Algebra 1 Class Information | |
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Mrs. Routledge
[email protected]
Room 128
Office Hours: Monday and Tuesday before and after school, and by appointment
Welcome to Algebra 1! I am excited to guide you through this wonderful level of mathematics. Algebra is the study of the rules of operations and relations and the concepts of terms, polynomial, equations and algebraic structures. (That is a wordy definition. Algebra can be described as the language of math.) Not only does this class give you the foundation for the higher level math class that will be taking in the future, but also Algebra is a very unique discipline. It causes your brain to think in totally new ways. That thinking process causes the brain to work, much like a muscle. The more that muscle works out, the better it performs on other tasks. In simple terms, algebra builds a better brain.
Grades:
Your semester grade will be based upon:
5% Homework
5% Notebooks which will be collected for grading on test days
70 % Quizzes and Tests
20% Semester Final Exam
Doing homework, participating in class, and taking notes lead to learning which is evidenced by test and quiz scores. You must learn algebra to pass this class.
Homework:
Mathematics requires individual practice. Therefore, expect homework to be assigned each class period. It will be due at the beginning of class the next time the class meets. There will be short exit ticket quizzes based upon the homework. The homework grade will be evaluated based on completion (with all necessary work shown), accuracy, and the homework quiz. Homework may not be made up.
Late homework will be accepted for a reduced score up to the day of the chapter test.
Notebook:
Note taking skills are important for your success as a student. You will be required to take guided notes for each lesson. I will help you learn how to take useful notes. Notes should include warm-up questions, objectives, vocabulary, and examples. On the day of the chapter, notebooks will be turned in for a grade.
Quizzes and Tests:
Tests and quizzes show your level of mastery of skills and concepts. Expect at least one quiz each week. There will be two or three tests each quarter. Several days before each test, a significant review will be given. The review is a good representation of what will be on the test. Make sure you understand everything on the review. You must show your work to receive credit. It is important for me to understand your process.
You must score 75% on the quizzes. If you do not, you will retake it.
Test re-takes are available for one week following a test. To be eligible to re-take a test you must demonstrate that you know the material by doing test corrections and having a completed and correct review. Only one re-take per test. Beware, your re-take is your grade even if it is lower than your original test score.
Classroom Behavior:
Active learning is necessary for success. Participation in class is required. Participation is defined as paying attention and being engaged in learning what is being taught in the class. Oral participation is not necessary, but is encouraged. Please ask questions. Other students likely have the same questions you have. Questioning is step towards understanding.
(Discloser: Your teacher will make some mistakes. You will too.)
Every student is entitled to a positive learning environment. That happens when everyone is respectful to each other and allows each other learn at their own pace.
Conclusion:
I am confident that you can be successful in this class. If you are having trouble, do not wait long to do something about it. The concepts build upon each other and understanding is necessary to move to the next concept.
When you are having trouble:
- Re-read
your notes.
- Read
the section in your textbook, it is written for your understanding.
- Ask
classmates for help. They may be able to explain things differently than me.
- Come
see me for help during my office hours or make an appointment with me.
- Do
not give up!
Acknowledgement of the above policies:
Student: ______________________________
Parent: ______________________________
Preferred method of contact: _______________________