SCIENCE is the queen of knowledge and MATHEMATICS is her handmaiden What is there before algebra Mathematics is the science of what is clear by itself Mathematics is a language Where there is matter, there is geometry

Concepts in Algebra - Course Syllabus & Expectations - 2005 - 2006

TEXT: Algebra I, Larson, et. al., © 2001

STUDENT NEEDS: Each student will probably need an individual notebook of his/her liking.
The instructor will provide:
(a) a textbook
(b) a Course Syllabus & Expectations
(c) clear and precise assignments on a daily basis
(d) __________________________________________________________
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The student must recognize the classroom as a place of learning. Key to this is the respect of other students, the materials used, and the teacher. Cooperation is essential. Though there are a minimum number of rules for the classroom, it is expected that the student come to the classroom with a proper attitude, a willingness to work, and the "tools" necessary to do the work of a student. BRINGING A TEXTBOOK TO CLASS IS ESSENTIAL. STUDENTS MUST BRING SOMETHING TO WRITE WITH, PREFERABLY A PENCIL. As noted in another section, homework is to be done!!! NO ELECTRONIC LISTENING DEVICES WILL BE DISPLAYED OR USED DURING CLASS TIME. NO FOOD OR DRINK WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.

OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVE: After completion of this course, the student should have mastered a variety of skills in algebra incorporating the use of a calculator as applicable, further the ability to solve algebra word problems, and apply the principles of algebra to solving "real world" problems

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of reading assignments, written homework assignments, and other assigned materials, demonstrated either orally or on a written quiz, the student will be able to:

cultivate their mathematical / algebraic skills enabling them to better meet the challenges of our rapidly-changing
society

develop their individual abilities in the fields of mathematics in preparation for a life-long use of mathematics as a
necessary tool in today's society

demonstrate mastery of computational and estimation skills upon review and practice of these skills

display competence in new topics from algebra including integers, algebraic expressions, algebraic properties,
inequalities, absolute value, factoring, and graphing

communicate mathematical / algebraic concepts and skills using a variety of oral and written frameworks.
work independently and collaboratively in problem formulation and problem solving

utilize calculators and manipulatives as problem solving tools

make useful connections between algebra, real world situations, and related disciplines

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES are subject to review and change and/or modification based upon
the time constraints of the course and specific learning requirements of the students.

METHOD OF EVALUATION: Recognizing differences in learning styles, students will be evaluated in several different ways. Each component of a student's grade will be "weighed" differently, as determined by the instructor, and shared with the student approximately one week before the end of a grade reporting period. A student's grade will be based upon:
(a) classroom participation and appropriate classroom behavior
(b) skill quizzes - given as required to insure knowledge of certain basic facts or concepts - an example of this type of quiz would be a quiz on determining the least common denominator
(c) "pop" quizzes - are unannounced, usually covering material from the previous day or covered earlierin the class session - this type of quiz usually will have a point value no greater than 10 points
(d) regular quizzes - usually given weekly, covering the material learned during the week and reviewing previously learned material - approximately 15 to 20 minutes in length with the point value of a particular quiz ranging from 20 to 40 points
(e) classwork - problems are often solved as a class or in small groups in the classroom - students can
be graded on this work, either collected at the end of the class session or as an attachment to the homework assignment collected the next day
(f) collected homework - HOMEWORK IS EXPECTED TO BE DONE - when collected, homework is graded based as much upon a good faith effort on the part of the student to do the homework rather than the absolute accuracy of the work - graded homework usually has a point value between 5 and 15 points - latework will receive a penalty - homework more than five days late will earn a grade of zero (consideration is given for approved class absences)
(g) BONUS POINTS - bonus points are given at the discretion of the instructor for superlative classroom
performances, either individually or collectively, OR for other specific activities - 1 BONUS POINT is
equal to 0.25 points added to the term average - no student may acquire more than 12 BONUS POINTS
during a grade reporting period
(h) PASSWORD - work updates will be available on line at:
                                 http://www.twinfield.net/teachers/burt/algebra/index.htm
access to this information requires a log in of the student using his/her name and a 5 digit password - a separate sheet giving further information on internet access and passwords will be provided
(i) UNEXCUSED ABSENCE- 5 or more unexcused absences will most likely not allow for the successful
completion of the course

MAKEUP: Make-up for missing classes, quizzes, or tests will be at some time mutually agreeable between the student and the instructor. The instructor is usually in the building by 6:30 AM and can also be seenduring TA if acceptable to all persons involved.It is expected that the student make up all work according to the established standard. The instructor will check his email at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM for academic questions. The address is: TUSMATHTEACHER"at"aol.com