Intensified Math I Syllabus (Spring 2015) Room:
A-204 Harding University High
School
Ms. Ayana Barry-Buchanan
[email protected]
704-286-6243
Ms. Marva Welburn
[email protected]
980-222-4329
Intensified Math I covers the fundamental concepts of algebra, including exponents and radicals, linear equations and inequalities, ratio and proportion, systems of linear equations, and factoring quadratics. The main goal of this course is to provide students with a thorough and extensive study of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions and graphing on the xy-coordinate plane. By the end of this course, students will have all the knowledge necessary to solve and graph equations and inequalities. We will work with variables and expressions to solve real-world problems and discover the many ways in which math is seen in our everyday lives. This course has a state given End of Course test that counts as the final exam, which makes it very important! In order to pass this class, you must come prepared and ready to learn every day. The goal this semester is for every student to master all objectives (85% or higher). It is a rigorous goal to set, but you deserve nothing less! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please see me before or after class to set-up a time to meet. Do not hesitate to call or email me if that works best for you. Be proactive about your education, and I will too!
OUR BIG GOALS for YOU:
● Every student will achieve at least 85% mastery on all Common Core Math I objectives.
● Every student will receive at least a 4 or higher on the Common Core Math I End of Course test.
● Students will take ownership of their performance in this class and of their education in general.
● Every student will take Common Core Math II next semester.
QUARTERLY GRADING POLICY:
GRADING SCALE
Tests/Projects
70%
Quizzes/Mini-Quizzes
20%
Homework/Exit Tickets
10%
A 93 – 100%
B 85 – 92%
C 77 – 84%
D 70 – 76%
F Below 70%
FINAL EXAM
You are required to take a state developed End of Course test (EOC). You must score a Level IV or higher to pass the course. This final exam is worth 25% of your final grade.
TEXTBOOK INFO
We will use the Intensified Algebra I textbook from the company Agile Mind. This book will be provided for your student and they will be able to write in the book. They will also receive a username and password for the Agile Mind website so students and parents will have 24-hour access.
MASTERY vs. GRADING:
Though grades are important, I am more concerned with your mastery of the material rather than your grade in the class. It is my goal that all students master all objectives at a level of at least 85%. Every test and quiz that I give will not only have a grade but also mastery results. If you receive less than 85% on the assessed objective then you will receive a “Not Yet” meaning you have not yet mastered that particular objective. Students will track their progress mastery.
If you work hard, you will pass this class and be better prepared for higher education.
TUTORING:
Due to the short amount of time we have together, it is strongly suggested that ALL STUDENTS to come to after-school tutorials. Tutoring will be held immediately after school on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30 - 3:30pm or by appointment.
SUPPLIES:
Please speak to either of us immediately if you need financial assistance or need more time to purchase these supplies.
Necessary Supplies:
➢ One 3-Ring Binder (At least 1 inch)
➢ Pocket Folder
➢ Loose Leaf Paper/Notebook
➢ Package of Pencils
Recommended Supplies:
➢ Graphing Calculator (We recommend that you have your own but if not, one will be provided for classroom use ONLY.
➢ Dividers (at least 5 tabs)
ORGANIZING FOR SUCCESS:
Your notebook/binder/workbook will contain all of the work that you do in this class (and ONLY this class) over the course of the year. It is extremely important that you keep an orderly notebook for this class as it will help your grade and will teach you invaluable organizational skills. You will complete homework each night and will be a part of your notebook. Every day’s notes should start on a clean page. Every worksheet that is handed out should become part of your notebook. Periodic notebook quizzes/checks will be easy to complete if your notebook is in order and complete!
LATE WORK:
To earn full credit on an assignment, students must turn work on time. No work will be accepted after 5 days; at that point, the assignment will be marked as an F in the grade book.
ABSENCES:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ policy states that if a student misses more than 10 class periods of a single course, then the student will automatically fail the course. An “absence” is any time the student is not present in the class for any reason (field trip, illness, removal from class). Recovery is provided for students who are over the 10 day limit by appointment with the teacher or Saturday School (students must request work from the teacher in advance). After school assistance is available for missed lessons and remediation. If a student is absent on the day an assessment is given, it is expected that the student must take the assessment on the day he or she returns to school or schedule a time to take it after school as soon as possible. You have 2 days to make up homework and class-work from an absence.
TEST CORRECTIONS POLICY:
Tests and projects are worth 70% of the class grade. If you receive a test grade you’re unhappy with you may choose to do one of the following:
● Complete test corrections to earn back half credit if the student has earned a grade of 85% or higher (e.g. if a student earns a 85 out of 100 on a test they can complete test corrections and earn a maximum of 92.5 out of 100). These test corrections MUST be completed within 1 week of receiving the original grade.
