What is this class about?
Algebra is a special kind of mathematics where the main goal is to replace numbers with letters. You will develop a mastery of basic mathematical structures and principles, skills in manipulating algebraic symbols, solutions to simple equations, problem solving, radicals, and the solution of quadratic equations. Each student should have his or her own scientific calculator!

Grading Policy
Your grade in math will depend on the efforts you put forth on homework, quizzes, notebooks, tests, and other projects. The grade will be determined on a total point score of all the work you have completed.
The percentage found will be between 0 and 100. The letter grade will be determined by:
90 to 100% = A
80 to 89% = B
70 to 79% = C
60 to 69% = D
59% or less = F

**Late Work will not be treated casually. One day late on any assignment will automatically be worth 50% of its original value if it’s completed. Absences get the amount of days missed to make up work. Also, homework for an entire chapter must be turned in before the chapter test is taken!!!!!!!
Homework is worth 10 points. One point will be deducted for every problem you do not attempt or when you fail to show your work (homework must be neat, organized, and wrinkle free).
Quizzes are worth 4 to 25 points (Homework Quizzes almost everyday).
Notebooks are worth 50 points and will be turned in after each test. The notebook will consist of chapter notes, quizzes, homework, worksheets, and any other assignments. The notebook will be graded by content and organization.
Tests are worth 100 points and will be given after each chapter. The semester finals will be worth 200 points and will be cumulative.

Grading Percentage
Your grade will be determined as follows:
60%-Tests and Quizzes, 30%-Homework, 10% Participation

Classroom Policy
We must respect the Right to Learn of all students. I will not tolerate behavior that interferes with our right. Some disruptive and unacceptable behaviors include:

-Disrespect towards the teacher or classmates
-Excessive talking
-Foul or abusive language
-Abuse of school's, teacher's, or classmate's property
-Arriving to class late and/or unprepared
-Leaving class without permission
-Inappropriate physical contact towards teacher or classmate
-Throwing things

Violation of the minor classroom policies will result in:
1. A warning.
2. Another infraction of classroom rules will result in a detention.
3. Removed from the class if disruption continues, sent to ISAP, and parents contacted.

Violation of a major classroom policy will be immediate referral to the principal.

Passes to leave the classroom will be held to a maximum of three per quarter. A detention will be issued for each pass over three. You must sign out of class each time and carry a pass in the hall. Using more than 3 will effect your Participation Grade. Five minutes between classes is more than enough time to use the restroom!
Tardies are a nuisance. The 10% Participation grade will be affected by your tardies. Each tardy after 3 per quarter will cause you to lose a portion of your Participation grade. Excessive tardies could result in a drop of a letter grade from what you have earned academically.
Your Participation Grade will include being on time, class preparation, attendance, and classroom demeanor. Students will start with 50 points and 5 points will be deducted for each infraction.
Cheating will not be tolerated. If I see someone copying answers during the correcting time, you will get an automatic zero and the procedures in the Student Handbook will be implemented.
Textbooks are the property of the Copper River School District. Please take care of them. You will be required to install a book cover for each text or a detention will be issued the following week.

To be successful...
In order to master mathematics, you must practice. I promise the homework is for your benefit, not mine (I have to grade them!). You have to keep a positive attitude, an open mind, and throw away that "I can't do this" attitude. Take notes during class, ask questions when confused, attend class everyday, and attempt every problem. Don't give up!! If you follow these basic guidelines, you will be successful in Algebra I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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