Algebra II
This is next class in the progression from Geometry. We will cover many of the topics that were taught in Algebra I in more depth and preparing students for studies in College Algebra and Statistics.
OVERVIEW:
Students require mathematical knowledge in order to be successful in high school, in post-secondary education, and in this highly technology world. This course will develop students mathematical skills by developing students ability to problem solve, contextualize mathematics, and increasing digital literacy.
We will engage in challenging problems with the understanding that intelligence is something you develop not a set thing you were born with. Students will learn to access mathematics with fluency, and develop past a rote memorization of algorithms. We are capable of great things as long as we believe in our potential.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1. Always respect other people, property, and yourself.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given.
3. Be in your assigned seat, prepared and ready to work, when the bell rings.
4. Talk when it is appropriate, do not interrupt someone else who is speaking.
5. Cell phone use is not permitted in class. Cell phones out during class will be confiscated and turned into the main office to be collected at the end of the day.
6. When you don't know how to do, what to do, or how to access various things in class you need to ask in class or email.
7. Bring your iPad and your graphing calculator to class every day. A graphing calculator will not be provided to you the day of a test.
SEMINAR:
Seminar is available to help support you as you learn. Come see me if you need help with anything from class.
The following dates, I will be unavailable during L2 and L3 due to collaboration with colleagues: September 9th, September 25th, October 13th, October 30th, November 18th, December 9th.
GRADES:
Grades are determined on points earned. Points are earned from tests, quizzes, homework checks, and in-class activities/participation. A final exam is given at the end of each semester. The grading scale is:
90 – 100% A
80 – 89% B
70 – 79% C
60 – 69% D
0 – 59% F
Category
Grade Weights
Formative assessments (during the learning) Summative Assessments (Quizzes, Quests, Tests) Final Exam
20% 65% 15%
HOMEWORK:
Retention of learned material is significantly increased by timely practice. If you struggle with any material presented in class this is also an opportunity to have conversations/identify concepts that you are shaky on. Finally many students think they understand a topic, but when it comes time for the test they really didn't. Homework provides a way for you to make sure you understand the objectives of the class. Homework will be assigned based on the needs of the learning objectives, preparation for future concepts, and opportunities to prove mastery over learning objectives. Homework will be assessed by discussion, homework quizzes, and completion checks. Homework not present on the day it is expected will not be considered.
SHOWING YOUR WORK:
You are being assessed based on your understanding of the course objectives. The ability to assess your understanding is minimal at best just based on an answer. As such your process is used to evaluate your understanding of course objectives. If you fail to show your process when it is expected you will be assigned the lowest possible score for that problem.
NECESSARY MATERIALS FOR CLASS:
Students need to bring their iPad, a math notebook (preferably graphing notebook), a Texas Instruments graphing calculator (TI-Nspire CX DO NOT GET A TI NSPIRE CX CAS see tech needs for the difference), pencils, paper (you will need graphing paper looseleaf if you didn't get a graphing notebook) (notes and homework assignments must be kept separately), and assignments.
ATTENDANCE/TARDIES:
The school policy will be followed regarding absences and tardies (see your student planner). Please remember that according to district policy, absences not cleared within 24 hours of the absence are unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for the assignments and activities for that day.
MAKEUP WORK DUE TO ABSENCE:
If you miss school it is your responsibility to request the information and assignments you missed. A student has 3 days to makeup all missed tests or quizzes. These items may be made up during Seminar, in the testing center, or afterschool in the testing center. If not completed within three days of an absence, students will receive a zero. If it has been an extended absence, please see me and we will make arrangements. Please remember that according to district policy, you will not be allowed credit for any work due or assigned on the day of an unexcused absence. All work is mandatory in this class and must be finished.
EXTRA HELP:
I am available by appointment in the morning. I can also provide help via email either by writing an email or with a video depending on the question. When getting extra help please be as specific with your question as you can. Also if you are coming to see me please bring ALL necessary materials with you. Do not expect I will provide any materials, i.e. book, notes, worksheets, or calculator.
