Welcome to Algebra I! This year you are going to have the opportunity to work very hard toward your future goals. Mathematics is a necessary part of everyday life and this class is going to introduce you to the concept of Algebra. Algebra is a human concept designed to explain real-world phenomena. Because algebra is an important concept to master, it is imperative that we utilize every minute we can within the classroom to maximize instructional time. 

In addition, as a result of the Tennessee State law, you will be required to pass the End Of Course assessment for Algebra 1 in order to be considered for graduation. This simply reinforces the need to be productive during class. To ensure that we meet, if not exceed all of our instructional goals this year; I have designated two big achievement goals for which we will accomplish. Our big goal this year is that 85% of our class will maintain a mastery level of proficient or advanced on  Tennessee State Standards covered in this Algebra 1 course. Secondly, all students will perform above the below basic level by the end of the year. This goal focuses on growth. While we all may not start at the same point we can always grow from where we began!

Grading

Homework:

Homework is extremely important in the learning of mathematics. For this reason, it will be assigned nearly every night to allow you the opportunity to PRACTICE what was taught in class. It is your responsibility to complete the homework in order to do well on the homework quizzes. Again, this is a vital part of your understanding the content taught. Homework  will be graded both on completion and correctness.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given at the end of each week. They will consist of about 10 questions covering the material that we go over that particular week. If you are absent from class, quizzes will be made up that Monday. If you are present for class and fail to complete a quiz, you will receive a 0 for the assignment.

Unit Assessments:

Tests are given every 3-4 weeks. Assessments can be in the format of free-response, multiple choice, or true/false questions. If homework is completed consistently, material is studied, questions are asked when needed, and notes are taken well, assessments should be passed with ease as assessment questions will resemble questions found on quizzes and exit slips.

Problem of the Week(POW)

You will complete approximately one project per week or 10 days for this class. More information will be given on the POWs we will complete this year at a later date.

Participation:

You will be given participation points each day when you come to class; you can lose these by not following expectations and receiving negative consequences.

Grading Scale:

Letter Grade	Numeric Value
A	93-100
B	85-92
C	75-84
D	70-74
F	0-69

This class grade will be determined by a point system. This means quizzes, assessments, homework, and participation grades do not carry a certain percent (%) of your grade but rather you work to earn points. Each component is worth certain points:

Assessments 100 pts

Quizzes 20 pts

Homewok 10 pts

POWs 10 pts

Participation/classwork 5pts

The total number of points possible at the end of the term will be equal to all the amounts of points added up from the above. So if after the first term we had 3 tests(300 pts), 5 quizzes(50 pts), 8 homework assignments(160), 3 POWs(30) and 45 participation days(225 pts) then the max amount of points would be 735. You would need to get at least 93% of those points, or 683 to earn an A and so on. 

Homework Assignments and DUE DATES

homework packet (getting to know you survey) DUE Friday 8/3
homework packet 1(operations with integers) DUE Friday 8/10
homework packet 2 (evaluating expressions) DUE Fruday 8/17
homwork packwet 3 (fractions, writing expressions) due Friday 8/24
HOMEWORK PACKET 4 (SOLVING EQUATIONS) DUE FRIDAY 8/31

 

POW Assignments and Due Dates

POW 1: Writing an integer story due Tuesday 8/21
POW 2: THE BASKETBALL PLAYERS DUE THURSDAY 9/6

Quiz Dates

quiz 1- 8/10
quiz 2 8/17
QUIZ 3 8/31(SOLVING 1, 2 AND MULTISTEP EQUATIONS)

Test Dates

UNIT 1 TEST 8/24