Lindblom Mathematics and Science Academy



Lindblom Mathematics and Science Academy

Academic Center Algebra 1 (Part I)

Instructor: Mr. Anderson

Email: tmanderson8@cps.edu

Website: Visit school website () and locate the math department under the “Academics” menu. I am listed under the “Staff” menu. Please visit this website for class notes and other important course documents.

Room: 109

Phone: (773) 535-9300

Texts: Contemporary Mathematics in Context: A Unified Approach Part A (Glencoe/McGraw Hill – 2003)

Algebra 1: An Integrated Approach (McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin – 1995)

Price: Contemporary Math textbook: If lost, $28.50 to replace

Algebra 1 textbook: If lost, $48.00 to replace

Tutoring: POW Review after school on Mondays (Room 109) 3:15—4:45

Tuesdays –Lunch D or by appointment after school

Wednesdays during Colloquium (schedule permitting)

Before School and During Lunch Period C or D – by appointment only.

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

Your first year of math at Lindblom Math and Science Academy will be a unique experience. We will begin to investigate mathematical ideas and ways of thinking to make sense of real-life situations. We will spend the year developing your problem solving skills and learning how to solve problems algebraically, but we will also integrate other branches of mathematics into the class, including geometry, trigonometry and discrete mathematics.

Algebra is a two-year class for Lindblom Academic Center students. Part 1 is generally taken during the 7th grade year, and Part 2 is taken during the 8th grade year. Satisfactory completion of the course (C average or higher) and passing the Chicago city-wide Algebra Exit Exam at the end of the 8th grade year will enable students to advance on to Geometry during their freshman year of high school.

Course Goals:

In addition to meeting the state and citywide goals and objectives, we will work to achieve the following:

• Enlarge your math vocabulary

• Improve your ability to communicate mathematically

• Foster clear thinking

• Increase your problem solving ability

• Develop your skills and conceptual understanding of algebra

• Build your confidence and ability to succeed in algebra

|Course Materials Needed |

|Green (Math) 3 Ring Binder |Sharpened Pencils (min. 2) |

|Lindblom 2010-2011 Planner |Pen (for grading) |

|Graph Paper (free - online) |Ruler |

|Loose Leaf Paper |Calculator (see below) |

Students are expected to have all their materials every day!

Calculator:

I suggest the purchase of a TI-84 Plus Silver Edition graphing calculator. If you already have a graphing calculator, it should suffice so do not make the additional purchase. However, you may want to bring your calculator’s manual to class. TI-84 Plus Silver Edition graphing calculators will be available for students to use during class, lunch periods, and after school. I strongly recommend that each student owns at least a basic scientific calculator to use for homework completion.

Math Binder:

For this class, you will be required to bring your GREEN binder EVERY DAY to class in order to stay organized. GETTING ORGANIZED takes a little bit of time initially, and STAYING ORGANIZED requires work, but BEING ORGANIZED will save you immense amounts of time and heartache in the long run at Lindblom! Your binder (1 inch) should be divided into sections and organized in chronological order (by date) as follows:

• Do-Nows

• Notes / Handouts (worksheets that are a part of a lesson) / In-Class Work

• Problems of the Week (POWs)

• Homework (Non-POW)

• Tests/ Quizzes/ Projects

Further, the binder’s two inner pockets should be labeled TO TURN IN and TO COMPLETE.

All do-nows, notes, handouts, in-class work, POWs, homework, tests, quizzes, graded assignments, activities, etc. we do should be kept in its appropriate section organized by date. There will be periodic binder checks and/or binder quizzes to ensure that you are staying as organized as possible.

Note that we will take some form of notes almost every day in this class. A good rule of thumb is that if Mr. Anderson writes something on the board, you should have it written down in your notes. Your notes should be organized and professional so that it is easy for you to use them while review for tests and quizzes.

Homework Guidelines:

1. Each assignment should be clearly labeled with your name, date, class period, and homework assignment. (This is very important in order to keep the binder organized!)

2. All assignments are due at a date indicated for that assignment. Late homework can be turned in for half-credit, but will only be accepted if a) an Incomplete Assignment Form is turned in on the day that the homework is due, and b) the late homework is turned in by the start of the next class period.

3. Homework should be completed outside of class and ready at the beginning of the next class for turn in or for review.

4. Homework should be completed by YOU. Getting help from peers, parents, and teachers is encouraged. However, copying or having others do homework for you is unacceptable. Please do not copy, and do not let anyone copy off of you! Work must be shown in order to receive any credit at all (If you just write down answers I will assume you have copied!)

5. Homework should be corrected in class with a colored pen during our daily review. Utilizing the pen will help you remember what your mistakes were.

6. All assignments are to be kept in your binder. Additional handouts such as worksheets and homework calendars should also be kept in your binder.

