Algebra 2 Course Syllabus

1 Semester, 1 Credit

Instructor: Ms. Wohlers   Email: wohlersk@deerfield.k12.wi.us   Room:  A116                     Phone:  764-5431 x1116

Schedule:             

                Terms 1 & 2                                        Terms 3 & 4

Text(s): Holt McDougal Larson, Algebra 2, 2011

Materials Needed:  Personal Calculator, 3 Ring Binder, notebook or lined paper, pencils, colored pen. We will use calculators regularly in this class and we will be asking students to bring their own calculator for personal use. It is my expectation that calculators not be shared during assessments. If you have a need, there will be a limited number of calculators that will be available to check out for the entire semester. Please indicate your need on the return portion of this syllabus. Students who check out a calculator will be asked to personally return the calculator directly to the teacher at the end of the semester, and will be held financially responsible for loss or damages if any. We strongly encourage you to purchase a calculator for your child and recommend you purchase the Texas Instruments Ti 83Plus graphing calculator, especially if your child will continue on to further math studies. If you would rather purchase a basic scientific calculator, the Texas Instruments Ti 30 is recommended.

Course Description:

An extension of Algebra I with advanced work with linear and quadratic functions, polynomials, graphing, complex numbers, basic trigonometry, and logarithms.  We will review the concepts taught in Algebra 1. This class meets for one semester for a full block. Students will be challenged daily with multi-modal instruction and application to the study of Algebra.

Goals/Objectives:

• To teach and apply skills to solve algebraic equations and problems in real life situations.
• To challenge students to self-motivate to achieve success in and out of the classroom.
• To foster a greater appreciation for the art of mathematics.
• To fulfill credit requirements for high school mathematics and graduation.
• To teach and practice effective study habits in preparation for post-high school academic endeavors. 

Mathematical Process Standards:

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Requirements:

Ø  Homework: Homework is given and expected to be taken home every day for this course. Homework modality may vary from watching a video to completing a project, writing an essay to completing textbook problems. The list of each unit’s homework assignments and suggested problems will be provided on the first day of each unit. Students have the option to choose either Option A or Option B for each assignment depending on their skill or confidence level in that particular lesson’s content. Option B is meant for those who feel confident in the basic skills and want more of a challenge. Each option includes problems that meet the goals of the unit, and each option includes, on average, 15 problems per section that allow them to apply all of the standard skills learned in that section. A sample of homework assignments will be collected and graded for completion each week. Though this effort grade determines only 10% of the grade for this class, completed homework is very important to both myself (the teacher) and the student to gauge levels of understanding and address individual and class needs. Not only should homework be completed, but also completed on time in order for questions to be asked and needs to be addressed. Please refer to the Uniform Late-Work Policy.

Ø  Graded Homework: This category is comprised of essays, individual and group projects, presentations, and other such assignments that are more involved than daily assignments. These assignments determine 20% of the grade for this class.

Ø  Uniform Late-Work Policy: Teachers will strive to assign homework and projects with due dates that provide ample time for students to time-manage and successfully complete the work. Students are expected to turn in work on the date it is due. Any work that is not turned in when it is collected on that due date will be marked as a zero and missing in the grade book. Assignments that are received by the end of the school day up to two days after the assigned due date will be scored at 75% of credit earned. Assignments that are received on the third or fourth date after the assigned due date will be scored at 50% of credit earned. Students will receive no credit for assignments received five or more days late. For example, an assignment due Monday would be worth 75% earned credit until the end of the school day Wednesday and 50% the end of the day Friday. Students are encouraged to contact teachers at least one day in advance with requests for extensions or accommodations. It is at the teacher’s discretion of the student need for extension to provide these accommodations.

Ø  Tests and Quizzes: Test and Quiz scores determine 70% of the student’s grade in this class. Quizzes and tests will be given regularly to check student progress and understanding of completed units and content addressed. Study time will occasionally be given during the class period to review and prepare for tests and quizzes, however I would encourage students to study at home regularly. It is recommended that, whether he or she has homework or not on any given evening, your student spends at least 20 minutes per night studying math terms and concepts.

Ø  Uniform Retake Policy: In order to take a retake on tests or quizzes, your student must meet all of the following conditions:

·   The student must have completed all of the homework from that unit, regardless of available credit.

·   The student must turn in test corrections using the Test Correction Worksheet provided them on day one.

·   The student must meet with Ms. Wohlers to go over corrections and address any misconceptions that yet exist.

·   The student must complete all of the above and the retake within a week of when the original test was returned.

If the above conditions are met, the student will be able to retake any test (tests only, not quizzes) and receive the better of the two test scores. It is my belief that it is not when a student knows the information, but that the student learns and applies the information successfully. Please be sure to communicate with me regarding any needs or accommodations your child may need prior to the expected deadlines for assignments, quizzes, tests, and retakes. Thank you!

Ø  Attendance Policy: As per district guidelines, any student with an excused absence will be allowed two days to complete any missing work before falling under the Uniform Late-Work Policy; extreme circumstances will be discussed as needed. Any student with an unexcused absence is responsible for obtaining work assigned the day they were absent and will immediately fall under the Uniform Late-Work Policy.

Helpful Tools for Parents:

There is a website entirely devoted to this textbook and its resources. The following link will take you to the homepage where you will find links for each chapter, inclusive of notes, hints, and explanations for concepts in each section. There are worksheets on online quizzes and notes that you can go over with your student to have them review and interpret lesson goals and practice new exercises. Please contact Ms. Wohlers with any accommodations or needs you have in order to obtain these or any other materials. Text Homepage: http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/algebra_2_2011_na/book_home.htm?state=WI

Ms. Wohlers’ Mathematics Classroom Syllabus

Demons have S O L E

Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect Learning, Respect the Environment

Please complete the following information, comment and sign where appropriate, and give this page to your student to turn in in class on or before __________________.

Parent (and Student), which homework option do you think your student should choose most often?

   Option A           or            Option B              (please circle one)

Questions/Comments:

Please choose between the following two options:

_____ I will be purchasing a calculator for my child’s personal use.

_____ I would like my child to check out a calculator for the semester. I understand that my child will be asked to personally return the calculator directly to the teacher at the end of the semester, and that he or she will be held financially responsible for loss or damages if any.

Please choose between the following two options:

_____I give Ms. Wohlers permission to post pictures of my child partaking in classroom activities on the classroom website.

_____I DO NOT give Ms. Wohlers permission to post pictures of my child partaking in classroom activities on the classroom website.

The best method of contacting me is: ________________________________________________________________

I have read the class syllabus and agree to the classroom operations and grading policies as outlined.

Student Name ____________________________       Parent Name __________________________

Student Signature ___________________________                  Parent Signature _________________________             Date _______  

Here’s to a great year!