Course Syllabus
Developmental Algebra
2014-2015, Room 7
Mr. Castanza; jcastanza@montgomerycatholic.org
Course Description: Developmental Algebra is a course designed to provide additional instruction
and practice for essential topics from Algebra I and Algebra II, with a minimum of trigonometry at
the end. The course is designed for seniors who, based on their junior year math course, are likely
to begin college in a strength-building remedial course. Such courses are often non-credit or add to
coursework required for a degree. Our goal with Developmental Algebra is to improve the
proficiency of our weakest students and thereby reduce the need for remedial courses in college.
Developmental Algebra is not as much about reteaching as it is about revisiting key topics to
improve readiness for college. Students will also benefit from Hawkes Learning System, a
computer-based learning and homework system that provides real-time feedback and help tools.
Text: “Precalculus," Paul Sisson, 2nd edition(2014), Hawkes Learning Systems, 978-1-938891-33-5
(eBook + software bundle)
Materials Needed:
Text – Students will be required to have their textbook in class each day
Notebook – Three-ring binder or folder with clasps for student notes. No spiral bound notebooks.
Calculator – TI-83(or 84) Graphing Calculator
Hawkes Access Code – Save to computer and jump drive; need accessible for use on any computer
Grading
Quarter Grades
Major Assessments
Graded Individual Work
Effort Homework
Hawkes Certifications
Notebook
40%
25%
5%
25%
5%
Semester Grades
1st Quarter Grade
40%
nd
2 Quarter Grade
40%
*Final Exam
20%
*All students will take cumulative final exam
Major Assessments – There will be summative chapter tests every few weeks. This is a large
portion of the overall quarter grade and must not be taken lightly. Students will have at least 1
week notice for all tests. Preparation should be continuous and best practice will be daily
completion of notes in class and homework assignments. Tests will cover all aspects of the
classroom work and test application knowledge of various skills. It is important to note that all
tests must be completed during the class period. Students will not be allowed to return after school
to complete unanswered items. Additionally, class projects can be assigned throughout the
semester that would serve as major assessment grades. All major assessments will be graded on a
0-100 scale.
Graded Individual Work – The Graded Individual Work category will see both graded homework
and in-class quizzes and assignments. Homework assignments for a grade will not include oddnumbered questions with answers in the back of the textbook. Students can expect 1-3 grades in
this category per week. All graded individual work will be graded on a 0-100 scale.
Effort Homework – Students will be responsible each night to complete the homework assignment
that tests skills learned in class that day. Effort homework assignments will be geared toward
practice and not graded for accuracy. Questions assigned will be odd-numbered so that students
can check answers in the back of the book or may consist of Hawkes practice assignments on the
computer. It is essential that students understand these homework assignments are designed to
prepare them for the cumulative tests and reinforce all objectives learned throughout the course.
Effort grades will be given as a Letter Grade A, B, C, D, or F.
Hawkes Certifications – Students will be assigned Certifications at the end of each lesson through
the Hawkes Computer Software. These certifications must be completed by 11:59PM on the due
date and will be scored a maximum of C- if received late. A grade of A will be entered for all
completed certifications received on time. To complete a certification, students must show mastery
of at least 80% of the material in a lesson. Students are able to certify as many times as necessary
to complete the level.
Notebook – Loose leaf paper is to be organized in a three ring binder or folder with clasps.
Absolutely no spiral notebooks allowed. Students should have a section in the notebook for class
notes and a separate section for homework. Only math class work should be kept in this notebook.
Notebooks will be collected at random for grading and must be in order at all times. Daily note
pages should be dated and labeled to be easily used in test prep and review. Keeping good notes is
a skill that all students will need to develop as we prepare for college. Notebook checks will be
given as a Letter Grade A, B, C, D, or F.
Final Exam – All students are required to take the cumulative final exam at the end of the semester,
unless exempted as a senior in spring semester by MCPS policy.
Formatting: All student work, including homework, class notes, quizzes, and tests, must include
the same header. In the top, right-hand corner of the lined paper students will write their full name
followed on the lines below with Date, Class Name and period. The top left of the page will have the
assignment name. All problems are to be numbered and to begin on the left margin of the page. All
problems must appear in proper numerical order. Assignments that require multiple pages should
be stapled at top left.
Additionally, all files submitted electronically must be saved with the correct file name formatstudentlastname_firstinitial_teacherlastname_assignmentname
For example, Rachel Stewart’s Quadratics Project in Mr. Castanza’s class would be saved as:
Stewart_R_Castanza_Quadratics
Student Responsibility: Class participation is a professional responsibility of each student.
Asking questions, taking notes, and participating regularly in the discussion is an integral part of
the learning process for each student. It is unreasonable to expect that students can excel in this
subject without consistent class participation. It is also the responsibility of the student to be on
time and prepared. During class, students should be respectful and courteous, keep their desk
clean and follow school policies related to behavior, cell phones, and computers. Aisles should be
kept clear of personal belongings. Class starts promptly at the bell – students should be ready.
Veritas Addendums:
Veritas note 1: Any access to a teacher edition text or to any source providing text solutions beyond
those available in a student text is a serious Veritas violation and can result in failing any quarter in
which the material is accessed.
Veritas note 2: Undue aid in the Veritas pledge clearly refers to instances of cheating, copying, or
using inappropriate materials. It also refers to any form of well-intentioned assistance (e.g., tutors,
peers, parents, web apps) which consistently produce high grades on out-of-class work that the
student cannot explain or replicate in the classroom. This is a serious Veritas violation and can
result in failing any quarter in which it occurs. Out-of-class assistance should be in compliance with
the teacher's Veritas guidelines and should result in student understanding commensurate with the
quality of work submitted. A consistent pattern of highly correct out-of-class work that the student
cannot explain or reproduce in class is considered ample evidence that undue aid has been
accessed.
Computers: Students will need to have access daily during class and out of class for access to
homework, practice work, and certifications through the Hawkes Computer Software. Computers
are the responsibility of the student and must be cared for properly. Personal computers are
allowed by seniors and can gain access to the school network by checking the device in at the
principal’s office. School issued computers can be made accessible through the Computer Cart, but
must still be treated with the utmost respect and level of care. Inappropriate use of a computer
includes poor physical care, accessing inappropriate sites, or even accessing class work from
another class during math. Inappropriate use can result in the computer being taken up for the
remainder of the day. Class work missed due to a confiscated computer in this class or any other
may result in a zero as the computer is the responsibility of the student to maintain. Also, a pattern
of misuse may result in total loss of computer privileges. Computer use during class will require a
charged battery, but charging in class is not an option. The school policy asks students to charge
their computers at home before the school day begins. Again, charging during class is not an option.
Further clarification of computer use, appropriate care, and expectations will be provided
throughout the class.
Late Work: It is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed during an excused absence.
Work missed during an unexcused absence is not eligible for make-up. Each student will have two
days to make up daily grades missed during excused absences and one week to complete a missed
test. Tests will be administered after school on a day set on an individual basis between student
and teacher. These make-up tests will be shorter in nature, which means that each exercise will
hold a greater value – be prepared. Work that is received late will receive a maximum score of 75,
with the exception of certifications which will be given a late grade of C-. No late work will be
accepted after the last day of each Quarter. Again, it is the responsibility of the student to gather
late work and missed assignments.
Tutorials: Each afternoon from 2:45-3:15, Monday through Thursday, tutorials area available in
Room 7. Tutorials are designed to be a great place for students to complete work with assistance
available.
Contact:
Mr Castanza, Room 7
jcastanza@montgomerycatholic.org
jcastanza.wordpress.com