Math 4
Summer 2015
Instructor: Rhea Becke
Course Information
Course: ABS11 MTH 044
Location: Maywood Annex
Meeting Times: Mon-Tues-Wed-Thur 7:40-9:10 PM
Important Dates:
be sure to add these to your personal calendar
Drop date with refund: June 28th
Drop date with no refund: August 8th
Last date of Summer classes: August 27th
Fall classes begin: September 21st
Instructor Information
Instructor: Rhea Becke
Email: Rhea.Becke@mhcc.edu
Phone: 503-491-6230
Office location: In the Classroom
Office hours: Tuesday/Thursday 9:10-9:30PM or before class by appointment
www.mthoodabs.wikispaces.com
Class Website
Math 4
Course description
The goal of Math 4 is for students to comfortably use math in a complex range of work, life and academic
situations. Students exiting Math 4 should be able to pass the GED math test. The following topics are
covered at this level: applying a wide and complex variety of algebraic patterns and relationships to real-life
situations including quadratic equations; using charts and graphs to research, interpret, organize, and
present a wide variety of complex information; applying a variety of concepts of measurement and
geometry including the Pythagorean Theorem; applying problem solving skills involving rational numbers,
negative and positive exponents, and scientific notation. The course will also cover the use of the TI-30XS
calculator and problem solving strategies especially those which apply to test taking situations in math.
Learner Outcomes Students will demonstrate with 70% accuracy on assignments, quizzes, and/or tests
that they can do the following:
1. Patterns, Functions, and Algebraic Reasoning: Create and analyze linear and quadratic relationships, translate
2.
3.
4.
science contexts into algebraic form, solve 2-variable linear equations, solve quadratic equations, combine and factor
polynomials and expressions, and recognize direct and inverse proportional relationships.
Data and Statistics: Make inferences in a data set and predict potential consequences, describe skewed
distributions, use the scientific method to develop a research question, analyze how elements such as randomness can
influence results, create two-way tables, collect appropriate data and describe relationships between categories,
develop a simple probability model and use it to find and compare probabilities of events occurring (e.g., drawing an
ace from a deck of cards is p(ace) = 4/52).
Geometry and Measurement: Determine dimensions of two and three-dimensional shapes, determine volume and
surface area of complex shapes, define area, surface area, and/or volume of composite solids, solve problems using
Pythagorean Theorem, apply parallel line properties to solve problems involving lines, apply the knowledge of 180
degrees in a triangle to solve problems including a variety of polygons, when given a line, write equation of a line
perpendicular and parallel, create and explain rotations and reflections of rectangles, trapezoids, and parallelograms
using a coordinate grid.
Number and Operation Sense: Add, subtract, multiply and divide integers to solve a variety of problems,
determine cube roots, give examples that show the cube of a number and its cube root are inversely related, use
scientific notation with positive and negative exponents, categorize real numbers as either rational or irrational and
identify situations in which irrational numbers should be expressed as fractions depending on level of precision needed
(1/3 vs. .3333), simplify expressions with squared and cubed roots, and demonstrate knowledge of absolute value using
a number line.
Tentative Term Schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Begins Monday
Note
IN-CLASS PRE-TEST,
Review: Decimals, Fractions
Using the Calculator, Introduction to the text
Steps for Solving Word Problems (UNPAC process)
Practical Applications of Math, Estimation
Ratios and Proportions, Percents, and Units of
Measure
Algebra: practical applications, reasoning with
equations, linear equations, and Inequalities
Equation of a line, Graphing two-variable equations,
Systems of equations, and Functions
Introduction to Polynomials, Dividing Polynomials
Quadratic Equations
Review and Midterm
Geometry: Lines and Angles
Thinking about shape and form
Applications of two-dimensional geometry
Applications of three-dimensional geometry
Practical Application of Statistics,
Central Value, Charts and Graphs, Radicals,
exponents,
CASAS POST-TEST
Applications in politics and public policy, science,
and Probability
Review of Term, Final, Registration and Potluck
Class Commitment Form/Becke
Name______________________
Class/es____________________
Check the ABE-GED Program Information form and the class syllabus and write a 2-5 sentence summary of
each policy in your own words. This will count as your first homework grade.
