Syllabus - Class Policies & Procedures

Mexico City Christian Academy: Algebra 2008 – 2009
Ms. Kelly Nieman

I. Pre-Algebra/ Algebra I/ Algebra II
· 1 credit
· 1 period per day, two semesters
· prerequisite: successful completion of prior Math Class
II. Ms. Kelly Nieman
· B.A. Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI (Secondary Ed. & Bible)
· M.L.S. Wayne State University, Detroit, MI (School Library Media)
· State of MI Professional Teaching Certificate
· 4 years teaching experience

· Available: after school M-F 3:30 – 4
by appointment 9-10am
· kelly@mcca-mexico.org
· 722-175-1434
III. Textbook & Materials
· Textbook: Saxon Math ½, 1, 2
· Materials: Graphing paper notebook(s) with a total of 200-400 pages, 2 black pencils with erasers, 1 blue pen, calculator with square root function, sturdy book cover (algebra 2 needs a calculator with cubed root function)

IV. Student Expectations (What I expect from you)
· Behavior should reflect the presence of Christ at all times
· Respect MCCA’s standard of conduct
· Accept reasonable discipline
· Be prepared
· Respect others through words and actions· Keep trying - persevere· Be an 'active learner'· Focus on understanding the concept, not only on getting the “right” answer.· Do your own work· Ask questions if you don't understand· Talk to me privately if you need help, have a suggestion, or have a grade concern

V. Teacher Expectations (What you can expect from me)
· To treat you with love and respect as a fellow child of God
· Fairness in grading· Challenging work · Example problems· Organized and prepared lessons aligned with course objectives
· An orderly classroom environment
· Correction and discipline when necessary · Test questions based on what was covered in class and on the quizzes
··Critical Thinking and real-world math application· A really corny joke or pun every now and then

VI. Procedures
Before Entering the Classroom:
· Finish your homework.
· Use the restroom.
· Make sure you have all necessary materials.
When You First Enter the Classroom:
· Sharpen pencil before class starts.
· Be seated in your assigned seat.
· Put assignment in collection bin (with name, date, course name, page number, assignment number, and problem numbers at top of page).
· Begin "warm up" problem in the correct section of binder.
During Class
· Correct your homework, marking errors with a blue pen.
· Take notes as presented by teacher in the correct section of binder
· Participate in all class activities
· Begin homework during worktimes provided during class
· Ask questions when you don’t understand
When the Bell Rings to End the Period:
· Pick up all books, papers, folder, trash, etc.
· Leave only when I dismiss you (normally at the bell).
When I Raise My Hand:
· Freeze! (Stop immediately whatever you are doing or saying.)
· Look at me.
· Wait for further instructions.
Before or after class, or before or after school
· get help, make a suggestion, ask about grade(s)
· complete missed tests or quizzes
· ask about work missed during absence(s)
· determine make-up homework assignment(s)

VII. Discipline Policies
Please see Parent-Student Handbook for more detailed information on MCCA discipline policies.

Note: An orderly classroom environment and general classroom policies have been created to prevent as much disruptive behavior as possible.

1. First disruption – verbal warning and explanation by teacher
2. Second disruption – student receives demerit
3. 3 demerits - school detention

Each tardy is 1 demerit.
Some extreme disruptions may warrant demerit without verbal warning.
Some extreme disruptions may warrant more severe punishment without verbal warning or demerit.

VIII. Evaluation Procedure/ Quarter Grade
· Homework: 50%
o Daily assignments: 30%
o Class Participation: 10%
o Complete Binder/ Notebook: 5%
o Minor Projects, supplemental activities: 5%
· Quizzes/ Take Home “Tests”: 20%
· Tests & Major Project: 30%
· Bonus Problem(s): Extra Credit

IX. Late Work Policy
Late and Incomplete work is NOT accepted.
MCCA policy allows students 2 days “grace period” to earn partial credit for missing assignments. If a student would like the opportunity to earn partial credit for assignments, s/he must meet with Ms. Nieman before or after class or after school to determine an appropriate alternate assignment. Students will not earn partial credit for homework turned in late because we correct daily assignments in class.
Quizzes will take the form of “take-home” open-note tests. These quizzes will be accepted late for partial credit.
Excused absences (illnesses, etc.) and homework: Homework assigned before absence is due on the day student returns to school. Homework assigned during absence is due after student returns to school. MCCA policy allows students one day to make up work for each day absent.

Excused absences (illnesses, etc.) and quizzes: Quizzes are announced one week before administered. Quizzes do not include problems relating to the lessons taught during that week. For this reason, students must complete the quiz on the day it is assigned, even if they were absent any of the 5 days before the quiz. If student is absent on the day the quiz is due, student must return quiz the next day s/he is in school. Exceptions to this policy will be determined individually.

Excused absences (illnesses, etc.) and testing: Tests are announced one week before administered. Tests do not include problems relating to the lessons taught during that week. For this reason, students must take tests on the announced testing day, even if they were absent any of the 5 days before the test. When a student is absent on the day a test is administered, s/he must take the test on the next day s/he is in school. Student must make arrangements to take the test during study hall, or before or after school so that they do not miss any additional days of instruction. Exceptions to this policy will be determined individually.

X. Course Description and Objectives.
· Description: Algebra is an important modern mathematical concept. This course builds on the students’ understanding of basic mathematic skills, develops problem solving, and prepares students for more advanced mathematics.
· Purpose: An ambitious mathematical foundation is important for all aspects of the workplace. A broad mathematical understanding guarantees access to a variety of career and educational options.
· Objectives: The objectives of this course have been determined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. For complete course objectives, please see http://www.nctm.org/ or Ms. Nieman’s coordinating document, “Mathematics Standards for High School”

Successful algebra students will be able to:
Understand relationships among numbers and number systems
Understand meanings of operations and how they relate to one another
develop fluency in operations with real numbers, vectors, and matrices
judge the reasonableness of numerical computations and their results
Understand patterns, relations, and functions
Analyze and interpret functions of variables
Represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols
Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships
interpret rates of change from graphical and numerical data
Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships
Specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems
Apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations
Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems
Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement
Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements
Formulate questions that can be addressed with data
collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer questions
Select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data
Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data
Understand and apply basic concepts of probability
Develop and apply problem solving skills
make and investigate mathematical conjectures
use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely
recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas; and apply them in contexts outside of mathematics.
create and use representations to organize, record, communicate, model, and interpret mathematical ideas and phenomena