● If you receive a low score that would not allow for a satisfactory grade after completing test corrections, you can choose to re-take a different version of the test. You still must complete a corrective loop first before you are given a re-take. These re-tests MUST be completed within 1 week of receiving the original grade.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Respecting the Speaker
In order for clear communication and understanding with the content students must respect their peers and the teacher while they are speaking. It is disrespectful to talk when other are presenting valuable information to the class, and it disrupts other people’s ability to learn. During times when you have been given permission to talk freely or work independently, I expect your attention within seconds. Do not leave your desk or sharpen your pencil when someone is presenting.
PROCEDURES:
Entering the Classroom
Class begins as soon as you arrive. When you enter, you will proceed to the bookshelf to pick up your notebook. If you need to sharpen your pencil, this is the appropriate time to do so. Then you will move quietly to your seat and start your work. Every day, you will complete a Do Now, or “Opener,” at the beginning of class. You should take out any homework and place it on your desk at this time.
Exiting the Classroom
The bell is a signal to the teacher that it is time for class to end. The bell, however, does not dismiss the class. When dismissed, you should drop off any class work that I am collecting in the appropriate bin. You will then quietly – without running, pushing, etc. – exit the class. Before you leave, you will collect your things and pick up any trash around your desk. Leave your space better than you found it!
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (e.g. talking/copying during test time, using electronics, cheating, etc.) WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL BE REPORTED TO THE APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC AUTHORITIES. ANY EVIDENCE OF CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE FAILURE OF THE ASSIGNMENT. Collaboration and copying are two very different things!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I would appreciate it if you would review the classroom materials, rules and consequences with your parents/guardians before both of you sign and return the attached form. Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to a wonderful year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Barry-Buchanan & Ms. Welburn
CLASSROOM CONTRACT
I, ____________________________________________________(print name), have read the Syllabus and understand the standards to which I am being held in Intensified Math I. I understand that Ms. Barry-Buchanan & Ms. Welburn have extremely high expectations for their students, and I am going to have to work hard in this class to meet them.
_______________________________________ ______________________
Student Signature Date
I, _________________________________ (print name), have read and understand the rules and procedures of class. I agree to hold my child accountable to these standards.
____________________________________________________ ________________________
Parent / Guardian signature Date
____________________________________ ____________________
Phone Number Best Time to Reach You?
___________________________________________________________________
E-mail Address
Please sign and return this form to your teacher no later than Friday, January 30, 2015. This is worth a QUIZ grade. Thank you!
Ms. Ayana Barry-Buchanan
[email protected]
704-286-6243
Ms. Marva Welburn
[email protected]
980-222-4329
Intensified Math I covers the fundamental concepts of algebra, including exponents and radicals, linear equations and inequalities, ratio and proportion, systems of linear equations, and factoring quadratics. The main goal of this course is to provide students with a thorough and extensive study of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions and graphing on the xy-coordinate plane. By the end of this course, students will have all the knowledge necessary to solve and graph equations and inequalities. We will work with variables and expressions to solve real-world problems and discover the many ways in which math is seen in our everyday lives. This course has a state given End of Course test that counts as the final exam, which makes it very important! In order to pass this class, you must come prepared and ready to learn every day. The goal this semester is for every student to master all objectives (85% or higher). It is a rigorous goal to set, but you deserve nothing less! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please see me before or after class to set-up a time to meet. Do not hesitate to call or email me if that works best for you. Be proactive about your education, and I will too!
OUR BIG GOALS for YOU:
● Every student will achieve at least 85% mastery on all Common Core Math I objectives.
● Every student will receive at least a 4 or higher on the Common Core Math I End of Course test.
● Students will take ownership of their performance in this class and of their education in general.
● Every student will take Common Core Math II next semester.
QUARTERLY GRADING POLICY:
GRADING SCALE
Tests/Projects
70%
Quizzes/Mini-Quizzes
20%
Homework/Exit Tickets
10%
A 93 – 100%
B 85 – 92%
C 77 – 84%
D 70 – 76%
F Below 70%
FINAL EXAM
You are required to take a state developed End of Course test (EOC). You must score a Level IV or higher to pass the course. This final exam is worth 25% of your final grade.
TEXTBOOK INFO
We will use the Intensified Algebra I textbook from the company Agile Mind. This book will be provided for your student and they will be able to write in the book. They will also receive a username and password for the Agile Mind website so students and parents will have 24-hour access.
MASTERY vs. GRADING:
Though grades are important, I am more concerned with your mastery of the material rather than your grade in the class. It is my goal that all students master all objectives at a level of at least 85%. Every test and quiz that I give will not only have a grade but also mastery results. If you receive less than 85% on the assessed objective then you will receive a “Not Yet” meaning you have not yet mastered that particular objective. Students will track their progress mastery.
If you work hard, you will pass this class and be better prepared for higher education.