OVERVIEW:
Students require mathematical knowledge in order to be successful in high school, in post-secondary education, and in this highly technology world. This course will develop students mathematical skills by developing students ability to problem solve, contextualize mathematics, and increasing digital literacy.
We will engage in challenging problems with the understanding that intelligence is something you develop not a set thing you were born with. Students will learn to access mathematics with fluency, and develop past a rote memorization of algorithms. We are capable of great things as long as we believe in our potential.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1. Always respect other people, property, and yourself.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given.
3. Be in your assigned seat, prepared and ready to work, when the bell rings.
4. Talk when it is appropriate, do not interrupt someone else who is speaking.
5. Cell phone use is not permitted in class. Cell phones out during class will be confiscated and turned into the main office to be collected at the end of the day.
6. When you don't know how to do, what to do, or how to access various things in class you need to ask in class or email.
7. Bring your iPad and your graphing calculator to class every day. A graphing calculator will not be provided to you the day of a test.
SEMINAR:
Seminar is available to help support you as you learn. Come see me if you need help with anything from class.
The following dates, I will be unavailable during L2 and L3 due to collaboration with colleagues: September 9th, September 25th, October 13th, October 30th, November 18th, December 9th.
GRADES:
Grades are determined on points earned. Points are earned from tests, quizzes, homework checks, and in-class activities/participation. A final exam is given at the end of each semester. The grading scale is:
90 – 100% A
80 – 89% B
70 – 79% C
60 – 69% D
0 – 59% F
Category
Grade Weights
Formative assessments (during the learning) Summative Assessments (Quizzes, Quests, Tests) Final Exam
20% 65% 15%
HOMEWORK:
Retention of learned material is significantly increased by timely practice. If you struggle with any material presented in class this is also an opportunity to have conversations/identify concepts that you are shaky on. Finally many students think they understand a topic, but when it comes time for the test they really didn't. Homework provides a way for you to make sure you understand the objectives of the class. Homework will be assigned based on the needs of the learning objectives, preparation for future concepts, and opportunities to prove mastery over learning objectives. Homework will be assessed by discussion, homework quizzes, and completion checks. Homework not present on the day it is expected will not be considered.
SHOWING YOUR WORK:
You are being assessed based on your understanding of the course objectives. The ability to assess your understanding is minimal at best just based on an answer. As such your process is used to evaluate your understanding of course objectives. If you fail to show your process when it is expected you will be assigned the lowest possible score for that problem.
NECESSARY MATERIALS FOR CLASS:
Students need to bring their iPad, a math notebook (preferably graphing notebook), a Texas Instruments graphing calculator (TI-Nspire CX DO NOT GET A TI NSPIRE CX CAS see tech needs for the difference), pencils, paper (you will need graphing paper looseleaf if you didn't get a graphing notebook) (notes and homework assignments must be kept separately), and assignments.
ATTENDANCE/TARDIES:
The school policy will be followed regarding absences and tardies (see your student planner). Please remember that according to district policy, absences not cleared within 24 hours of the absence are unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for the assignments and activities for that day.
MAKEUP WORK DUE TO ABSENCE:
If you miss school it is your responsibility to request the information and assignments you missed. A student has 3 days to makeup all missed tests or quizzes. These items may be made up during Seminar, in the testing center, or afterschool in the testing center. If not completed within three days of an absence, students will receive a zero. If it has been an extended absence, please see me and we will make arrangements. Please remember that according to district policy, you will not be allowed credit for any work due or assigned on the day of an unexcused absence. All work is mandatory in this class and must be finished.
EXTRA HELP:
I am available by appointment in the morning. I can also provide help via email either by writing an email or with a video depending on the question. When getting extra help please be as specific with your question as you can. Also if you are coming to see me please bring ALL necessary materials with you. Do not expect I will provide any materials, i.e. book, notes, worksheets, or calculator.