Pre-Algebra (MA104)

Mr. Thomas Aguilo

tmaguilo@gdoe.net
13-15 Mariner Avenue, Administration Building (I-Bldg.)
Barrigada, Guam 96913
(671) 300-5570 // Room E204

GDOE Vision: Every Student: Responsible, Respectful, and Ready for Life
GDOE Mission Statement: Our educational community prepares all students for life, promotes excellence, and provides
support.
THS Mission Statement: At Tiyan High School, our mission is to provide a challenging learning environment that promotes
academic excellence which inspires students to be globally competitive.
THS SLOs (School-wide Learner Outcomes): THS students will be: Team Players, Innovative Problem Solvers, Technologically
Literate Individuals, Accountable Community Members, Navigators of Excellence, and Supporters of Diversity (T.I.T.A.N.S.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Description: This is a full-year course designed to familiarize the student with basic definitions and terms as well
as the concept of sets, equations and operations. The first semester portion of the course continues with the
introduction of additional advanced concepts. This course is slightly slower paced than Algebra I.
Course Outline:
Quarter

Topic
Real Number System /
Algebraic Expressions
Angle Relationships and
Transformations
Rational Numbers

2
Pythagorean Theorem

Volume and
3-Dimensional Figures
Linear Functions and
Slope
Percentages and
Proportional Reasoning
Linear Equations

Objectives
Students will develop number and operation sense needed to
verbally, symbolically, and graphically represent rational and
irrational numbers and number relationships, compute fluently,
and make reasonable estimates in problem solving.
Students will be able to recognize and describe the congruency
of rotations, reflections, or translations of two-dimensional
shapes and their parts.
Students will be able to use powers (down to cubed roots) to
calculate and solve problems, as well as to represent and
compare values written in scientific notation.
Students will be able to prove and apply the Pythagorean
Theorem.
Students will be able to use formulas to find the volume of
cones, spheres, and cylinders.

Common Core
Standards
8.NS.1, 8.NS.2

8.G.1.a, 8.G.1.b, 8.G.1.c,

8.G.2, 8.G.3, 8.G.4, 8.G.5
8.EE.1, 8.EE.2, 8.EE.3,
8.EE.4
8.G.6, 8.G.7, 8.G.8
8.G.9

Students will be able to analyze and solve linear equations using

multiple strategies and methods.

8.EE.7.a, 8.EE.7.b

Students will be able to define, evaluate, and compare functions

using proportionality and slope.

8.EE.5, 8.EE.6, 8.F.1,

8.F.2

Students will be able to analyze and solve pairs of simultaneous

linear equations, including real-world problems.

8.EE.8.a, 8.EE.8.b,
8.EE.8.c

CCSS Anchor Standards addressed throughout each quarter: Comprehension and Collaboration: CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2;
Key Ideas and Details: CCRA.R.1, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: CCRA.R.7; Research to Build and Present
Knowledge: CCRA.W.8; Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: CCRA.L.4, CCRA.L.6
Career Readiness Skills addressed throughout each quarter: Being able to work as part of a team; Verbal and written
communication skills; Integrity; Critical thinking skills; Time management skills; Positive attitude; Sense of humor; Being
assertive not aggressive; and Self-directed learning

Standards for Mathematical Practice:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning
of others.
Model with mathematics.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Use appropriate tools strategically.

Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Materials Required (*Please, see Mr. Aguilo if you are unable to obtain these materials):
-

Textbook (provided)
College-ruled loose-leaf paper
PENCILS, erasers, and red pen(s) (for correcting papers)
1 composition notebook
1 folder with pockets and prongs
1 pack of 3 5 index cards (blank preferred over lined)

Recommended (OPTIONAL) Materials:

-

Calculator (may not use cellular phone and may not be used for quizzes/exams unless specified by teacher)
Hand sanitizer
Facial and/or toilet tissue

Typical daily instructional format: Each class period will begin with a DMR (Daily Math Review). Students should begin
working on these problems upon entering the room (these are timed problems). Class blocks will consist of but not
limited to: homework check / quiz, presented lesson (re-teaching, continuation, or new), previous/new lesson activities,
individual/group work, quest/quiz/test, homework assignment, and exit ticket. Lessons will be presented in multiple
formats. Homework will be given on a daily basis and should be expected. Along with individual (student and class)
goals, each class block will also focus on the Tiyan school-wide learner outcomes:

Grading Scale: This course is based on a weighted 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:
Quarter Grade = 40% (Tests) + 35% (Quizzes) + 25% (Notebook/Assignments/Projects)
1st Semester Grade = 45% (1st Quarter Grade) + 45 % (2nd Quarter Grade) + 10% (Exam)
2nd Semester Grade = 45% (3rd Quarter Grade) + 45 % (4th Quarter Grade) + 10% (Exam)
A = 100% - 90%
B = 89% - 80%
C = 79% - 70%
D = 69% - 60%
F = 59% and below
- 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 take
place.
- Quizzes: They 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.
- Classwork: They consist of assignments that are to be completed during the class block. They 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.
- Homework: They will be given on a daily basis. 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!