TUTORING:
Due to the short amount of time we have together, it is strongly suggested that ALL STUDENTS to come to after-school tutorials. Tutoring will be held immediately after school on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30 - 3:30pm or by appointment.
SUPPLIES:
Please speak to either of us immediately if you need financial assistance or need more time to purchase these supplies.
Necessary Supplies:
➢ One 3-Ring Binder (At least 1 inch)
➢ Pocket Folder
➢ Loose Leaf Paper/Notebook
➢ Package of Pencils
Recommended Supplies:
➢ Graphing Calculator (We recommend that you have your own but if not, one will be provided for classroom use ONLY.
➢ Dividers (at least 5 tabs)
ORGANIZING FOR SUCCESS:
Your notebook/binder/workbook will contain all of the work that you do in this class (and ONLY this class) over the course of the year. It is extremely important that you keep an orderly notebook for this class as it will help your grade and will teach you invaluable organizational skills. You will complete homework each night and will be a part of your notebook. Every day’s notes should start on a clean page. Every worksheet that is handed out should become part of your notebook. Periodic notebook quizzes/checks will be easy to complete if your notebook is in order and complete!
LATE WORK:
To earn full credit on an assignment, students must turn work on time. No work will be accepted after 5 days; at that point, the assignment will be marked as an F in the grade book.
ABSENCES:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ policy states that if a student misses more than 10 class periods of a single course, then the student will automatically fail the course. An “absence” is any time the student is not present in the class for any reason (field trip, illness, removal from class). Recovery is provided for students who are over the 10 day limit by appointment with the teacher or Saturday School (students must request work from the teacher in advance). After school assistance is available for missed lessons and remediation. If a student is absent on the day an assessment is given, it is expected that the student must take the assessment on the day he or she returns to school or schedule a time to take it after school as soon as possible. You have 2 days to make up homework and class-work from an absence.
TEST CORRECTIONS POLICY:
Tests and projects are worth 70% of the class grade. If you receive a test grade you’re unhappy with you may choose to do one of the following:
● Complete test corrections to earn back half credit if the student has earned a grade of 85% or higher (e.g. if a student earns a 85 out of 100 on a test they can complete test corrections and earn a maximum of 92.5 out of 100). These test corrections MUST be completed within 1 week of receiving the original grade.
● If you receive a low score that would not allow for a satisfactory grade after completing test corrections, you can choose to re-take a different version of the test. You still must complete a corrective loop first before you are given a re-take. These re-tests MUST be completed within 1 week of receiving the original grade.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Respecting the Speaker
In order for clear communication and understanding with the content students must respect their peers and the teacher while they are speaking. It is disrespectful to talk when other are presenting valuable information to the class, and it disrupts other people’s ability to learn. During times when you have been given permission to talk freely or work independently, I expect your attention within seconds. Do not leave your desk or sharpen your pencil when someone is presenting.
PROCEDURES:
Entering the Classroom
Class begins as soon as you arrive. When you enter, you will proceed to the bookshelf to pick up your notebook. If you need to sharpen your pencil, this is the appropriate time to do so. Then you will move quietly to your seat and start your work. Every day, you will complete a Do Now, or “Opener,” at the beginning of class. You should take out any homework and place it on your desk at this time.
Exiting the Classroom
The bell is a signal to the teacher that it is time for class to end. The bell, however, does not dismiss the class. When dismissed, you should drop off any class work that I am collecting in the appropriate bin. You will then quietly – without running, pushing, etc. – exit the class. Before you leave, you will collect your things and pick up any trash around your desk. Leave your space better than you found it!
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (e.g. talking/copying during test time, using electronics, cheating, etc.) WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL BE REPORTED TO THE APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC AUTHORITIES. ANY EVIDENCE OF CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE FAILURE OF THE ASSIGNMENT. Collaboration and copying are two very different things!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I would appreciate it if you would review the classroom materials, rules and consequences with your parents/guardians before both of you sign and return the attached form. Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to a wonderful year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Barry-Buchanan & Ms. Welburn
CLASSROOM CONTRACT
I, ____________________________________________________(print name), have read the Syllabus and understand the standards to which I am being held in Intensified Math I. I understand that Ms. Barry-Buchanan & Ms. Welburn have extremely high expectations for their students, and I am going to have to work hard in this class to meet them.
_______________________________________ ______________________
Student Signature Date
I, _________________________________ (print name), have read and understand the rules and procedures of class. I agree to hold my child accountable to these standards.
____________________________________________________ ________________________
Parent / Guardian signature Date
____________________________________ ____________________
Phone Number Best Time to Reach You?
___________________________________________________________________
E-mail Address
Please sign and return this form to your teacher no later than Friday, January 30, 2015. This is worth a QUIZ grade. Thank you!