Lansdowne High School

Honors College Algebra

2014 - 2015
Teacher: Mr. Miller
Room: 122
Email: mmiller16@bcps.org
Twitter: @MrMillerLHS
Course Description
In College Algebra, students will explore topics such as: equations and inequalities, graphs and
functions, polynomial and rational functions, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and
systems and matrices. The goal is to get students to use the knowledge base they have acquired
from Algebra I and Algebra II in order to add new ideas about algebra and prepare them for
Calculus topics.
BCPS One / Engrade (bcpsone.bcps.org)
BCPS One is an internet utility to help improve communication between teachers, students, and
parents. Students and parents are expected to sign up and have an email address available for
contact with the teacher. Students and parents will also be able to check up on grades and
attendance in real time. Please contact the main office if you need your parent or student access
code.
Units
Unit A Review of Basic Concepts
Unit B Equations and Inequalities
Unit C Graphs and Functions
Unit D Polynomial and Rational Functions
Unit E Inverse, Eponential, and Logarithmic Functions
Unit F Systems and Matricies
Unit G Further Topics in Algebra
Class Policies
Grading: Grades will be calculated as follows
50% - Classwork
o Drills students record the objective and complete the warm up problem; graded
bi-weekly
o Assignments long term or short term worksheets that students turn in for
correctness
o Check-ups A 10-15 minute assessment to see if students understand vocabulary,
concepts, etc
o Exit Tickets A 5 minute assessment at the end of a class to see if students
understood the lesson (students earn no less that 50% if they try each problem)
o Late work may be turned in at any time during the quarter; 5% is deducted each
school day down to 70%; anything over 2 weeks late will receive a maximum
grade of 50%

5% of classwork will go towards Readiness - a daily grade awarded for students

being on time, prepared for class, and started on work when class begins
35% - Tests
o Some tests will be closed note, some will allow students to use reference sheets
provided by me, and some will allow students to use a self-created reference
sheet
15% - Homework
o Most times graded for completion but can be collected for correctness
o Students will receive half-credit for a late homework assignment
o

Lateness:
Excused Student must have a pass from a staff member indicating where they were.
Unexcused If a student is late to class without a pass, it is an unexcused lateness
o Students fill out a lateness form
Consequences for Lateness (per quarter)
st
1 time
Fill out Lateness Form / Talk with Teacher
2nd time
Fill out Lateness Form / Phone Call Home / Write up
3rd time
Fill out Lateness Form / Phone Call Home / Write up / Detention
th
4 time
Fill out Lateness Form / Referral to Dept. Chair
5th time
Fill out Lateness Form / Referral to Office
Make-up Work Due to Absence:
Classwork A student who has an excused absence and misses a classwork assignment
may complete it and turn it in within 5 school days for full credit
Homework A student who has an excused absence and misses a homework assignment
can complete it and turn it in within 5 school days for full credit; after 5 days = credit
Tests If a student has an excused absence and misses a quiz or test, he/she will be
expected to make up the assignment within 3 school days of returning. Quizzes and tests
will not be allowed to be made up for unexcused absences
A Few Important Rules:
Cell Phones/Music Players use is not permitted unless teacher gives permission to use
for educational purposes. At all other times, these items need to be off and away. This
includes charging cell phones.
o 1st Offense Warning; 2nd Offense Write up and Detention;
3rd Offense Administrator will confiscate
Food should be eaten in the cafeteria, not in the classroom. Please plan accordingly.
Students are expected to follow the Viking Code of Conduct
Respectful:
Follow and respond appropriately to directions
Use appropriate language and tone
Respect others personal space and property
Responsible:
Know and follow classroom rules
Accept positive and negative consequences

Ready:
Arrive on time with a positive attitude
Be prepared with assignments and materials
Believe success is possible