• STUDENT PLAN FOR SUCCESS

    Honors Algebra 1 - 2

    2012 - 2013

     

    Metro Tech High School                                         Mrs.  Parra                                          Room:   9231 

    e-mail:  eparra1@phoenixunion.org    Phone:  602-764-8000 ext. 69231  Office hours: Mon – Fri 11:30 - 12:30
     

    COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is the first year of a four year program in the Honors mathematics sequence designed to prepare students for careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and related fields.  Topics studied include algebra, geometry, logic, graphing, and statistics.  We will apply the math to real world situations. These topics will be covered in greater depth and at a faster rate than regular algebra classes.  This course meets the first year math requirement for admission to Arizona universities.  It also meets PUHSD and AIMS graduation requirements.

     

    PREREQUISITES:  The student must be able to:

    1. Use the correct order of operations.
    2. Find the greatest common factors, least common multiples of whole numbers.
    3. Use additives and multiplicative inverses.
    4. Simplify ratios.
    5. Use and write in scientific notation.
    6. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers.

    OBJECTIVES:         I will be able to:

    1.      Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.

    2.      Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities.

    3.      Write linear equations and inequalities.

    4.      Solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities.

    5.      Solve and graph exponential functions.

    6.      Solve and graph quadratic functions.

    7.      Solve and rearrange formulas for a specific variable. 

    8.      Add, subtract, multiply, divide and factor polynomials.

    9.      Simplify and perform all four operations with rational expressions.

    10.  Solve radical equations and perform operations with radical expressions.

    11.  Determine and write arithmetic and geometric sequences. 

    12.  Determine characteristics of linear and exponential functions in order to compare and contrast. 

     

    COURSE EXPECTATIONS:  You will:

        

    1)      Maintain your 3-ring binder.

    2)      Maintain student planner.

    3)      Take and keep notes.

    4)      Do daily homework.

    5)      Participate in class activities.

    6)      Take tests and quizzes.

    7)      Self-assess understanding of the course procedures. 

    8)      Use a graphing calculator as required.

    9)      Attend tutoring as directed.

     

    You will need to bring the following materials with you each day to class:

    • Pencils, erasers, and a colored pen
    • 3-ring binder, loose leaf paper, and set of 5 dividers (for class notes)
    • Student planner
    • Graph paper

     

    INDEPENDENT WORK:

     

          Independent work will be assigned almost every school day (including weekends) in order to allow you to explore and practice what you are learning. Independent work includes but is not limited to in class exercises, homework, projects and math journals. Students will be notified weekly of their progress.  Those with grades lower than C (70 %) will be required to attend tutoring/MASC sessions as directed by the teacher. Metro Academic Student Center or MASC tutoring is in Room 9016 and Algebra tutoring schedule will be posted in the classroom.

     

    All assignments MUST contain, in the right-hand corner of the page: first and last name, date, course name and period number, and the name (page and problems) of the assignment.

     

    For ALL independent work:

    ·         Show calculation and work in pencil, even if you do it in your head or on a calculator.

    ·         When you get stuck on a problem, solve it as far as you can, then write a short explanation of your difficulty, and get clarification as soon as possible (i.e. MASC, Advisory or tutoring).

    ·         Use your notes and textbook as resources.

    ·         Check your solution(s) on the answer wall before summiting.

     

    Be proactive about creating study groups, using outside resources such as dictionaries and websites, and discussing problems with each other. At times we will we will all be algebra teachers; therefore, be willing to share your ideas with others and to support your reasoning to help each other understand new ways to solve problems. Math is not a spectator sport…..PARTICIPATE!

     

    Extra Credit will be available for students who wish to challenge themselves beyond the class requirements. Extra credit is only for those students who complete all required assignments. Extra credit is not a substitute required assignments.

     

    ATTENDANCE:  

    Students are required to be in attendance daily. The school’s attendance policy will be implemented but realize that even missing one day of math can be the difference between understanding and struggling through Algebra. When a student is absent, it will be the student’s responsibility for the following:  to turn in independent work(s) that were due the day(s) of the absence, reading the textbook section or material that was used as resource during your absence, and updating your class notes, acquire any handouts/materials including bell work and door passes questions missed the day (s)he returns from the absence.  The teacher will give the student a date by when the independent work(s) is due, it will be the student’s responsibility to be recorded the new due dates on your assignment sheet and/or planner. According to school policy, you have as many days as you were absent to turn in missed independent work(s).  However you should turn in at least one make-up independent work as well as the current independent work each day until you are caught up.  If you are absent the day of an exam, it is your responsibility to talk to the teacher the day you return to make arrangements for an exam make up outside of instruction time (i.e. before school, lunch time, Advisory, or after school). 

     

    CHEATING:

    Copying someone homework is CHEATING but helping another student with their homework and explaining how to do problem is acceptable. Students that caught cheating by me, any other teacher, staff member or parent will earn an automatic zero on any homework, test or quiz...NO EXCEPTIONS. That means the person giving the answer as well as the person receiving answers.

     

    STANDARDS PROFICIENCY:

    If student does not demonstrate proficiency of ALL standards on each unit test, they will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency of specific standards however realizing that most opportunities will be outside of instruction time (i.e. before school, lunch time, Advisory, or after school). 

     

    Final Grade Evaluation:  (Semester Basis) 0.5 Credit

    1.      The semester exam (CRT) grade will count as 20% of the semester grade. 

    2.      Each term will count as 40% of the semester grade.

    3.      Each 9-weeks term grade will be determined as follows: Standards Proficiency 70% & Independent Work 30%.

     

    Level of Proficiency: 

    Exceeds – A

    Proficient – B

    Approaching – C

    Some Evidence – D

    No Evidence – F

                                                                                                                                                     

     

     

                                                                                                               

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
         CLASS NORMS:  Do only the things that promote learning for all.

    1)  No talking during class-wide teaching.

    2)  Be in your seat and work from bell to bell.

    3)  Wear ID badges above the waist every day, and follow the dress code.

          4)  No electronic devices are to be seen and phones are turned off.

          5)  No eating, but water bottles are permitted.

          6)  Refrain from cursing

          7)  Respect EVERYONE and EVERYTHING

                             

    DISCIPLINE POLICY:  All class room rules/policies are posted and visible to all students in my class. School policies can be found in the student procedure handbook. These policies and procedure will be enforced at all times in my class, which means once you set foot into my class before school, at lunch, during class, after school, shorten days, half days, late start schedule; I WILL ENFORCE ALL THE RULES!!!

     
     

    CONSEQUENCES: If any student chooses NOT to follow class room or school rules

    First Offense:              Name on board*(warning)

    Second Offense:         One Check*(5 point deduction)

    Third Offense:            Two Checks*(10 point deduction and a call home)

    Fourth Offense:          Three Checks* (Referral and all points lost)

    *Names and checks are erased at the conclusion of each school day*

     

    Automatic 30 minute detention:  An automatic 30 minute detention will be given for chewing gum, eating, or drinking substances other than water in class.  All detentions MUST be served the day given (1st, 2nd, 3rd hours) or the next (5th, 6th, 7th hours) lunch in my room 9231.  MART WILL be assigned for failure to serve detention and referrals written for students refusing to “comply with ANY reasonable request.”

     

    Electronic devices:  Electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, pagers, electronic dictionaries, MP3s, CD Players, PSPs, electronic games, etc.) disrupt learning, teacher instruction, and will be confiscated if SEEN (even to check the time) or HEARD (even if you forget to turn it off). You will be given a warning at the first offense. For the second offense, said problem will be confiscated, delivered to security, and returned ONLY after a face-to-face meeting with a parent/guardian of record...NO EXCEPTIONS. Therefore, each offense will be dealt with through the referral process. 
     
    REWARDS: If any student chooses TO follow class room or school rules

     

    • Praise and the joy of learning
    • Positive notes or calls home
    • Five (5) point rewards
    • Success in college, career, and life.

    RESPONSABILITIES:

    Student

    Parent

    Teacher

    • Bring pencil, paper, student planner and assignments to class every day
    • Seek help immediately if a topic seem difficult
    • Participate in all aspects of the course in and out of class
    • Maintain student  planner
    • Attend tutoring
    • Communicate concerns to teacher and parents and counselors
    • Check progress reports on genesis website or student copy
    • Check homework every night
    • Check student planner every night
    • Sign student planner every week
    • Communicate concerns to student, teacher and counselor
    • Attend student intervention meeting
    • Create a safe environment for learning
    • Provide progress report
    • Check student planner every week
    • Assign and provide tutoring 
    • Communicate concerns to students, parents and counselors

                                                                                                                           

    HONORS CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES:

    A Student enrolled in Honors classes should be held to a higher standard than students in regular classes.  Students should be willing and able to engage with the concepts at a higher level. Also, students should be more responsible in doing all homework, taking good notes, studying for tests, maintaining good organizational habits, obtaining extra help when needed — all of which will help you to become a better student, both now and in the future. Inability to maintain the responsibility of being in an Honors level class will result a student being moved to a regular class.

     

    PERSONAL STATEMENT:  I do want students to learn math, but I prefer for them to learn the skills that math helps them develop to be more successful in life. In addition, keep the following in thoughts in mind:

    • I don’t know is unacceptable….Ask for help!
    • Set goals every week and recognize your accomplishments
    • Bring a positive attitude and a smile to class.
    • Never, ever give up!