Algebra I

2014-2015 Course Syllabus

Elkins High School

Instructor: Mr. Joaquin Morales Conference: 6
th
period (12:45-1:35)
Phone: 281.634.2772 Tutorials: Tuesday & Thursday
Email: joaquin.morales@fortbendisd.com 6:50 am-7:20 am
Course Website: www.elkinsalgebra1.weebly.com Room: 603


Purpose of Course

This course serves as a foundation for all higher level mathematics courses. It focuses on the development of
functions and the understanding of functional relationships. Students investigate algebra through problem-
solving in real-world situations. Students will participate in developing tables, coordinate graphing, algebraic
analysis and linear and quadratic equations and their graphs using appropriate technology.

Materials

Required: Recommended:
1/2 Binder TI Nspire graphing calculator (class set available).
Dividers
Notebook/paper
Pencils and erasers
Textbook: www.classzone.com
Username: ElkinsAlgebraOne (case sensitive!)
Password: Knights (case sensitive!)
We use the Algebra 1 2007 Edition Textbook!!

Tests and Quizzes

Quizzes will usually be announced at least one week in advance. They are taken at the beginning of class and
you will typically be given 10-15 minutes to complete.

For tests, you will be given the entire period to complete. Tests procedures will be established and strictly
enforced.

You will not be given credit if no work is shown. Please do not attempt to cheat.

Homework and In-class Assignments

Homework will be randomly picked up and taken for a grade. I also may ask for certain homework
assignments and give a participation grade based on the homework assignments you have completed.

In-class assignments may or may not be taken up for a grade. Your best bet is to assume all work is being
taken for a grade!

Instructions will be given on whether in-class assignments can be done in groups/with a partner or to be done
independently. You will not receive credit if you do not show work! Again, please do not attempt to cheat.


Grading

Daily grades (Homework, quizzes, Warm-ups, etc.) will count for 50% of your overall grade. You can
expect to receive 10-15 daily grades per Nine weeks.

Major grades (Tests, EOC Exam) will count for 50% of your overall grade. You will take 4 total exams per
Nine weeks but only 3 will be counted towards your final grade. Your 4
th
exam is cumulative (covers
material from the entire Nine weeks) and will replace your lowest exam grade.

Re-Test Policy

A student may re-take a test if a grade below 75 is made, provided that the student attends a tutorial session
after the test has been returned. The student will have one week (5 school days) after the graded test is
returned to re-take the test. Locations and dates of re-tests will be announced in a timely fashion. This
policy does not apply to quizzes or other daily work. The maximum grade that can be made is a 75.

Tutorials

Tutorials will be available to anyone who feels like they could use extra help. I will go over homework, in-
class assignments and reviews, as well as quizzes and tests once they have been returned. My tutorial times
are Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school (6:50 am-7:20 am). Times and location are subject to
change.

Class Rules

-Follow school rules and policies (student handbook)
-Absolutely NO WORK IN PEN!! All assignments must be done in PENCIL!
-Backpacks must be kept off of desks at all times.
-Only one person out of room at a time if I allow it.
-Arrive to class ON TIME, PREPARED and READY TO WORK.
-Put away your own calculator at the end of class.
-Show RESPECT towards yourselves, your classmates, your teachers, and everyone else.

Absences

If you are absent it is YOUR responsibility to come ask me for any missed work, notes, etc the day you
return. You have as many days as you were absent to turn in missed work.

It is also your responsibility to get from your peers any missed notes and attend tutorials to clarify any
questions you may have about the missed lesson.

Unless other arrangements are made ahead of time, any missed quizzes or tests must be made up BEFORE or
AFTER school during my tutorial times so that you do not miss new instruction during the school day.

Late work

I expect for you to turn your homework and other assignments in on time. There will be a 20 point penalty
for daily assignments turned in one day late, and 50 points will be taken from assignments turned in 2 days
late. Grading criteria may also change for late assignments. After 2 days past the original due date, a
grade of ZERO will be recorded and will not be changed.