Welcome to

Algebra 1A

2003-2004

Course Information and Policies

Instructor: Mrs. Vereyken

Office hours/Sources of Help

I usually arrive around 7 am and leave around 3:30 pm and my prep periods are 3^rd and 7^th. Please feel free to come to the Math Resource Center (MRC) to see me during those times! There are math teachers in the MRC every period; you are welcome to ask anyone for help anytime during the day. You or your parents may also reach me by calling the Math Department phone (329-3845) or through e-mail (mvereyken@pausd.palo-alto.ca.us).

Sources of help outside the Math Department: You may sign up for free tutoring in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) or see me for names of paid student and professional tutors for help off-campus.

Curriculum

Topics include solving equations and inequalities, relations, functions, graphing linear and quadratic equations, solving systems of equations, exponents and radicals, factoring, proportion, rational expressions, matrices, and statistics. The text is Algebra 1: An Integrated Approach by Benson et al.

Required Materials

Scientific calculator. We will be using a graphing calculator during the year. The Math Department has some available for in-class loan. If you purchase one, we recommend the TI-83 or TI-83+. Paper (binder and graph), pencils, and a binder (does not have to be specific for this class).

Other helpful tools: erasers, straightedge/ruler.

Grading

HOMEWORK/IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS (25%): With very few exceptions, homework is assigned every day. Unless otherwise specified, each homework assignment is worth 5 points and is due at the end of the period the next time the class meets. In-class assignments are due at the end of class (duh!). How homework is graded:

5 points will be earned if the two problems I chose to grade are correct (including the supporting work), as well as it being complete, legible, on time, and, overall, it looks like it was done with an honest attempt.
A maximum of 4 points may be earned if only one of the two problems graded is correct, and 3 if neither is correct.
Extensions: If more time is needed on an assignment after an honest attempt has been made on it, you may ask for a 1-day extension on the due date. You must see me to have the extension approved.
Late work: You may receive possible full credit on assignments missed for"health" excused absences ONLY! You may turn in other late homework up until the day of the unit test for no more than 3 possible points. NO OTHER LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED! (Be familiar with the policy in your Student Handbook.)

ASSESSMENT (75%):

QUIZZES: Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. You are responsible for knowing the days of announced quizzes from your assignment sheets. THERE ARE NO "MAKE-UP" QUIZZES FOR ABSENCES. If you miss a quiz due to:

A "health" excused absence, you will be excused from the quiz.
Any other "excused" pre-planned reason (sports, field trip, family trip, etc.) you will get a ZERO unless prior arrangements are made with me to take the quiz.
A cut, suspension, or tardiness, you will get a ZERO.

TESTS: Tests will be given after each unit, in general, after each chapter, and will be worth 100 points. While the material from the present unit is stressed, any material from past units is fair game.

If you have a "health" absence only on the day of the test, you will take it on the day you return to class. If you only miss the day before a test, you will take the test on the scheduled day.

For any other "excused" pre-planned absence (sports, field trip, family trip, etc.) you will get a ZERO unless prior arrangements are made with me to take the test.
An absence due to a cut or suspension will result in a ZERO.
At the end of the semester, if you have taken all of the tests, you may replace your lowest score with your score on the final (adjusted to be out of 100 points.)

FINAL: A 2-hour final worth 200 points will be given at the end of each semester.

Grading scale Cut-Offs

88% A-

77% B-

66% C-

55% D-

H H H You need at least a C- to advance to the next course! H H H

Your grades will be available for viewing on-line; please check them regularly for accuracy. Keep all returned papers until you see your scores were entered correctly. Borderline quarter and semester grades will be considered for rounding only if your overall homework percent is at least 90%.

Attendance

Absences: See items under "grading" for when you may make up missed work and how. KNOW THE ABSENCE POLICY IN YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK and please ask if you have any questions! NOTE: You will be dropped from the class after the 5^th cut. NO exceptions. Make sure your parents call in all "HEALTH" absences!!!!!!!!!

Tardies: If you are having trouble arriving to class on time, your parents will be notified, you will be placed on a tardy contract, and you risk being dropped from the class. No extra time will be given on quizzes or tests if your arrive late, and, of course, if you miss them completely you will earn a zero.

Academic Honesty

You are allowed to consult (NOT COPY) one another on homework. Copying homework will result in zeros for all parties involved. For assessments, you and your parents need to know the school policy on, and consequences of, cheating as outlined in the Handbook. If I believe you have cheated, the policy will be in effect. It is serious and awful for both students and their parents. PLEASE do not let this happen to you! Some examples of behaviors I consider cheating during a test or quiz are:

Talking without permission

Unauthorized use of books, notes, (in some cases, calculators), etc

Looking at another student’s work
Allowing another student to look at your work
Talking to other students in another section of the course about the material on the assessment

Class Rules

In a nutshell, be respectful, responsible, and prepared. Bring all required materials everyday. Come to class on time, ready to learn, and, hopefully, to have some fun, too!