(If you have more than one class with me, turn in a form for each class, but no need to fill out the “I will”
section twice. Please write which class you filled it in for.).
Example:
Required Materials. I understand and commit to the following ABE/GED policy:
I will bring paper and pencil to school every day, and I will bring my binder with my class materials.
Attendance Policy. I understand and commit to the following ABE/GED policy:
I will…
Two-Term Enrollment Limit. I understand and commit to the following ABE/GED policy:
I will…
Classroom Environment. I understand and commit to the following ABE/GED policy:
I will…
Classroom Etiquette. I understand and commit to the following ABE/GED policy:
I will
I will commit to completing homework to the best of my ability ____Yes ____No ____Not sure
For math students only: I will commit to spending this much time reviewing math outside of class each day:
____ 5 min
____ 10 min
15 min ____ 20 min _____ can’t commit at this time
I would like to have a letter of recommendation at the end of the term, and plan on doing my best to fulfill
the requirements. ___________ Yes _____________ No
Name: ___________________________
After reading the information below, write your initials on the line next to each policy, to
acknowledge that you have read and understood them.
Class Payment Information Checklist
_____The tuition cost for ABE classes are as follows:
Reading
$15.00 per term
Writing
$15.00 per term
Math
$30.00 per term
(as a basis for comparison, tuition for regular MHCC classes is $100 per credit hour or 300-400 dollars per
class)
_____I also have to purchase a materials packet for each class. The packets are available in the bookstore
and Maywood. I should have my packet by the end of the first week of class unless my instructor
informs me otherwise. I should wait to open my packet until I’m certain that I’m in the correct class.
_____If I am dropped for non-attendance during the 1st week, I will not be charged tuition.
_____If I am dropped or if I stop coming any time after the first week, I will be charged tuition.
_____ Certain students are eligible for fee waivers. If I do not have 80% attendance, I will not be eligible for
any fee waivers the following term.
What is my payment situation?
_____I am paying myself. I will pay at the business office during the 1st 3 weeks of the term.
_____ My high school is paying. If I am not certain, I will check with Tiffany in the Project YESS office
at 503-491-6951
_____ I am eligible for an economic waiver. I must maintain 80% attendance in order to have this
waiver.
(SNAP, WIC, Oregon Health Plan, unemployment)


I must show ID and proof of eligibility in the tutor lab during Week 3.
If I forget, I will be responsible for any late fees that result.
Attendance, Progress, and Participation Policy
______Attendance. The Adult Basic Skills Department is committed to your success. It is important to attend
every class to meet your learning goals. To study in the program, you must maintain a minimum of 80%
overall attendance and make progress in all of your classes.
______If you attend less than 80% overall in one term:
1.
2.
3.
4.
You will not be making progress towards your learning goals.
You will not be eligible for a fee waiver the next term.
You will be on Attendance Probation the next term.
You may not be eligible for Extended Enrollment (a third term)
Letter of Recommendation Policy /Request
Letters of recommendation are becoming more and more important to students for several reasons:




Needed for CAPS 15-Credit Scholarship
Needed for various other scholarships
Needed for job portfolio
Can give you an edge in a competitive job interview
Letters of recommendation are intended to point review committees to the most highly qualified
candidates. Therefore, they need to be earned, and are not given out across the board. Minimum
qualifications must be met before I can write a letter of recommendation for a student. If you would like to
request a letter of recommendation, please fill in the items on this list and submit this request to me by
Week 9 of the term.
***************************************************************************************
To request a letter of recommendation from Rhea Becke, submit this form to Rhea by Monday of Week 9
(date_________________).
Name______________________________ Classes you are enrolled in________________________
o Letter must be requested during Week 9 of the term you are enrolled. You cannot come back
later and ask for a letter. However, I do keep the letters on file and will change the date as
necessary and give you an updated copy.
Date requested turned in _________________________
o You must have 70% + attendance. Actual attendance will be reported.
Check your attendance % __________________________
o You must have completed homework and in-class assignments to the best of your ability.
What is your homework/test grade?__________________
o You must have actively participated in class.
How have you participated in class? _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
List any other activities that you have participated in (for example, participated in study group, regularly
attended GED tutor lab, mentored in class, etc):