Algebra Syllabus

Algebra Syllabus

Teacher contact Info: Mrs. McCormick 

Room/Phone: Room 224/ 354-5569 

Email: terriem@spokaneschools.org        

Course Goals 

• To learn algebra content focused on modeling life with functions  
• To work effectively independently & in groups using explorations, textbooks, technology & other resources to understand algebraic concepts  
• To prepare for the SBAC, high school math, & life beyond high school 

Common Core Standards 

The Carnegie curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards for Algebra.  To find the list of required standards you can visit the OSPI website at http://www.k12.wa.us, click Teaching & Learning tab & select Mathematics.  There you will find Standards for all grades and can download a copy for review.  

Class Expectations

• RESPECT—towards yourself, classmates, teacher, and other adults by being a positive, polite, & productive class member
• INTEGRITY—being honest and hardworking in your work ethic & all that you do
• COMMITMENT—to your own learning & the learning of those around you by coming to class prepared, with a mind to work, & being dedicated to success

Materials

Please remember to always bring the following materials to class daily:

• INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK, TEXTBOOK and provided worksheets
• Planner, pencils, paper, and any other needed supplies
• Graphing calculator (optional but recommended)

Homework/Classroom assignments

As this is a HIGH SCHOOL class providing a credit, there is a consistent amount of classwork/homework assigned daily.  It is expected students complete assignments (when assigned) & turn them in when requested.  

**Dedication to success is essential & it is expected students work diligently in class (& out of class) each and every day. 

Getting Help

You hold the key to your success in math!  The moment you feel you are falling behind or are struggling, please ask for help!  Help is always available after school or in the mornings by appointment.

• Online Resources—Log onto SPS, Digital Tools
• Click on à CLEVER *This connects students to an online book & videos

Username: student SPS email       

Password: students 8 digit birthday mmddyyyy

Grading Scale

• All semester grades are rounded to the nearest percent on the following scale:
• Keep in mind this scale is a general one, and does not include the + or - distinctions, see the district grading scale to clarify how final grades will be recorded.

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

Grading

Grades are broken into 3 parts as follows:

• Math Standards (70% of grade) – Each module will have 3 – 6 key math standards that are to be mastered by the end of the unit. 
• Students grades are based on quizzes, exit tasks, and unit assessments.
• If students miss a test or quiz, it is the STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY make it up ASAP to show understanding for each standard.
• If at the end of the unit you are NOT at standard, then you may retake a standard once.  HOWEVER, you must show that you have completed ALL assignments for that standard before being allowed to retake.

• Online work & Mathia (20% of grade) – With our current curriculum students will have the online program Mathia which allows them to practice what they have learned in class.  Students will have some time in class but may need to spend time at home on a regular basis completing these assignments.
• Career and College Readiness Standard (10% of grade) – 2 to 3 grades per unit will be based upon Interactive Notebook, paper assignments & readiness skills. 

As you enter the world after high school, you will be expected to show traits that are also expected in the classroom. Including:

• Participation & commitment to tasks given in class.
• Taking notes for study in and outside of class. 
• Daily assignments completed & effectively work on your own & in groups. 

Cell Phone/Electronics policy

Salk MS policy states students are to keep headphones and cell phones off & put away. We follow this policy in this classroom as cell phones can create a significant distraction when in a student’s possession. In our classroom we use a CELLPHONE HOTEL where students are required to deposit their phones upon entering the classroom before class begins.  If students do not wish to deposit their phones in the hotel then they are welcome to not bring the device to class and either leave it in their locker, with the front office, or at home.  Students not willing to comply will be referred to the office for mediation.

Behavior Expectations & Discipline

Daily students are given the opportunity to demonstrate appropriate behavior & participation in class.  However, if students are unable to follow class & school expectations then the following actions are taken to help correct behavior.

1^st infraction—verbal reminder            2^nd infraction—conference with teacher

3^rd infraction—Call home to Parent      4^th infraction—Admin/Counselor mediation or Referral for discipline

**Extreme behavioral circumstances, students are IMMEDIATELY referred to the office.

**Being tardy will result in being held 2 minutes after class, multiple tardies will prompt a call home.

Parents: It is a pleasure to be working with your young person this year.  Please provide the best way to reach you & if there are any insights about your student that you think may be useful for me to know.  Please provide this information below or feel free to email me.  Please sign & return with your student.  You are welcome to request an extra copy of the syllabus for future reference. Thank you & I look forward to getting to know you and your student this year! 

Terrie McCormick 

Please fill out, sign & return (extra copies are available upon request): 

Student Name: ___________________________________Period: __________ 

Parent Name: ____________________________________ Phone #: _________________ 

Parent Signature: _________________________________ Email: ___________________ 

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