Algebra I

COURSE INFORMATION 2011 – 2012

Mr. Marum

 

The mission of the Portsmouth High School is to be an ever-improving respectful community where ALL students are challenged as individuals to develop intellectual curiosities and to use immense bodies of knowledge proficiently as they learn to value the past, thrive in the present, and prepare for the future.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

This course is aligned with Portsmouth High School’s Mission and Expectations for Student Learning. 

This course will require students to:

1.  ACCESS and GATHER information through reading, writing, listening and use of technology.

·        Access and gather mathematical information through the use of various technologies.

2.   CRITICALLY ANALYZE INFORMATION

·        Analyze math information through assessments, presentations and projects.

·        Critique performances both orally and through writing.

·        Demonstrate evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation through the creative process.

3.    UTILIZE EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES

·        Solve math problems numerically, algebraically, geometrically, and graphically.

·        Communicate both independently and cooperatively to logically organize material.

·        Demonstrate proper techniques and strategies, utilizing technology, for effective problem solving.

4.  COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

·        Use mathematical terminology in oral and written explanations.

5.   APPLY the knowledge, skills and values learned in a wide variety of disciplines

·        Apply math knowledge, skills, and values through math projects and performance assessments.

·        Create written and spoken products that demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills

 

SOCIAL AND CIVIC EXPECTATIONS

 

In alignment with the social and civic expectations of Portsmouth High School, I expect that each and every student will

1.  Honor school policies and procedures as stated in the Portsmouth High School Handbook

2. Practice Academic Integrity

3. Demonstrate respect for self and others in a diverse community

4. Act in a responsible manner and be accountable for your actions

5. Develop future goals for lifelong learning

 

PROFICIENCY BASED GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All graduates must demonstrate proficiency in ALL COURSES based on our academic expectations by:

      1. Passing the course

        2. Passing the common tasks or final exam

Common Tasks:  1 each quarter, record grade on provided sheet and keep the assessment and the record sheet in a portfolio. 

Essential Learning Outcomes for Algebra I

1.     Order of Operations/Number Sense

2.    Solving Equations

3.    Graphing Linear Equations

4.    Writing Linear Equations

5.    Systems of Equations

6.    Properties of Exponents

7.    Polynomials

8.    Quadratics

9.    Probability/Stats

10.  Operations of Rational Expressions

11.  Radicals—Simplify, rationalize and include variables

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Pencils
• Covered Textbook
• Three-Ring Binder (A 1 ½ inch 3-Ring will work the best.)
• Calculator: (TI – 84 plus is preferred)

 

GRADING (Weighted)                                            Percentage

• Assessments………………………………………...……40%
• Quizzes..............................………………………………25%
• Follow-Ups/Common Tasks……………..………..……..25%
  
• Homework/Test Corrections/Notebook Checks/Journal…10%

ASSESSMENTS

Will be given after every chapter completion

Some tests may be given in three parts: take home, group, and individual

·        Follow-Ups contain problems similar to those on homework reviewed from last class. Follow-Ups are collected and graded every class.

NOTEBOOK CHECKS

• Checked periodically, around test time, please see attached rubric for grading information.
• Divide your 3-ring notebook into 5 distinguishable sections: Notes, Homework, Tests / Follow-Ups, Definitions, and Journal

COMMON TASKS

Given quarterly, see first page under “Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements”

HOMEWORK

• Assigned every class, done on a separate sheet of paper (if needed)
• Will be posted online on the Calendar, www.mrmarum.com
  
• To be completed in PENCIL, no credit earned if not done in pencil
• Proper Heading:        Name                                                        Assignment

                                                Date                                                            Page #

                                                Period                                                         Problem #’s

• ALL WORK MUST BE SHOWN, EVERY problem attempted, and homework rubric followed to earn full credit.

HOMEWORK RUBRIC

·       0 – No problems completed and / or no work shown.

·       2 – More than half of problems completed and substantial work shown.

·       4 – All problems completed and all work shown.

TEST CORRECTIONS

·        I will provide you with a paper explaining how to properly fill out test corrections.

·        Will be graded based on the attached rubric.

JOURNAL

·        Each class you will be given a topic to write about in your journal.

·        Your entry should follow the proper heading guidelines and be 3 to 5 sentences in length.

CLASS PARTICIPATION

You are expected to actively participate in class: be involved in class discussions, investigations, explorations, conjecturing, questioning, and discussing each day’s lesson

You are expected to be prepared with a pencil, textbook, notebook, homework, calculator, and anything else necessary for class.