Algebra 1 Syllabus

2017-2018 Ms. Curtis

http://bhs-curtisa.weebly.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please contact me anytime through my school email at curtisa@brightonk12.com.

CLASS HELP OPTIONS:

1. DURING CLASS
Every time I teach new material I provide work time in class so that students may ask questions
while practicing the new math. There are always review days before tests and quizzes to give
students additional opportunities to ask questions.
2. BEFORE or AFTER SCHOOL with Ms. Curtis BY APPOINTMENT
Note: I will plan to be after school every Wednesday till 4:00 pm

CLASS GOALS:
Develop a good understanding of Algebra 1 concepts relevant and applicable to everyday situations
Develop your ability to think logically and abstractly
Develop an orderly method of problem-solving
Practice self-directed learning
To construct explanations for answers and critique your reasoning or others reasoning
Use tools to explain, solve, and discover

UNITS:
Solving Linear Equations, Solving Linear Inequalities, Functions, Slopes, Graphing, Exponents,
Polynomials, Analyzing Graphs, Radicals

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS:

1. Algebra 1 Text Book (required daily)
2. Agenda/Planner (recommended)
2. 1 inch 3-ring binder for handouts, notes, quizzes, projects, etc. (required)
3. Notebook (required daily)
4. Pencils, Red Pen & Highlighter (required daily)
5. Scientific calculator ($20) or TI-84+ Graphing Calculator ($100+) (required daily)

DAILY WORK:
Students will have a variety of opportunities to practice new concepts with the teacher, with a small group, and
independently. Notes and modeled problems can be expected. Small quizzes will be given frequently so that
students may assess what they know on a regular basis. Retake opportunities will always be available on
tests as long as the student takes the time to practice ahead of time by completing the required study guide, and
meeting with me to correct their mistakes. Students are expected to bring algebra handouts home to practice as
well, depending upon their individual needs. However 10-15 minutes of outside school practice on the daily
handout will dramatically improve their understanding and success in the course.

RETAKES:
Before being able to take a retake students must complete the Review Packet pertaining to that unit. Students
may retake a test if they have scored below 70%. The score of your first test and retake will be average. The
student must retake their test within 2 weeks of the initial test day and will only be given 1 retake opportunity
per test. It is the students responsible to get the retake done.
1
CHEATING:
There is a zero tolerance for cheating. If a student is caught cheating, they will be written up and get 0% on the
assignment or assessment. Refer to the Student Handbook for Policies

LATE WORK:
Projects may not be turned in late for credit. Tests and quizzes may be made up in a timely manner upon return
from an absence.

IF ABSENT:
When you are absent, homework must be completed according to the student handbook policy (absences need
to be excused to make up work, the number of days missed times two = the number of days to turn in
assignment). The student is responsible for initiating make-up work. Students need to talk to Ms. Curtis
upon their return from an absence.

4.0 GRADING SCALE

Class Work, Homework Projects and Participation will contribute to 25% of your grade as formative
assessments.

Quizzes will contribute to 25% of your grade as a formative assessment.

Multiple Choice Unit Tests and Open Ended Response will contribute to 50% of your grade as summative
assessments. You may retake unit multiple-choice tests or the open-ended response.

Final semester grades are determined by combining two quarterly card marking letter grades (each
contributing 40% to the final semester grade) and one exam grade (contributing 20% to the final semester
grade). The exam letter grade is determined by the percentage average on the two quarterly exams.

GRADES ARE UPDATED REGULARLY ON MISTAR.

4.0 Grading Scale Conversion Reference:
4.0 A 94-100% 1.7 C- 70-73%
3.7 A- 90-93% 1.3 D+ 67-69%
3.3 B+ 87-89% 1.0 D 64-66%
3.0 B 84-86% 0.7 D- 60-63%
2.7 B- 80-83% 0.3 E 1-59%
2.3 C+ 77-79% 0.0 N 0%
2.0 C 74-76%

CLASSROOM RULES: Respect-----------------Responsibility-----------------Readiness

SOME OF THE OTHER SCHOOL POLICIES YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

CELL PHONES: ONLY permitted when used for learning tools. If used for other purposes the 2017-2018
BHS Handbook policies will be followed

ATTENDANCE and TARDIES: There are consequences for an excess of absences and tardies beyond
missed learning opportunities. Please refer to the 2017-2018 BHS Handbook.