Grading Scale:

A 100 – 90% B 89 – 80% C 79 – 70%

D 69 – 60% F Below 60%

Grading:

You will receive a half credit for this class at the end of the first Semester and a half credit at the end of the second Semester. The final exam will be 10% of the final class score at the end of each Semester. Each Semester grade will be calculated based on the following grid:

|Assignment |Weight |Description |Grading |

|Tests/ Projects |30% |a) Multiple choice, short answer, free |a) and b) Graded on correctness and process of work shown. Points assigned |

| | |response, essay. Assigned as Mid-Unit or End of|for partial work, but no points for the answer only! |

| | |the Unit Test. | |

| | | | |

| | |b) Alternate assessments in form of a major | |

| | |project. | |

|*OTLs (Homework, |25% |a) Assignment calendars will be available for |a) Graded on completion and/or correctness. Criteria are specific to each |

|including POWs, and | |each unit. Homework will be designed to use |homework/ project. |

|other assignments) | |the skills learned during the unit as well as | |

| | |cumulative review. | |

| | | | |

| | |b) Binders are a part of homework grade |b) Binder is graded periodically on completion and organization according to |

| | | |the outline (at the end of each Unit) |

| Quizzes |20% |Assigned periodically. Short answer, free |Graded on correctness and process of work shown. Points assigned for partial |

| | |response questions on current lesson skills |work, but no points for the answer only! |

|In-class participation |10% |In class participation grade will include: |Be here! And be here on time! You are responsible for what you miss, and you|

|and behavior | |Attendance/Tardies |will inevitably fall behind. . . |

| | | | |

| | |Whole class/ small group discussions, |Be prepared to work as soon as you step inside the classroom. Graded on |

| | |participation in activities, preparation for |effort, enthusiasm, level of participation, and behavior |

| | |class | |

| | | |Behave as if your parents were in the classroom. |

| | |Classroom Discipline | |

|Do-Now/ Warm-up |15% |Class will begin each day with a brief |Graded on completion or correctness. If tardy or absent from class without a |

| | |assignment, known as the do-now or warm-up |valid excuse, students will lose points for the warm-up |

50% of your grade is determined by things very much in your control, such as homework, class participation, and behavior. The other 50% of your grade comes from assessments (quizzes, tests, and projects). This was done purposefully!

*OTLs = Opportunities To Learn

Make – Up Work:

Students who miss class(es) with a valid excuse are fully responsible for arranging dates and times for make-up work. Students who fall into this situation must complete all missed work by the next class meeting, including copying all notes they missed and studying the new lesson. Work missed due to cuts or unexcused absences may not be made up. See me the day you return to school, so that you may establish what you missed during class, turn in homework, etc…

Study Habits:

All students are expected to be successful in this math class through time dedicated to studying. Students are expected to review material with or without formal assignments being issued. Expect frequent homework assignments in this class. We will address this topic further during the first weeks of class.

Be respectful of the following:

1. Be prompt for class. Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Tardiness

will be handled as specified by the school procedures outlined in the school

handbook. Do-Nows are generally graded, and there will be unannounced quizzes to start the class on some days.

2. Dress appropriately for school and the weather. The guidelines issued in your student

handbook will be observed.

3. Exhibit mature behavior and treat all persons in the classroom with respect and

courtesy. We all get respect by showing respect. Disruption of the classroom environment and learning process will not be tolerated.

Advice:

Be aware, be flexible, come to class, do your homework, and ask questions when you don’t understand!

Parent and Student Math Resource Websites























I BELIEVE THAT, with the right attitude, EVERYONE CAN LEARN and EXPERIENCE SUCCESS in THIS CLASS!

Please re-read this syllabus with your parents or guardian and fill out the following page in order to confirm that you have reviewed it together. Returning this last page completed and signed is your first quiz grade of the new school year! Keep this syllabus in your binder.

(Please, return this portion of the syllabus completed and signed during the next class session! This will be your first QUIZ grade!

CONTACT INFORMATION - PLEASE PRINT!

Student name: ________________________________________ Class Period: _____

Student e-mail address: _________________________________ Advisory #: _____

Full name of all parent(s)/ guardian(s):

Name(s): ____________________________ Relationship to Student _______________

Full Address: __________________________________________________________

Phone/ Email Contact Information:

What phone number would you prefer me to use to inform you about your child’s progress?

Phone Number: __________________ Is this ( home ( work ( cell phone? (circle one)

Best Time to Call: __________ Times Not to Call: ___________________

Parent/Guardian Email address ____________________________________________ Would it be acceptable to contact you about your child’s progress via email? Yes No (circle one)

Home language(s): ______________________________________________________

________________________________ __________________________________

Parent signature Student Signature

Student and Parent Survey

I am using a survey to obtain information that may help me improve your child’s performance in my class. I look forward to reading your comments and working with your child. If you need more room to answer any question or add other comments/ concerns, please feel free to use the back of this paper.

a) What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses (in general)?

b) How does your child feel about math? Has your child had difficulties with his/ her most recent math class? What can I do to help your child succeed in math? Please, explain:

c) What things do you think most need to be improved in area of your child’s math education?

d) What are your child’s plans after high school?

e) Any comments or questions for Mr. Anderson?

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Math websites for help on specific math topics.

Website for free graph paper and TI Graphing Calculator resource.

National Math Website and Parent Resource Website (for CPMP textbook)

Websites for Illinois and ACT test preparation.

CPS Exit Exam Webpage

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