Algebra 1

9^th Grade Class Syllabus

Fall, 2005 – Teacher: Mr. Larson

Course Description:

This course deals with the major concepts taught in all Algebra 1 courses.  The primary focus is on understanding linear equations and how they can be used to model the real world.  The course will help students improve their problem solving abilities and also connect algebra to other areas of mathematics and science.  The class focuses on helping students understand mathematics.

A portion of the course will be used to review and strengthen the student’s understanding of the fundamental mathematical concepts required for a high school diploma by the state of Minnesota.

Text:

     Algebra I: College Preparatory Mathematics

Course Content:

·         Review of operations with integers

·         Distributive Property

·         Explore the Relationship among Graphs, Tables and Rules (emphasis on linear and quadratic)

·         Solving linear equations

·         Numerical, Geometric and Algebraic Ratios

·         Graphing and Systems of Linear Equations

·         Slopes and Rates of Change

·         Factoring Quadratics

·         Writing Equations from Diagrams

·         Exponents and Quadratic Equations

·         Solving Systems of Equations

Assignment/Homework Policy:

¨      Assignments are given almost every day.

¨      Assignments/homework are due two school days after being given.  Late work is worth a maximum of 75% of the original value.

¨      Assignments/Homework for each day are recorded in a master notebook by the teacher and students are responsible for finding out what they missed on days that they were absent.  The student needs to make arrangements with teacher when missed quizzes and homework is due.

¨      Homework will be checked approximately twice weekly.

¨      Occasionally homework will be collected and examined more closely.  Also I may give a homework quiz – for this quiz you will copy a particular problem on its due date onto a piece of paper and hand it in at the beginning of class.

¨      Homework must be organized, complete and neat.

Grading Distribution:

      Assignments/Homework                       50%

      Exams/Quizzes                                   50%

Grading Scale:

      A         100 – 95%                    D+       69.9 – 67%

      A-        94.9 – 90%                   D         66.9 – 63%

      B+       89.9 - 87%                    D-        62.9 – 60%

      B          86.9 – 83%                  N         Below 60%

      B-        82.9 – 80%

      C+       79.9 - 77%

      C         76.9 – 73%

      C-        72.9 – 70%

Student Expectations:

                        The student will be:

                                    *  Persistent                  *  Prepared

                                    *  Polite                         *  Productive

                                    *  Positive                      *  Punctual

Teacher Expectations:

                  Same as student expectations.

Parent/Guardian Expectations:

                  *  Supportive of  student/child.

                  *  Contact (contact information below) teacher with concerns and questions.

School Policies:

      Students/parents and teacher will follow the guidelines as written in the Parent/Student Handbook of Humboldt Senior High School.  These handbooks are available at the school.

Contact Information:

      Phone = 651/293-8600 ext. 3226

      Email = timothy larson@spps.org

      Room = 3226 (3^rd floor)