COURSE SYLLABUS

COLLEGE PREP ALGEBRA I

General Information

Instructor
Mr. Micah Edwards
edwardsm@sanfordschool.org
302-235-6500

Welcome to College Prep Algebra 1! Throughout the year, students will be working from their textbook,
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 Edition and utilize websites that mirrors the curriculum. The course will include
an in-depth study of solving linear and quadratic equations, solving linear systems and solving linear inequalities
and systems. Students will also study sequences and the comparison of functions (linear, quadratic and
exponential). Students will use Algebra to model practical applications. This approach will assist students as we
guide students in their ability to reason and communicate proficiently in Algebra.

Textbook: Algebra 1 by Kanold, et al. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 Edition ($115). The course will work
extensively with real numbers. Whenever possible, real life examples and experiments will be used to put the
math in action. A variety of styles will be utilized such as direct instruction, group work, projects, lab work and
experiments.

Class Operation
Teacher Responsibilities:
❖ We will be available to provide additional help. Typically, we are available after school and during our
planning period. Our availability is noted on the classroom calendar. It is suggested that an appointment be
made in advance.
❖ Grades are entered and posted on Home Access Center weekly. If you need sign on information, contact the
guidance office. Grades are always available at progress reports and the end of the quarter.
❖ We will return papers in a timely manner. Most tests and quizzes are returned in two days.
❖ We will incorporate technology when appropriate. The calculator is a powerful tool and we will use it to
enhance the learning experience.

Student Responsibilities:
❖ The student needs to be an active participant in class. Participating in the lesson, taking notes and asking
questions are examples of positive participation. The student needs to be willing to work with others. The
notes must include the date, essential question and at least one example of each type of problem or situation.
The student needs to be willing to work with others.
❖ The student needs to do his/her best. Assignments are given on the board along with test and quiz dates. All
work is due on time (when collected in class). Homework is accepted up to one day late with a one letter grade
penalty.
❖ The student needs to seek help when he/she needs it. It is crucial to success in mathematics that topics are
understood before moving on. If a student is having difficulty, it is in his/her best interest to ask for help.
Aside from my availability, math help is available after school through the 21st Century Program.
❖ Attendance is important. With block scheduling, missing time may become a problem. If a student is absent
from class due to a school activity, it is his/her responsibility to inform us in advance.

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The student needs to make up missed work within two weeks of his/her return from an absence. The student will
ask classmates what they missed when they were absent. Makeup work can be done any period of the day but an
appointment needs to be made.

Grading Scale

A 100 – 90
B 89 – 80
C 79 – 70
D 69 – 60
F 59 & below

Summative 60%
❖ Tests: tests are given at the end of each chapter. Any projects assigned will also count as a test grade.
❖ Quizzes: quizzes are given when appropriate and cover most recent material. Any writing assignments will be
part of the quiz grade.

Formative 40%
❖ Homework - Homework is assigned periodically. When graded, we look for completeness and correctness.
All papers must have the assignment written on them.
❖ Class work - Any work done during the class period will be included in this grade
❖ Extra Credit- Extra credit is rarely given and usually comes in the form of an additional problem on a test or
quiz. Extra credit is NOT a substitution for assigned work.

Late Work:
❖ Homework will be accepted up to one day late with l (one) letter grade penalty.
❖ Projects will be accepted up to three days late with a one letter grade penalty.
❖ Test/Quizzes need to be made up within 2 weeks of your return. After two weeks the grade will become and
remain a zero.

Retakes:
❖ Corrections are permitted for some tests, quizzes and projects. Students can earn ½ of the credit back for
completing the corrections.
❖ Complete corrections by copying the entire problem onto a notebook sheet of paper and correctly solve the
problem showing all necessary work. Staple the corrections to the original test.
❖ Students have up to one week (5 school days) after the test or quiz is returned to turn in corrections.

The final course grade is calculated by taking 20% of each quarter and 10% of midterm and final exam grade. To
earn credit for this course, the final course grade must be at least 60%.

Remind App:
❖ If you would like to receive text messages or e-mails about our class like homework assignments, quizzes,
tests, projects, etc., please email me for class code

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Class Expectations:
Class expectations have been reviewed in detail during the first week of school. A detailed copy of the
information will be available on my website.

1. All electronic devices (including phones and headphones) must be OFF AND OUT OF SIGHT unless
the device is being used for classroom instruction/engagement.
2. Appropriate classroom behavior and adherence to school policies/code of conduct is expected at all
times.
3. Personal drink and/or snack will be permitted in the classroom.

Materials: Composition notebook, folder for homework and classwork, writing instruments (pencils),
headphones. A calculator is required. If you plan on purchasing one, consider a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 Plus Silver.
This type of calculator has several applications and will grow with you. If you own a calculator, the TI-83 series
is fine. You can choose to purchase your own calculator as they will be used in every math class.

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 SYLLABUS CONTRACT/CONTACT INFORMATION PAGE

Student’s Name (Printed): ______________________________________________________

Student’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Parent’s Name (Printed): ________________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Parent Contact Information:

Please
check
Home Phone: ___________________________________________ Preferred way to be contacted

Cell Phone: _____________________________________________ Preferred way to be contacted

E-mail Address: _________________________________________ Preferred way to be contacted

Please state any additional information that you would like us to know to help your child’s experience in math
successful. (Ex: Vision problems, needs to sit near front.)

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

We have an online homework resource with our curriculum. Does your child have access to Internet either on a
computer, tablet or smartphone? ____________

Is there a day that is best for your student to stay after school if they ever need to get extra help, make up work or a
take a quiz/test? If yes, which day?

______________________________________________________________________

Did you sign up to receive text messages from Remind101?

(cell phone number) _____________________________

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