POMPTON LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
ALGEBRA I
2014-2015
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Twitter:
Mr. Michael Cemelli
Michael.Cemelli@plps.org
973-835-7100
@Algebra1MrC
Course Description
The fundamental purpose of this course is to reinforce and extend the mathematics that
students learned in the middle grades. The critical areas, called units, deepen and
extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with
each other and by applying linear models to data that display a linear trend, and
students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The
Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout the course and, together with
the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a
comprehensible, useful and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense
of problem situations. This course will assist students in developing skills and processes
to be applied using a variety of techniques to successfully solve problems in a variety of
settings.
Course Content⁺
UNITS
1. Relationships Between Quantities
and Reasoning with Equations
TOPICS
 Writing equations
 Solving equations and formulas
 Solving inequalities
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2. Linear Relationships
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3. Expressions and Equations
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4. Quadratic Functions and Modeling
5. Functions and Descriptive Statistics
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Graphing linear equations
Equations as relations
Functions (range/domain)
Writing equations in slopeintercept form
Systems of equations
Operations with polynomials
Factoring and finding roots of
polynomials
Quadratic functions
Exponential functions
Radical Expressions
Sampling and bias
Box plots and histograms
Measure of variation
Scatter plots
Data function fitting
⁺ course content is a general outline of course material and maybe subjected to change
Student Learning Objectives
1. Students will create and solve multi-step, one and two-variable linear equalities
and inequalities.
2. Students will express linear equations and inequalities in functional notation and
graph, both by hand and on a graphing calculator/program, to describe linear
relationships.
3. Students will develop a strong knowledge of operations with polynomials,
including factoring and the quadratic formula, which will be utilized in solving
word problems.
4. Students will use quadratic, exponential, and radical functions to compare,
describe and sketch graphs.
5. Students will be able to interpret and analyze statistical data using a variety of
data representations such as histograms, mean, standard deviation, and outliers.
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Grading
Grading will be according to Pompton Lakes High School guidelines. Completion of
assignments, projects, attendance, punctuality, class presentations and participation are
all considerations when determining the grade of a student. Points will be given for
each assignment and final grades will be posted on the PLHS website for student and
parents/guardians to view. Students who are in jeopardy of failing the course will be
notified, along with their parents/guardians, approximately mid-school year.
A+ (97 - 100)
B+ (87 - 89)
C+ (77 - 79)
D (65 - 69)
A (93 - 96)
B (83 - 86)
C (73 - 76)
F ( < 65 )
A- (90 - 92)
B- (80 - 82)
C- (70 - 72)
Assignments
Assignment
Homework*
Quizzes (including take-home and open
notebook)
Presentations
Tests/Projects
Participation
Notebooks (Bonus Points!!)
Point Range
3-15
30-50
20-60
50-100
5 (weekly)
5 (periodically)
* If homework is not completed by the due date, you will be given a maximum of 5 days
to turn in assignments late for 50% credit. After the fifth day it will be graded as a zero.
** There will be a repair policy which will be in effect throughout the entire school year.
This policy allows students to correct all take-home assignments (including quizzes) until
they receive a grade they are satisfied with.
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Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes punctually and remain until the end of the
period or until dismissed. All tardiness to class, excused absences, and/or unauthorized
absences will follow Pompton Lakes High School Rules and Procedure protocols.
Rules of the Class
Notes: Students are expected to be on time for each class. However, if lateness cannot
be avoided, please enter class with discretion towards the learning environments of
your classmates.
Cells phones are to be OFF during class. In case of an emergency, please speak with the
teacher prior to the start of class. In addition to phones, all electronics will not be
permitted for use in class unless assigned by the instructor. Please note that if observed
using an electronic form of communication (texting, email, Facebook, etc.) points will be
deducted for participation and device will be confiscated.
Be respectful of each other’s opinions; please do not interrupt the person speaking.
Participation in discussions is required of all students!
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