There will be a homework assignment given everyday. At times, there will be time in class to start/complete the assignment. We learn something new everyday, the only way you will understand new material is to practice it yourself by doing your homework.

Homework will either be checked or collected daily where each homework counts for 5 points. If you are absent, you are responsible for turning in all those you missed; otherwise, you forfeit the homework points for those assignments that you miss. Assignments missed due to legal absences must be made up within five days. Assignments missed due to illegal absence cannot be made up.  If assignments are not done or brought to class for other reasons (didn't do it/forgot it), then full credit will only be given if you complete the assignment after school with a teacher and it is at least 85% correct.  Homework assignments can only be made up during the grading quarter they were assigned. 

Homework is KEY in succeeding in this course. Quizzes and tests are based on homework assignments. 

A quiz will be given usually half way through a chapter, a test at the end. These usually fall on a Friday, if the week is a full week, then, no homework on the weekend. It does not always happen that way, but we we’ll aim for it. Tests are announced well in advance. Being absent the day before a test does not excuse you from taking it. You will still take the exam. Missed exams must be made up within five days from your return to school. Missed exams due to cutting class is rated a zero and cannot be changed. Making up exams are strictly your responsibility.

Writing activities give students the opportunity to communicate mathematically and, in the process, to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles that will be presented in this course. A math journal will be kept throughout the year. The math journal has several purposes. One is for communication; another is for me to evaluate your class participation, mathematical understanding, and how well you can communicate mathematically in writing. Another use of the journal can be to keep track of your progress.  We will write in our journal at the beginning of each class-every day.  As students enter the classroom, there will be a journal entry for students to complete while the teacher takes attendance, passes out papers, and helps students who need it.  Each student will receive a scoring rubric that explains in detail how the journal will be graded. The journal will be collected and graded once per quarter.

Binders:

Each student is expected to maintain a three ring binder with four sections. The sections are as follows: Journal, Notes, Homework, and Quizzes & Tests. Each student will receive a scoring rubric that explains in detail how the binder will be graded. The binder will be graded once per quarter.

Grading:

Each quarter, a student’s grade is represented by a single fraction. The top number (numerator) represents the total number of points the student earned for that marking period. The bottom number (denominator) represents the total points that were possible.

Quizzes: 100 points each

Tests: 100 points each, counts twice, (200 pts)

Homework: 200 points

Pop Quizzes: 5 to 50 points

Journal: 100 points

Binder: 100 points

*Mid Term Exam: 400 points (2 test grades)

**Final Exam: 100 points

* Although the midterm grade may be listed separate on the report card, in actuality, it is included in the 2^nd Quarter average.

**Final Grade for the course is calculated by finding the average of 5 grades, the four marking periods plus the final exam.

There will also be extra credit assignments, which will require a little more time and patience, but will be worth the effort.

***Integrated Algebra Regents:    Given in June, August, and January of each year.  Students MUST pass this exam with a 65 or higher to earn a high school diploma***

In order to insure the best possible learning environment for all students in my class, I have developed a classroom plan. The following guidelines were carefully selected to ensure a comfortable, and productive educational climate, in which all my students may achieve their potential.

1. Come to class on time and prepared, homework, binder, textbook, pen/pencil, and scientific calculator.

2. Follow directions the first time they are given.

3. Raise your hand; please do not call out answers.

4. Follow proper classroom etiquette, keep inappropriate comments to your self, and show respect for others & yourself.

It helps everyone on our team (in our class) if you have a positive attitude and the will to learn...I plan to work hard to show you my love of  life, learning, and teaching of mathematics! 

I will reinforce appropriate behavior continuously throughout the year with:

1. Written progress reports to you and your parents.

2. Nights of no homework (we will aim for week-ends).

3. Extra time at the end of class as free time.

If you choose to break a rule:

1^st time: I will give you a warning.

2^nd time: You have chosen a detention to be served the following day.

3^rd time:  Phone call home and possibly a school referral to the building principal. 

Tardiness to class: A detention will be assigned to any student who is late coming to class twice in one week. More than two times in one week will result in a parent conference and additional detentions.

Severe disruption: You will be sent to the office immediately.

Curriculum

This was taken directly from the New York State education website.   

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