Welcome to a

great school year! I am excited to see where we will go this school year at the new THS!

Pre-Algebra Description:
Pre-Algebra is a full year course designed as a prerequisite to Algebra I. The contents of this
course are important for students success on both ACT, SAT, and college/military mathematics entrance
exams. This course is a compilation of 9 units of study. Each unit will consist of homework, classwork,
quizzes, and a unit test. Students are allowed to use notes or study guides on the quizzes but not as a
form of help on the unit assessments. Students who complete Pre-Algebra should take Algebra 1 or
Geometry next. Students must have completed MA104, MA201, and MA204.

Course Objectives:
Students will strengthen and develop skills in:

Unit 1: Real Number System and Algebraic Expressions
Unit 2: Ratio, Proportion, and Probability
Unit 3: Angle Relationships and Transformations
Unit 4: Number Operations
Unit 5: Geometry
Unit 6: Volume and 3-Dimensional Figures
Unit 7: Rational Numbers
Unit 8: Percentages and Proportional Reasoning
Unit 9: Linear Functions and Slope

Literacy Standards
This year, Tiyan High School focuses on school-wide specific literacy standards. Throughout
this school year the standards will be:
o R.1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from
it. (Please use MLA when applicable)
o W.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and
research.
o SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with
diverse partners, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
A strong emphasis will be placed on developing math specific vocabulary skills and using those skills to
solve real-world problems.


Quarterly Common Core State Standards:

1
st
Quarter
Students will develop number & operation
sense needed to verbally, symbolically, &
graphically represent rational & irrational
numbers & number relationships, compute
fluently, & make reasonable & make
reasonable estimates in problem solving.
8.NS.1, 2
2
nd
Quarter
Students will be able to use powers (down to
cubed roots) to calculate & solve problems,
as well as to represent & compare values
written in scientific notation.

8.EE.1, 2, 3, 4
Students will be able to prove & apply the
Pythagorean Theorem.
Mr. Casta
Room K203
atcasta@gdoe.net
Main Office: 300-2721
Tiyan High School
2014-2015
Pre-Algebra Class Guide

Students will be able to recognize & describe
the congruency of rotations, reflections or
translations of two-dimensional.
8.G.1.a, b, c
8.G.2, 3, 4, 5

8.G.6, 7, 8, 9
3
rd
Quarter
Students will be able to analyze & solve
linear equations using multiple strategies &
methods.
8.EE.7.a, b
8.EE.5, 6
8.F.1, 2
4
th
Quarter
Students will be able to analyze & solve pairs
of simultaneous linear equations, including
real-world problems.
8.EE.8.a, b, c
8.F.3, 4, 5
Standards for Mathematical Practice
1. Make sense of problems and persevere
in solving them
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively
3. Construct viable arguments and
critique the reasoning of others
4. Model with mathematics

5. Use appropriate tools strategically
6. Attend to precision
7. Look for and make use of structure
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated
reasoning

Grading Policy/Scale
This course is based on a weight system. Each semester is a combination of 2-quarter grades worth
45% each and a semester exam grade worth 10%. Each quarter is a combination of 3 categories: Tests worth
40%, quizzes worth 35%, and homework/classwork worth 25%.
o Tests: Unit assessments will be presented after every completed unit and students will not be able to use
any form of support (from others, notes, etc.). Students will be given notice ahead of time when a unit test
will be.
o Quizzes: Quizzes will be given throughout the unit and students may use notes or study guides but not
help from other individuals. Students may or may not be given notice of when a quiz will occur.
o Classwork: Classwork consists of assignments that are to be completed during the class block. Classwork
will not be accepted late unless the student is absent from class. If a student chooses not to complete
classwork during the class period, that student will receive a zero for that assignment.
o Homework: Homework will be given on a daily bases. In order to receive credit, work must be shown. Any
assignment received without a name will be thrown away.
*Studies have shown that the more homework students do, the better their achievement. Specifically, data
indicates that for about every 30 minutes of additional homework a student does per night, his/her overall
GPA increases half a point (Classroom Instruction that Works).

*** EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES ARE RARE. COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR WORK THE FIRST TIME
AROUND!

Semester 1
1
st
Quarter: 45%
Unit tests 40%
Quizzes 35%
Homework/Classwork 25%
2
nd
Quarter: 45%
Unit tests 40%
Quizzes 35%
Homework/Classwork 25%
Semester 1 Exam: 10%
Semester 2
3
rd
Quarter: 45%
Unit tests 40%
Quizzes 35%
Homework/Classwork 25%
4
th
Quarter: 45%
Unit tests 40%
Quizzes 35%
Homework/Classwork 25%
Semester 2 Exam: 10%


Grading Scale
A = 100%-90%
B = 89%-80%
C = 79%-70%
D = 69%-60%
F = 59% and below

Make-up Work Policy for Absences
The student is responsible for getting any and all make-up work the day he/she returns back
to school. All make-up work is due the following Monday after the student returns. If a student is absent
the day of a test or quiz, the student has one week to make-up that assignment. If make-up work is not
completed and turned in during the allotted time, the student will receive a 0 grade.

Assessment Retake Policy
Students are allowed one retake on tests and quizzes within one week of the assessment
being handed back to them. Students are not allowed to use any notes or any form of help on a retake.

Late Work Policy
Late work will be accepted one class period past the due date for half credit. If student is
absent the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day the student returns back to class.

Interventions and Support
If a student is struggling in class, it is his/her responsibility to seek help outside of class
meetings. The following support will be offered but not limited to:
1. Peer tutoring during class time.
2. Individual tutoring is available upon request (after school or during lunch).
3. Some helpful websites:
a. Online Textbooks: https://sites.google.com/site/sshsmathdepartment/subject-area
b. Math Videos: http://www.mathtv.com
c. Math Games: http://www.coolmath-games.com
d. Online Tutoring: http://www.mathplanet.com

Academic Misconduct
Academic Integrity, based on the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility, is
a fundamental principle at Tiyan High School. Work that violates these values is incompatible with the
goals of this class and will not be tolerated. Any student participating in any form of academic
misconduct will receive a 0 grade with no chance to make-up the assignment. Parent contact will be
made regarding the incident.
* Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to: plagiarism (using another persons writing
or copying any work without proper citation), falsification, academic fraud (deceit or trickery by which a
student seeks to gain an unfair or dishonest advantage in relation to a students learning and
assessment activities), unauthorized collaboration during a test or on an assignment, or substitution for
another student to take an exam, course or test.

Classroom Rules
**** I fully expect that these rules will be followed at all times. If you fail to follow these rules, you will
receive one verbal warning. If the inappropriate behavior does not cease you will be disciplined
according to the rules of the Student Handbook, including a call home, a parent conference, detention,
and/or a referral. A classroom should be a safe environment where learning is the top priority.
1. Raise your hand and quietly wait to be called on.
2. Listen quietly while others (teacher or students) are speaking.
a. Everyone will feel comfortable to express his/her thoughts, ideas, and questions without
interruption or disruption.
3. Be in your seat and working on the DMR when the bell rings.
4. Follow directions the first time and stay in your assigned seat until otherwise instructed by the
teacher.
5. NO food, drinks, gum, or electronic devices in the classroom.
a. If a student chooses to use an electronic device during class hours he/she will receive
one warning to put it away. If he/she chooses again to disregard the rule, the device will
be confiscated and a parent will be notified to pick up the device at the main office.

* I dismiss you not the bell. Before you can leave my room: it must be clean, the desks must be in rows,
and you must be in your assigned seat. Only then will you be dismissed.

** Know the Student Handbook: If it is in there it applies in the classroom.

Progressive Discipline
Minor Infractions
1
st
Offense: Verbal Warning
2
nd
Offense: Parent contact/Lunch detention with teacher
3
rd
Offense: Referral to counselor
4
th
Offense: Parent contact/Discipline referral

Major Infractions
Direct and immediate discipline referral.

Everyday Expectations
We will create a learning conducive environment where everyone has a part to play. In order for
everyone to be successful the everyday expectations are:
Be Prepared
Be Positive
Be Productive
Be Respectful
Be Responsible

* Everyone (teacher and students) will be held accountability to meet these expectations everyday.