Assessment Retake Policy: If a student is present the day of a test/quiz, he/she is required to take that assessment.
Students are allowed one retake on tests and quizzes within one week of the assessment being handed back to the
student following the approval of a request for retake. Students are not allowed to use any form of help on a retake.
Late Work Policy: Late work will only be accepted one class period past the due date for half credit. If a student has an
excused absence the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day the student returns back to class.
Intervention and Support: If a student is struggling in class, it is his/her responsibility to seek help outside of class
meetings. Available options will include but not be limited to:
- Peer tutoring during class time
- Individual tutoring upon request (during lunch or before/after school)
- Online resources:
o
o
o
o
o
o

Individual lessons: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra

Math videos: http://www.mathtv.com, http://www.patrickjmt.com
Math games: http://www.coolmath-games.com
Online tutoring: http://www.mathplanet.com
Practice problems: https://www.ixl.com/math
Extra example problems: http://www.mathisfun.com

All students are greatly encouraged to ask questions about the material and to request assistance when needed.
Class Rules:
ALL school rules apply in this classroom (review and know the student handbook). During class, school rules and the
following class rules must be followed by all students at all times:
- Raise your hand and quietly wait to be called on.
- Listen quietly while others (teacher or students) are speaking.
o
o

Be in your seat and working on the DMR when the bell rings.
Follow directions the first time and stay in your assigned seat until otherwise instructed by the teacher.
No food, drinks, gum, or electronic devices!
o

Everyone should feel comfortable to express their thoughts, ideas, and questions without disruption.
When Mr. Aguilo calls for attention, stop what you are doing and focus your attention on him.

If a student chooses to use an electronic device during class time, he/she will receive one (1) verbal warning to put
it away. If he/she chooses to disregard the rule again, the device will be confiscated, and a parent will be notified
to pick up the device at the main office.

Students will only be issued three (3) personal hall passes per quarter. Students are reminded to use them
wisely and only for emergencies. Breaks before and after class are better suited for restroom breaks. Every
minute spent away from the class is time away from learning.
I dismiss you, not the bell. Before I dismiss you, the room must be clean, and the desks must be in rows.

Disciplinary Procedures:
-

1st Offense: Verbal warning (to be recorded by teacher)

2nd Offense: Verbal warning; Note to parent/guardian; and Lunch detention with teacher
3rd Offense: Referral to counselor / disciplinary administration; Parent/teacher/student conference
4th Offense: Parent contact and discipline referral

**Major infractions will result in direct and immediate referral to the discipline administration.
Class Expectations:
In order to create a learning conducive environment and promote success for all, the daily expectations are:
- Be Prepared with all your materials and the
- Be Productive at all times
mindset to learn
- Be Respectful towards others and property
- Be Positive in your thoughts and actions
- Be Responsible with your work and actions

Citizenship Rubric:
-

Excellent (E) or exemplary

o
o
o
o

Satisfactory (S) or competent

o
o
o
o

Usually behaves appropriately

Comes to school prepared
Uses time productively
Respectful towards adults and peers

Needs Improvement (N) or developing

o
o
o
o

Accepts responsibility for actions

Acts as a positive role model
A mature and productive member of the school
Demonstrates respect for diversity of others

Needs periodic reminders to behave appropriately

Respectful towards authority
Occasionally participates
Aware of responsibility

Unsatisfactory (U) or emerging

o
o
o

Needs daily reminders of appropriate behaviors

Sometimes shows responsibility
Sometimes needs reminder of attendance

Attendance Policy (as per Board Policy 411)

-

High school students are absent during a school day when they are not present for more than one-half of the
regularly scheduled contact hour(s).
An absence may be excused with:
o A note from a parent/guardian for absences under 3 consecutive days (limited to 6 per semester).
o A doctors note for absences over 3 days or after 6 parent notes in a semester.
High school students with unexcused absences for at least 12% of the courses scheduled meetings over a
semester shall not receive a passing grade for the course for the semester and shall receive a grade of NO
CREDIT (NC).
A student who arrives 15 minutes or less after the start of their regularly scheduled class period shall be
considered tardy. Arrival more than 15 minutes after class starts shall be constitute an absence.
Three unexcused tardies within a semester shall equal one unexcused absence.
Students cannot receive a passing grade in the course if they incur unexcused absences in 12% or more of the
days during which the course is scheduled for a given semester and shall receive a no credit (NC) grade.

**Any student with an excused absence shall be given the opportunity to make up the work missed in class; however,
it is the responsibility of the student to request make-up work for day(s) missed with valid excuse(s). Failure to
request make-up work within 3 days of the students return to school or failure to turn in make-up work by
designated due date shall result in a zero (0) grade for the assignment.
Service Learning: Public Law 30-53 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:
1st Semester: Christmas Card Drive (possible 5 hours):
Students will create Christmas cards for various organizations based on geometric formulas and dimensions.
2nd Semester: TBD

Teacher-Parent Communication: Parents/Guardians may monitor students progress through PowerSchool. Grades
will be updated on a weekly basis. In addition, Mr. Aguilo may be contacted via e-mail: tmaguilo@gdoe.net or via
phone at THS: (671) 300-5570
***The teacher reserves the right to modify the syllabus as needs and/or unforeseen circumstances dictate.
Students and parents will be promptly notified of changes to the syllabus and justification.
Approved By:
________________________
Freda Arii
Assistant Principal, Curriculum

__________________________
Thomas Aguilo
Math Teacher

SYLLABUS AGREEMENT
Student: Mr. Aguilo reviewed the components outline 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 behavioral 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 behavioral responsibilities, and will be held accountable for course objectives and
standards. You acknowledge that we, the teacher and parent/guardian, must work together to support your
childs academic and behavioral development.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Print and Sign
Date
Block

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Print and Sign
Date

Contact Information
Please, take a few minutes to fill out the following information to be returned to me. Thank you!
Adult(s) at home to be contacted regarding your student:
Name ______________________________ Relationship ____________________
Name ______________________________ Relationship ____________________
Phone Numbers:
Home _________________________

Work _________________________

Cell ________________________

E-mail Address _______________________________________ Mailing Address _____________________________

_____________________________
Does your child have access to the Internet at home? (Circle one)

Yes

No

Additional Comments:
Any concerns or additional information that I should know about your student (e.g., medical, social, academic, etc.)