Algebra Concepts

Dear Parent and Student:

This course uses the AGS Pre-Algebra textbook as well as materials from Johns Hopkins’ Transitions to Advanced Mathematics and is designed to introduce you to the language and skills necessary for higher mathematics.  Through the study of symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols you will develop reasoning and number skills necessary for problem solving.  You will be learning about number theory, variables, evaluating expressions and rational numbers all concepts assessed on the PSSA which is a graduation requirement. 

 

At the end of the year, you will be able to:

? Understand the language and vocabulary of algebra

? Identify and use strategies for solving word problems and write an explanation

? Differentiate between whole numbers and rational numbers

? Use number theory to estimate solutions

? Solve & graph linear equations and inequalities involving exponents & integers

? Derive linear equations by using the point-slope formula

? Use algebraic concepts to solve equations using formulas from Geometry

 

In order for us to have a successful year there are a few expectations that you need to be aware of:

 

1. Be Prepared: The bell signals the start of class, have a pencil, your folder, problem solving and your textbook out and be IN your seat ready to begin.  You will be considered tardy if you are not.

 

1. Be Here: Come to school and get to class on time (It’s easier to do the work now than to make it up later.)  Material you miss during class will NOT be covered during class time; class will continue to move through the curriculum.

 

1. Be Respectful: Work quietly, complete your work and treat others the way you wish to be treated. (We all have bad days, but not everyday is bad – it’s what you make of it.)

 

1. Be Honorable: Do your own work and let your friends do their own work.  Learning is a work in progress so you’re not expected to get every answer.

 

Room Absence Privileges: 1. There will be a break at the midpoint of the class during which time students may use the restroom w/o class interruption or need of teacher permission to leave class.  THEY MUST BE BACK IN CLASS ON TIME.

            2. Students are allotted 5 trips out of the room/marking period.  Students will not be permitted out of the room more than these 5 times unless there is a Doctor’s excuse on file with our school nurse.

 

Parents, I need your support getting your student to school and getting his/her work.

 

² Assignments given in class are due the day assigned, Late work is reduced by 10% each day past the due date and is not accepted after 3 class days past assigned date;

 

² Students are graded on their completed work and need to responsibly use the class-time given; All classwork is graded including notes/ models, practices and quizzes.

 

² Anyone who is absent is responsible for getting make-up work.  Make-up work is due the day after it is given to the student w/o penalty.  Make-up work is ONLY given to students with an excused absence.  Any assignment not turned in is a zero.  An unexcused absence will result in a zero for assignments from that day.

 

 

This is a special education class.  It is structured in the following manner to accommodate your child’s special needs:

 

                       Teacher Behavior                                       Student Behavior

* Direct Instruction: lecture, definitions,           * Recording notes, including terms,

models – instruction will involve the use           models and hints given in the lesson

of manipulatives & colors to stimulate brain    - ask clarifying questions to help

connections & memory or sequences                 understanding

 

* Guided Practice: using the textbook               * Use models and notes given to facilitate

and notes given, the class will participate        problem solving as a class – students will

in solving text exercises, teacher will                record problems, solve on whiteboards and

write correct sequences on board and              ask clarifying questions of the teacher

answer student questions

 

* Partner Practice: Teacher will assign              * Students will work with A PARTNER to

an activity using skills taught which you           use the models and notes given to practice

solve with a partner – teacher monitors &        solutions and have someone to discuss steps

will answer questions as needed                         with if needed

 

* Independent Practice: Teacher will                 * Students will use models provided as a guide

assign an exercise of no more than                    to demonstrate their understanding of the skill

30 problems to be solved on their own              taught – this work is to demonstrate their own

(WB page is  homework nightly)                         understanding of the lesson

 

** IF upon correcting their independent work the teacher determines the skill needs to be retaught or clarified – Reteaching will be done first before new material is begun.

 

A daily problem solving is used to prepare students’ ability to use varying strategies to solve story problems, identify operational patterns and develop written explanations.  These problems use the skills taught and apply to real world situations for the concepts.

 

** End of Chapter tests are always announced and are preceded by a pretest and study guide which you may use when taking your chapter test.**

 

 

Differentiated instruction will be used during instruction in order to adjust for the students’ individual learning styles and needs.

 

Grading Scale: A – 93 – 100% B -  82 – 92 % C -  70 -  81 % D -  60 – 69%

 

Grading:  Category                                           Weight

       Participation/Models/Homework                   10%

       Problem Solving                                                 10%

       Classwork                                                             25%

       Independent Practice                                         15%

       Quizzes/Tests                                                       40%

 

Behavior – All Greater Johnstown regulations, responsibilities and disciplinary options stated in the Student Code of Conduct will be expected and followed for every student in this class.

Point Values will be assigned to each infraction

• Tardies/ Not Prepared = 1pt
  • An accumulated 3pts will result in a TEACHER Detention
  • Teacher detentions MUST be completed within five days of being assigned
  • A skipped detention OR one not completed in 5 days will result in a disciplinary log being filed in the office
• Disruptive behavior/Disrespectful language/ Sleeping or Otherwise not participating = 2 pts
  • A phone call home will be made to enlist help after 4 pts accumulate
• Food and Drinks ARE NOT permitted in the classroom
  • Keep snacks and drinks in the cafeteria
• All electronic devices (cell phones, mp3 players, ipods, PSP, etc) are to be left in you locker or at home – DO NOT ENTER CLASSROOM WITH THESE ITEMS
  • Any electronic items brought to class will be confiscated
  • Parents you’ll need to make arrangements with the teacher/office to come and pick up taken

 

 

Tutoring – If your student needs help with any concepts he/she need to make arrangements with me for extra help. I’m available most days from 2:35 – 3:00 and with prior arrangements I can occasionally stay until 3:30 or 4:00.

         If your student needs more help than on occasion, contact Ms. Cindy Ahlborn for information regarding the After School Live program.

 

 

Student of the Week – Each week one student’s name will be submitted to Mr. Civis to acknowledge his/her efforts, contributions or other classroom successes.  Mr. Civis will contact this student’s parents/guardians to share the Good News!

 

As you can see, there are many expectations for this new school year. I’m looking forward to working with you in order to meet all of the challenges ahead; working together we will have a great year and learn great things!

 

Ms. Joannie Nedwreski

 

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After you have read this syllabus,

Please return this paper to Ms. Nedwreski no later than  Friday for 5 bonus points.

 

I have read and understand the overall course structure as well as the student requirements and responsibilities.   I have also read the rules in the Code of Conduct Contract and understand them and the consequences that result if not followed. 

 

Student Name:
Student Signature :		Date:
Parent/ Guardian Name:		Relation:
Parent / Guardian Signature		Date: