Texas School for the Deaf
High School Department
2015-2016
Essentials of Math Models
Syllabus
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Shay White
COURSE LOCATION: HS Building Room #302
CONTACT: shay.white@tsd.state.tx.us;
HS Office: 512-410-1019 VP
PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1 and Geometry
CREDIT: 1 credit / @ semester
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students use ideas from algebra,
geometry, probability and statistics to
solve realistic applied problems.
Concrete, algorithmic, graphical and
technological tools and variety of
representations will be used to solve
problems.
COURSE OUTLINE:
1st Nine Weeks
Unit 01: Algebraic Models in Science and Social Studies
Unit 02: Geometric Relationships in Architecture and Engineering
Unit 03: Shape and Size in Architecture and Engineering
2nd Nine Weeks
Unit 04: Applications of Algebra and Geometry in Art
Unit 05: Applications of Algebra and Geometry in Music
Unit 06: Management of Personal Finances
3rd Nine Weeks
Unit 07: Savings, Investments, and Insurance
Unit 08: Amortization of Loans
Unit 09: Probability
4th Nine Weeks
Unit 10: Statistical Data Analysis
Unit 11: Research and Marketing
Unit 12: Data Collection and Research Project
This course outline is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
All Learning Objectives are based on TEKS
MATERIALS that will help you be successful in class are:
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Pencils/Mechanical Pencils with extra
lead
Pencil sharpener
Eraser
Loose Leaf Paper
2 composition books (one for interactive
notebook and one for writing prompts)
Graph paper
Colored pencils, thin markers, or ink pens
4 glue sticks
Ruler
Graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus is
recommended but class set provided)
**All materials are required to be brought to class with you every day!
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
All electronic devices are NOT to be used unless instructed by the teacher to be used.
Any student who uses any electronic device, school-issued or personal, without permission from the
teacher risks having his/her device confiscated during class period (and may be for longer period of
time, at the discretion of the teacher).
Students must turn in their phones in the designated basket before leaving the classroom during
class time for any reason.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Per student handbook, missed assignments and/or tests/quizzes can made up if the student has an
excused absence. (See Grading Policy for more information).
Students cannot make up work and/or tests/quizzes for unexcused absences.
The student is responsible for communicating with the teacher regarding missed work and
lectures/activities.
Refer to the student handbook regarding time allowed to make up and submit missed work.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Be PROMPT
Show up to class ON TIME. Unexcused tardy will be documented and reported.
Complete all class activities, homework, and assignments on time. Restroom/Water Breaks:
o You may use the restroom or get water after 15 minutes of the beginning of the class
period and before the last 15 minutes of the class period.
o Turn in your pager/phone to the teacher each time you are excused to use the restroom.
o Only one student at a time is allowed to use the restroom from the same class.
o You are not allowed to use the restroom or water break to visit with others, to go to your
locker for forgotten materials, or to go to a different location.
o You may NOT request to leave the classroom during instruction time.
Be PREPARED
Always bring required materials to class.
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Be prepared for quizzes and tests by paying attention in class, taking notes, and studying well.
Be in your seat when class begins. Immediately start your work. Do no talk to the other
students during bell ringer. PARTICIPATE
Pay attention to the instructor and other students who are asking questions, answering, or
discussing.
Be prepared to take notes in class.
You are expected to do the work in PENCIL.
Write down your homework assignments. Ask permission before taking pictures for note-taking
purposes.
Be POLITE
Show respect for yourself, other people, and property.
Keep your area clean.
Raise your hand if you need to ask or say something..
Remember to say “please” and “thank you.”
If you are having a bad day or not feeling well, communicate with the teacher so she can be
sensitive to your needs. It is your responsibility to learn and use appropriate coping skills to
handle a class even on bad days.
Be POSITIVE
Have a good attitude. You are here to learn!
Do what you know is the right thing to do, even if your friends do not.
Encourage others to be positive.
Try your best at every assignment. Ask for help appropriately when you need it.
Students are expected to follow TSD Code of Conduct and equipment usage agreement at all times.
CONSEQUENCES:
Consequences include:
First Violation: an initial warning and conference with teacher
Second Violation: Stay after class and or lunch detention to discuss behavior. Parents and
Dorm Staff will be contacted.
Three or More Violations: Conference with Principal, Parent, and Teacher to determine
consequence.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM:
Refer to the student handbook for policy regarding academic dishonesty, including plagiarism. Cheating
(including plagiarism) is not tolerated in the classroom and prompt report of the incident and discipline
action will be taken. After determination of cheating/ plagiarism, the student will receive a grade of 0.
GRADING:
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Both formative and summative assessment will be used to evaluate student performance.
Formative assessments will consist of daily verbal feedback, homework assignments, chapter
reviews, and quiz evaluations. Summative assessments will consist of chapter tests, reading
assignments, semester projects, and semester exams.
Refer to the TSD Student Handbook for more specific information regarding school policy on
grading, class credits, making up missed assignments, and other pertaining information.
Grades are based on the following scale:
97-100% -- A+
87-89% -- B+
77-79% -- C+
93-96% -- A
83-86% -- B
73-76% -- C
90-93% -- A-
80-83% -- B-
70-73% -- C-
0-69% - F
Student grades will be weighted as follows:
Grade Weights:
Tests: 30%
Projects 25%
Quizzes: 20%
Participation and Notes: 15%
Homework: 10%
Class Part
icipation and Notes- 15%
Student participates in class discussion and is active in daily lessons including bell ringer and notes.
Student comes prepared to class with all necessary materials and keeps a positive attitude through out
class period.
Daily Homework and Assignments – 10%
All homework assignments will be due in completion at the start of the next class meeting. The grade
will either be a completion or an accuracy grade. All assigned problems MUST BE ATTEMPTED and
ALL WORK MUST BE SHOWN to receive credit. ALL work must be done in pencil and answers
clearly marked (circled or highlighted).Your lowest homework score will be dropped at the end of the
term.
Quizzes - 20%
Quizzes will be given at least once a week and may or may not be announced ahead of time.
Various Technology Projects – 25%
Students will have various projects with the units we study. Some units may have more than one
project and some projects may be larger than others.
Exams/Final Exams – 30%
Exams will be given at the end of each unit and will be announced at least three days ahead of time.
Final Exam will be given at the end of each semester.
HOMEWORK POLICY:
Late classwork and homework:
o One day late: 10% of the total grade will be deducted
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o
o
Two days late: 25% of the total grade will be deducted
Three days (or more) late: Grade will be zero (0).
Tests and quizzes cannot to be made up unless the student has an excused absence(s).
If a student is tardy (unexcused), s/he cannot make up the daily warm-up assignment as well
as any portion of a quiz, test, or assignment given during the time the student was absent from
class.
Assignments will NOT be accepted three days after the due date.
Note: Unique and special circumstances may allow students to make up a quiz, test, and/or
assignments based on the consideration and discretion of the teacher and/or administrator.
TUTORING HOURS:
If you need some extra help or need to catch up the assignments, you are responsible to set up a time
with the teacher during lunch or after school.
FOOD AND DRINKS IN THE CLASSROOM:
Students may eat and drink during class IF they agree to keep their areas clean and dispose
trash appropriately. This is a privilege and may be revoked at any time by the teacher.
Sunflower seeds, pistachios, or other shelled nuts are NOT permitted in class at any time.
If a student spills something that stains or damages property (such as red Kool-Aid), the student
will be responsible for paying for the cleaning costs and/or damages.
Students may NOT share their food/drink with anyone in class (due to health reasons).
Students are strongly encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to class.
Students may NOT leave during class time to get food from the vending machine.
If a student has an approved plan to get food from the resource room, s/he must get it BEFORE
class time. Students will not be permitted to leave during class time to get food or drinks (milk)
for this reason unless there is documented and approved reasons to do so.
FIELD TRIP POLICY:
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The purpose of educational trips in this course is designed to enhance the hands-on learning
experiences and make real-world connections of content-based instruction from the classroom
to the world.
Essentials of Math Models Syllabus
If a field trip is intended to enhance learning, students may not opt out of participating. These
educational trips are to be regarded to be the same as a regular class, thus aforementioned
absence policy & grade policy will apply. Note that the Academic Intervention Program (AIP)
has specific rules regarding field trips for students who are placed in the program.
Students will be required to actively work on a given/ assigned task(s) during class time if s/he
misses any trip activity for any reason. The teacher will determine the location for the student to
attend class and task(s) to be completed during that time.
Students must have their field trip permission slip, specific to the trip, signed and returned to the
teacher in charge of the field trip. This should be accomplished by the due date specified on the
permission slip in order to attend the field trip. Students are responsible for paying for his/her
own meals/drinks and any other costs such as admission fees.
When we go on a fieldtrip, students are expected to have the highest standards of behavior.
Students must always exhibit positive, professional behaviors and refrain from negatives ones.
All school policies will apply to this class during fieldtrips and will be enforced.
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Essentials of Math Models Rules & Policies 2015-2016
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
I feel it is important that you are familiar with the classroom expectations and policies. I have
already gone over the expectations with your student. In order to make this school year a success, I
feel that it is important to work together. You can contact me if a problem occurs or you have any
questions. You can contact me via e-mail shay.white@tsd.state.tx.us. I will get back to you as soon as
possible. Thank you very much and look forward to a great school year.
Please sign and return this paper indicating that you have read and understand all of the classroom
expectations and policies for this Math Models class. If at anytime you have questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact me. I’d be more than happy to help.
Thank you,
Mrs. Shay White
I have read and understood the syllabus for this Math Models course. I understand how to contact the
teacher (information is at the top of the document) if I have any questions or concerns.
Student signature and date: ______________________________________________________
Parent signature and date: _______________________________________________________
(Note: Refusal to sign the syllabus does not mean you opt out of following the requirements for this
course.)
Parents: If you could please also provide me with your email address and/or phone/ contact I would
appreciate it. Thank you!
Parent Email: ____________________________________________________
VP/Phone: ___________________________________________________
How would you prefer to be contacted? Circle One: Email or VP/VRS
Parent Comments:
Please bring the required materials to Math Models class by August 31, 2015.
As a teacher, I would love to have extra Kleenex boxes, hand sanitizers, extra composition notebooks, Expo
markers, and other essential classroom supplies. If you donate any of those items, it would be greatly
appreciated! Thank you!
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