Dr.

Spears Algebra 1
Fall 2016
Room 105
Spearsa@troy.k12.mo.us
* Course description: *
Algebra 1 is a one-year course intended to provide the foundation mathematical skills
necessary for the study of Advanced Algebra, Analysis, and Calculus. It is also the
mathematical foundation for any field which requires using technology, working
cooperatively to problem solve, and working on long-range problems. All four-year
colleges now require this course for admission.
* Grading system: *
The grading system for our class will be as follows: 60% of their total grade is
tests/quizzes/assessments, 40% of their total grade is assignments.
* Assistance: *
Students are able to use their academic lab time for extra assistance. There will also be
time available after school on Tuesdays.
* Grade Scale: *
The grading scale is as follows:
The following grading scale is used at the Ninth Grade Center:
95-100 =A
80-82 = B67-69 = D+
90-94 = A77-79 = C+
63-66 = D
87-89 = B+
73-76 = C
60-62 = D83-86 = B
70-72 = CBelow 60 = F
Although a student is given a grade each quarter, it is only the semester grade which
counts on the permanent record. Because total points are accumulated for the entire
semester, the student should not get discouraged because of an unsatisfactory grade at the
quarter, it can still be brought up.

: Expectations :
Spears 3
1. Respect yourself
2. Respect your peers
3. Respect whoever is speaking (Teacher and/or Students)

Be prepared -Every day when you come to class, you will need the following supplies:
1. YOU
2. Algebra Strategies Spiral Notebook and Folder or Algebra 1 Binder
* paper
* pencil/writing utensil
3. Your Homework Assignment
4. Anything else you may need for class
Calculators:
A basic scientific calculator will be needed for class. We have a class set of 30 graphing
calculators that will be used in the classroom, but they cannot be checked out for outside
classroom use.
Absences:
Tests and quizzes missed due to an excused absence will be made up the next day that
you return to class. It will be rare that we will have tests or quizzes in this course.
It is the responsibility of each student to get the work that was missed upon returning to
class. Students are expected to check the Twitter feed for the assignment they missed and
contact Dr. Spears for any help they need to complete the assignment.
Twitter:
DrSpearsMath
- All assignments and reminders will be on my Twitter feed (as well as mentioned in
class)
Tardiness:
Read student handbook.
Bathroom passes:
You need to come prepared for class. You need to be in your seats when the bell rings.
You have passing time to use the bathroom. You will be given a total of 2 bathroom
passes each quarter.
Website:
drspears.weebly.com
This is where students will find the videos they need to view for class and additional
resources.

Phones:
Students should not have their phones or tablets out for any reason, not even for the
purpose of calculators. They are not allowed to charge their phones in class.
iPad Cart:
We have a class set of iPads for our classroom use. We will be using these to complete
assignments, projects, and assessments.
Team/Kagan Structure:
When we work in class, they are in teams. They are in teams strategically, so they are
allowed to work together with their team members. I do not allow them to move around
to other teams in general. I teach with Kagan Structures, which encourages students to
talk about the problems with their peers.