ALGEBRA ONE Syllabus

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Instructor: Mrs. Ruth Kravetz 

 rkravetz@houstonisd.org

Room 200

Extra help hours:  to be decided on by the class                                                             

                Finally!  You're in algebra.  Learning algebra is an extraordinary way to exercise the most important muscle- the brain.  This is the year when you will learn how to use algebra to save money; how to calculate what grades you must make in your next courses in order to achieve a certain GPA; how to figure out how old an ancient bone is; and much more.  You will also learn some really cool tricks for doing math in your head as fast as a calculator could do it.  It will amaze your friends and impress strangers.

                Be happy.  This class is your friend.  All you have to do is work.

I. GRADES                                                                                                                                     

                Homework:                                           5-10 pts. each                                         

    Quizzes:                                                10-50 pts.each (many quizzes every six weeks)

                Tests:                                                     100 pts each (usually two tests per six weeks)

                Project:                                                 50-100 pts. ( one per six weeks grading cycle)

                Notebook & participation:                 5-25 pts.

Ø       A.  Homework is regularly assigned and will be graded based on completion and on the correctness of one or two selected problems.  In general, if you genuinely attempt all problems, even if you do not get the selected problems correct, the lowest grade you will get on homework is a “B^-”.  I consider homework a VERY IMPORTANT activity but see it as a way to help you grow.  Thus, effort counts.  The only way that you will be prepared for tests and quizzes is if you work diligently on homework.  You get one free homework grade per six weeks.  Otherwise, late homework is not accepted.

Ø       B.  Class notes are required.  Take notes every day.  A notebook will be collected.

Ø       C.  Tests are fun.

Ø       D. A notebook is required and should be divided into 15 sections. All notes, homework, quizzes and tests related to each section heading belong in that section.  

§         Important Stuff: Summary sheets, TAKS formula sheets, vocabulary sheet, etc.    

§         Unit One: Statistics, transformations & positive and negative numbers

§         Unit Two:  Algebra expressions

§         Unit Three:  Solving equations and inequalities

§         Unit Four:  Patterns

§         Unit Five: Graphing

§         Unit Six:  Systems of equations

§         Unit Seven:  Exponents and polynomials

§         Unit Eight:  Quadratics  

        We may add two or three more unit headings throughout the year.  Just make sure you have twelve dividers.

Ø       E.  Each student will be required to prepare one project per semester.  Students will sign up for a particular six weeks grading period in which to do their project.  There are a wide variety of projects that you can do including teaching a mini SAT, TAKS or algebra lesson; making a poster about an important math concept; writing a 3-5 page research paper on a math topic, journal writing, etc.

II.  ITEMS TO PURCHASE:              1 binder, 1 pencil holder with 3 holes for your binder

                                                                Optional: a TI-83 calculator to use at home or any calculator

III. CLASSROOM POLICIES

                A. Absences

                                1.  Don't be absent.  It is not a good thing.

                                2.  Tests will be made up on the day you return to school or before school.             

                B. Tardies

                                1.  If you are late three times, you receive the honor of helping me at lunch.

                C. Ways for living in this class

                                1.  Ask questions and do all of your work.  Help others when appropriate.

                                2.  Participate as often as you can.  Don't talk while others are contributing to the learning experience.

                                3.  Enjoy the class.

                                4.  QUESTION EVERYTHING!

IV.  PROBABLE SEQUENCE OF INSTRUCTION

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I have read the Algebra One syllabus and agree to abide by what is stated.  Please tell your parents to email me or call me if they have questions.  I will try to call all of your parents during the first month to share something nice with them.

Student Signature_____________________               Date Signed ________       Hm.  Phone # ________