copies) or other students’ papers is considered cheating. If students
choose to work together, each student must do their own work on their own sheet of paper and if identical work
and answers are shown, it will be considered cheating. The teacher reserves the right to clear calculator
memories before tests and quizzes.
Extra Help:
Most students will need extra help at some time during the year. The following lists opportunities for students to
receive extra help.
*Before school (7:00-7:25) any day
*After school Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (3:00 – 3:30)
*Extended Learning Opportunity Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (2:30-3:00)
*NHS Peer Tutor Program
*The E – book has a section where students can get hints for help on their homework.
*The CPM website, cpm.org, also has a section for Student Support as well as a section for Parent
Support. (Just look in the left hand column).
Parent Involvement
Parents/guardians, please read over this information. If you have questions or concerns at any time during the
year, please feel free to contact me.