Class Resources and Supplies
Class Textbook (provided)
Pencils, Pens, & eraser (only black or dark blue ink accepted)
Math specific composition notebook
3-prong math only folder
Ruler
Folder
Additional classroom supplies that would be greatly appreciated but not required;
o Hand sanitizer
o Paper towel
o Kleenex
o Toilet tissue
o Post-it notes
o Scientific calculator (will not always be allowed to use in class)
You CANNOT use cell phones as a calculator!






Attendance Policy and Expectations
It is very important that students are present and on time to every class period. Excessive tardies
and absences can/will seriously harm a students success in this class. Board Policy 411
1. High school students are considered absent during a school day when they are NOT present for
more than one-half of the regularly scheduled hour(s).
2. Absence(s) for three (3) or more consecutive days requires a doctors note within two days.
3. A parent note is required for 1-2 days of absence. There is a limit of 6 parent notes per semester.
Anything beyond requires a doctors note and the discretion of the administration.
4. Twelve (12) unexcused absence warrants a referral to SAO for truancy and to Family Court (17
GCA 6401 (c)).
5. A student with an excused absence has an opportunity to make-up work missed in class.
6. High school students who incur unexcused absences of 12 or more of the days of a course
during the fall or spring semester cannot receive a passing grade for that course during that
semester. Students who are unable to receive a passing grade because of this policy shall
receive a NO CREDIT (NC).
7. A student who arrives to class after the tardy bell, 1 second to 9 minutes and 59 seconds is
considered late.
8. A student who is 10 or more minutes late to class will be marked absent, even though the
student is present in class.
9. 3 unexcused tardies equate to 1 unexcused absence.

Service Learning
Public Law 30-35 specifies that, The mission of SL is to allow each student to gain knowledge
of the communitys needs, to expand their learning beyond the four walls of the classroom, to provide
opportunities for lifelong intellectual and personal growth, and to feel the intrinsic rewards associated
with giving back to society.
The Tiyan math department will be offering 3 service-learning opportunities this school year.
1. Christmas card drive (possible 5 hours).
Students will create Christmas cards for various organizations based on geometric
formulas and dimensions.
2. Pi Day (possible 3 hours).
Students will plan and host a Pi Day celebration filled with math fun and games.
3. 5K Run/Walk for charity (possible 2 hours).
Students can participate in a 5K charity event of their choosing to gather data
about their running speed to calculate time to run different distances.


DISCLAIMER
Changes to this syllabus may be charged or undated throughout the school year. Students will
be informed of any occurring changes.





______________________________ ________________________________
Mr. Casta, Pre-Algebra Teacher Acknowledged by: THS Administrator








Pre-Algebra Agreement

Student: Mr. Casta reviewed the components outlined in his syllabus. You understand that the syllabus
may be modified in light of unforeseen circumstances, and understand you will be notified in advance of
changes to the syllabus. You understand your academic and behavior responsibilities, and that you will
be held accountable for your learning and progress towards meeting the course objectives and
standards.

Parent/Guardian: You have reviewed the syllabus. You discussed key points of the syllabus with your
child. You acknowledge that the syllabus may be modified in light of unforeseen circumstances. You
understand that your child has academic and behavior responsibilities, and will be held accountable for
course objectives and standards. You acknowledge that we, teacher and parent/guardian, must work
together to support your childs

_________________________________________________________________________
Student Print and Sign Date

_________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Print and Sign Date


Contact Information Sheet

Please take a few minutes to fill-out the following information and have your student return it to me.
Thank you.

Home Phone Number____________________ Cell Number ________________ Work
number:____________

Contact E-mail Address___________________________________________

Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________


Adult(s) at home to be contacted regarding your student:


Name_________________________________Relationship__________________________


Name_________________________________Relationship__________________________



Other Information (about the student)

Does your child have access to the Internet at home? Yes No

Additional Comments (Feel free to note any concerns or additional information that will help me in
working with your student---- medical, social, academic, etc.):