Dear Students:
Hi! Welcome to Algebra I and a new school year.I'm excited to be teaching this course. This class is the one math class that you MUST pass to graduate high school. Not only that, but it is very important because about 60% of the California High School Exit Exam is Algebra! We will be covering the 25 California Content Standards, following the order of our brand new Prentice Hall Algebra textbooks. We'll complete chapters 1-12, as follows:
- Ch1: Tools of Algebra
- Ch2: Solving Equations
- Ch3: Solving Inequalities
- Ch4: Solving and Applying Proportions
- Ch5: Graphs and Functions
- Ch6: Linear Equations and Their Graphs
- Ch7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
- Ch8: Exponents and Exponential Functions
- Ch9: Polynomials and Factoring
- Ch10: Quadratic Expressions and Equations
- Ch11: Radical Expressions and Equations
- Ch12: Rational Expressions and Functions
Materials
Everyday I expect you to have in class: your textbook, pencil, notebook or binder with paper, calculator (we have a few in class, but I recommend bringing your own), stamp card and warm-up journal (I will hand these out).
Class Procedures
- I expect you to come to class on time (be inside by the second bell) and be prepared. Everyday we will begin with a warm-up, so after about the first minute of class, I expect everyone to begin working on this quietly.
- Usually our classes will consist of taking notes or a class activity, and then possibly I will give you time to start on homework. This is not time to chat or pack up your things -- the teacher, not the bell, will excuse you when class is over.
- We will keep a brief, "Daily Log" in class containing the assignments given out each day. If you are absent, see the Daily Log, and ask me any further questions.
- We will have quizzes periodically throughout each chapter, and a larger chapter test at the end of the chapter. You will be notified about them ahead of time.
- Taking notes in class and completing the daily warm-ups are an important part of your grade - you will need to save them and keep them organized, as I will check them at the end of each chapter. Plus, I usually let you use your notes on tests!
- Our warm-ups will be done in individual notebooks, which I will give to you and you can keep in the classroom.
- HOMEWORK -- the dreaded word! I don't usually assign too much, but there will be some almost every night. It is important to complete because I collect it, and it is worth almost half your grade.
Grading Breakdown
- Tests and quizzes: 40%
- Homework and class assignments: 40%
- Participation, class notes, class assignments and warm-ups: 20%
The way that I give grades according to your percentage in class is standard:
- 90-100%: A
- 80-89%: B
- 70-79%: C
- 60-69%: D
- Below 60%: F
Special Note! Show work on all assignments!! If some of your work is right, you will get partial credit even if your answer is wrong.
Absence and Late Work
If you are absent, you will be given two extra days to complete any missing assignments or make up tests (which can be done in tutorial or after school). Also, ask to copy someone's notes from when you were gone. I will not usually accept any late work. Please talk to me if you have special circumstances.
If You Need Help
- I encourage you to work with classmates on homework assignments. Write down someone's phone number from class so you can call them if you have homework questions.
- If you need extra help from me, please ask me for a pass and come in during tutorial, or see me after school. I'll usually be here until about 4pm. Don't hesitate to ask -- this is what I'm here for!!
If you have any questions about this information sheet, please ask me. We will also talk more about policies and expectations together is class. I hope that the coming year goes well for all of you, and I look forward to getting to know you better.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Johnson
