THE URBAN ASSEMBLY ACADEMY OF GOVERNMENT AND LAW

2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR

Alison Breedy-Johnson, Principal, IA
Course: Algebra
Teacher: Mr. LaManna
Grade Level(s): 9th-10th
Email: jlamanna@uaagl.org
Rooms: 314/321
Course Rationale:
This course will help students obtain a deeper understanding of the connections between algebra
and arithmetic. The mathematical skills and concepts included in this course will prepare
students to be college and career ready. Students will be independent thinkers who ask many
higher-order questions and take responsibility for their actions and their learning.
Expectations:
Students will:
Arrive to class on time, in uniform everyday
Be prepared with paper, writing utensils, and any assignments due that day
Respect ALL people and things within the classroom
Ask questions of their peers before asking the teacher
Answer questions to the best of their knowledge; no opt out
Necessary Materials:
Binder with loose leaf and graph paper
Pencils and pens
Folder specifically for math work
Helpful preferred materials: Multi-colored pen & TI-84 graphing calculator
Themes and Units:
Unit 0

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Intro to
Algebra

Expression
and
Polynomial

Linear
Equation
and
Inequality

Systems
of
Equation
and
Inequality

Function

Exponential
Functions

Unit 6

Unit 7 Unit 8

Quadratic Univariate Bivariate

Functions Statistics Statistics

Grading Policy:
Any missing or incomplete assignments will be assigned a failing grade of 45. Students will be
allowed to hand in missing assignments with a written note for why they missed the assignment.
Students are encouraged to make corrections to ALL types of assessments within one week.
Students are allowed to hand in late work within one week of the due date. After that,
students will no longer receive credit for the assignment.
Formative Assessments
50%
These assignments include class work, homework, exit tickets, IAs, and quizzes.
Summative Assessments
50%
These assignments include projects and unit tests.
Testing:
Students will be allowed to use their notes for all formative assessments, including quizzes.
Most quizzes will only be given during the beginning of the class period.
Unit tests will be one whole period and students will not be allowed to use their notes.
Class Policy:
All students will participate in this class throughout the course of the year. During class, students
will rely on other resources in the classroom (textbooks, computers, and other students) before
approaching me with a problem. Students will share materials throughout the year.
Assignment Policy:
Students must complete all assignments. The work I collect should be neat and clearly labeled,
with the assignment and the student name on every sheet of paper.
While a grade of 65% is passing, each student will push for at least a 70% on every assignment.
Students are encouraged to make revisions to their previous graded work to show improvement
and will receive a revised grade if handed in within one week.
Homework:
Homework will be in the form of a worksheet and will give students a chance to practice the
skills they have learned. Students will not receive credit unless they made a conscious effort to
complete every problem.
Classwork:
Students should be in class every day in order to master the material. Assignments given to
students in class will be collected and graded at random. Students will only be allowed to make
up a classwork assignment if they were absent for the day and they bring a note from home.
Note to Students:
YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS IN THIS CLASS.
Watch your thoughts, they become words
Watch your words, they become actions
Watch your actions, they become habits
Watch your habits, they become character
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny