Algebra I Syllabus: 2015-2016

Abigail Kirkham
Mathematics Teacher
akirkham@k12albemarle.org

Brandon Isaiah
Special Education Teacher
bisaiah@k12albemarle.org

*Both instructors are happy to receive phone calls, but are best reached by email*
Purposes and Goals: The first semester (Algebra I Lab) builds foundational
concepts to prepare students for new algebra skills learned in the second semester
(Algebra I). Our goal in this course is to provide for student success through a
warm, inviting environment that encourages curiosity, perseverance, and tenacity.
Our hope is to join with students as they discover new mathematical uses and
develop their foundational problem solving skills for their future mathematics
courses.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Class Rules
Respect yourself and others
Keep trying
Use technology as a learning tool
Be curious
Course Outline:
-

First Semester Units

Order of Operations
Simplifying Expressions
Properties of Real Numbers
Solving & Graphing Equations
Slope/Rate of Change
Graphing Linear Equations
Functions
Statistics

Second Semester Units

- Systems of Linear Equations/Inequalities
- Laws of Exponents & Powers
- Simplifying Polynomials
- Factor Polynomials
- Solving Quadratic Equations
- Simplifying Radical Expressions

Textbook: Algebra I, Prentice Hall Mathematics will be used solely as a reference

occasionally in class and can be issued to students upon request (homework is
never from the book)

Materials Needed: Please come to class each day

with the following:
3-ring binder (with lined paper)
school issued computer and charger
5 dividers (Do Now, Notes, Homework, Projects, Tests)
Pencils (with erasers)
Colored pens for checking work in class

Appreciated Optional
Classroom
Contributions
- box of tissues
- hand sanitizer
- lined paper

Attendance: Since math concepts build upon previously learned material, your
presence is extremely important! When the tardy bell rings, we expect students
are seated and beginning any Do Now exercises for the day. Any student arriving
after the bell is expected to have a note from attendance, administration, or
another teacher.
Grading: The grading scale for AHS:
A : 90 100
B : 80 89
C : 70 79
D : 60 69
F : 59 and below
Grades in the course will be calculated based on a points system:
Tests: 90 110 points each
Quizzes/Projects: 20-50 points each
Homework: 5 points per assignment
Rounding of Grades: If a student receives 0.5 or higher for his average/grade, I
will round to the next number. If a student receives a 0.4 or lower, the grade
remains the same.
Missed Work: Students will have two class periods following their absence to
inquire about missed work. Students have a maximum of two weeks (10 school
days) to make up any missed work (see hand-book). It is in the students best
interest to make up work as soon as possible. If absent, you may need to
arrange a time outside of class to make up quizzes or tests. It is your
responsibility to inquire about missed assignments and make up the work in a
timely manner. Any assignments due the day of an absence are due upon
return to class.
Homework/Classwork: This will be given regularly. All problems need to be
attempted with effort for credit. If you do the assignment (in its entirety), then
you will receive the points for that work. If you choose not to do it, leave it at
home, dont finish it, dont have enough work to show attempt at problems, etc,
you will not receive points for that work, but will not receive a zero on the
assignment.
Homework is due at the beginning of class and late homework is not accepted
(this does not include if you are absentsee missed work). Doing the
homework not only helps you practice the problems, but because your grade is
points based, it will help add other points into your grade besides tests/quizzes.
There will be a few exceptions to my homework policy. There will be a few
times that I require a homework assignment to be completed (you will receive
a zero if not done), often times those are quiz/test reviews. Also, if I give you
time in class to work on your homework, then you must be working on iteven
if you choose not to finish it later. Classwork is not optional.

Extra Credit: This is included on some tests and quizzes throughout the year.
We may offer an extra credit assignment occasionally to the entire class, but
students will not make up individual extra credit assignments. It is in your best
interest to make up any missed work in the due time period so that you do not
have any zeros and so that you stay up to date on what is being done in class.
Extra help: Please seek out extra help when you need it! We are available to
you for help most days before school and after school, during CHAT time, and
by appointment. If you are struggling or just want some extra help, we
encourage you to see us quickly and not wait until right before test time. If
we see that you are struggling, are not completing assignments, or are having
difficulties focusing during class time we will give you a pass to come see us
during CHAT time. CHAT passes are not optional, and students will be issued a
referral if missed.
Exams: At the end of each nine weeks students will take exams that are
worth 10% of their nine weeks grades. No students are exempt from these
exams. At the end of the second semester (Algebra I) in June, students may be
exempt if they pass the Algebra 1 SOL with a 450 or higher and meet the
other criteria listed in the student handbook.
It is likely that, in lieu of a traditional exam second semester, all students in
Algebra 1 will participate in an end-of-course culminating assessment -- a major
project, presentation, or __?___. If implemented, the culminating assessment will be
conducted and completed prior to senior exam week, and students will not be
required to take the regular 2nd semester Algebra 1 exam. Students are still
required to take the Virginia SOL Exam in May.
Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated. Examples of cheating: talking to
other students in your class or another class about a graded assignment,
talking or text messaging on a cell phone during a graded individual
assessment, asking for a previously graded assignment from another student
and/or copying work from another student. It is expected that every student in
class uphold the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect,
Responsibility, Fairness and Justice, Caring, and Civic Virtue. The Honor Pledge
reads: On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on
this work. If you are found cheating, you will,
1. receive a zero on the work
2. may be ineligible for Honor Societies in the future
3. receive two days of After School Detention (be referred to the Office)
4. will have your parents notified within 48 hours of the incident.
Communication: With many of the new, effective modes of communication
available to us, keeping in touch with you and your parents has become much
simpler. We intend to use Ms. Kirkhams teacher website daily, keeping it up-todate with class notes, homework assignments, helpful links, and other resources.
Please feel free to email either of us for any questions and concerns!
Thanks for your support and cooperation. We look forward to working with you this
year!

Ms. Kirkham & Mr. Isaiah

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