STEMCivics High School

Course Syllabus- Algebra II

2016-2017
Contact Information:
Instructor: Ms. Kohanik
Website: http://kohanikmath.weebly.com/
Email: mkohanik@stemcivics.org
Course Description: This course is an extension of Algebra I. The students will build on their
knowledge of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions and expand their thinking to
polynomial, rational, radical, and trigonometric functions. The students will work on strategies to
think critically, model situations, and solve problems.
The course is broken down into five units:
1. Rational Relationships
2. Polynomial, Rational, Radical, and Absolute Value Functions
3. Trigonometric Functions and the Unit Circle
4. Transformations and Modeling with Functions
5. Inferences, Probability Distributions, and Conclusions from Data
Classroom Expectations:
The first week of school we will discuss the classroom expectations/rules together. I want
the students to be involved in creating the rules and class procedures. The students and I will
collaboratively decide on what the rules are, what they look like in the classroom, and what
should happen if a rule is broken. These rules will be posted around the room and on my website
to remind students of how they should act to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
Materials/ Supplies:
Students will need to bring the following items with them to class each day. If a student is
not able to obtain the items, they need to see me prior to the second week of school. If there are
any questions or concerns, please e-mail me.
1. Writing utensil (preferably pencil)
2. Paper (in a spiral notebook or binder)
3. Folder or binder
4. Composition notebook
5. Any homework or assignments due that day

Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined by a weighted system. Major assignments will be worth 40%,
minor assignments will be worth 35% and participation will be worth 25%
Major Assignments: Major assignments will consist of benchmark tests, unit tests, and
big projects. Students will always have advanced notice of when a test or project will be and
must be made up if the student is absent.
Minor Assignments: Minor assignments consist of quizzes, small projects, and
presentations. Students will have advanced notice of when a minor assignment will be and must
make up the assignment if absent.
Participation: Participation will consist of classwork, homework, participation during
class, and their interactive notebooks.
Homework: When homework is assigned, students are expected to attempt each problem
and show their work. Homework is given to strengthen skills taught during class and to promote
discussion the following day. A completion grade will be given for homework based on a 10
point scale. 10 points for the assignment completed, 5 points for half of the assignment
completed, and 0 points for not doing the assignment. If a student does not understand the
homework, he or she can email me with questions or come before or after school for help.
Classwork:. Classwork will collected randomly and graded for either accuracy or
completion. It is the responsibility of the students to ask questions if they need help and to try
their best. This will also be graded out of 10 points.
Interactive Notebooks: Interactive notebooks will be in the form of a composition
notebook. This is where the student will keep their notes for the class. The right side will have
the notes in an organized manner and the left side will have students thoughts and process
for the topic. I will periodically check their notebooks and grade them with a rubric out of 20
points.
Participation: Each day students can earn 4 points for a total of 20 points per week.
Students can earn the full amount of points for coming to class on time, getting started on their
work, keeping their cell phones away, and listening while the teacher or another student is
talking.

Absence Policy :
If a student is absent, it is the students responsibility to come see me for what they
missed. All quizzes, tests, projects, and classwork must be made up. The amount of days the
student is absent is the amount of days the student will have to make up the work. If a student
knows he or she is going to be absent, the student must come see me prior to find out what they
will be missing.
Extra Help:
Students can contact me through email with any questions or comments once the school
day is over. I want all of my students to succeed and will do what I can to make that happen.
Lets get ready for a great school year!!