Algebra I -Class Expectations

Author:		Dorothy Heithoff
Posted:		8/5/02; 12:39:19 PM
Topic:		Algebra I -Class Expectations
Msg #:		6 (top msg in thread)
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Expectations  for Algebra I
Mrs. Heithoff
Room 204


Rules

    There really is just one rule in this class.   "RESPECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS".  This means no talking when someone else is talking, keeping your hands to yourself, and not being disruptive. 
    You are expected to be in your seat and ready for class to begin when the bell rings.

    This is not a class for lazy people.  There will be homework almost everyday and you are expected to do the assigned homework.  Homework is how you learn by doing the problems yourself, it is the best way to make sure you are prepared for tests and quizzes.


Materials

    When you come to class you must always have your book, a pencil, a notebook, a scientific calculator, and a red pen.  

        BOOK--Must have a book cover.  You will get extra credit points if you have a book cover on by the first test.   Anytime throughout the year after the second test if you do not have a cover on your book you will be expected to come in early the next morning and put one on. 

        PENCIL--All homework and tests must done in pencil.

        NOTEBOOK--I would recommend a three ring binder to keep notes, handouts and assignments organized.

        GRAPHING CALCULATOR--The school is encouraging students to   purchase their own graphing calculators so that they will become familiar with their our calculator as they continue with their mathematics education.  We will be using them several times throughout the year and they are a must have for upper level courses.  I recommend the TI-83plus or TI-84plus (Texas Instruments) or the Casio fx-9759GA Plus.  If this is an expense that you truly cannot afford, please talk to me and we will work something out.

        RED PEN--You will be checking your own homework so you must have a red pen.


Grading

    All grading is done on a point system. 

    Homework- There is homework almost every day and you will be expected to show work on certain problems.  You will check your own homework from the overhead projector.  I will make sure that you have your homework done, if you do   not, you will receive a check  for that day in the grade book.  You may still                turn the paper in but it will be count against your grade.  Corrections must                be made on  any missed  problems.  One assingment will be handed in at end             of the week.  You will not know which assignment until that time.   I will                  then grade that assignment.  Homework grades will be worth 5 pts.

    Daily Quizzes-Each day after homework has been graded the class will be give one problem from the homework as a daily quiz.  You may not use your notes           or the book.  Only your calculator.  Daily quizzes will be worth 2 pts.
 
    Group  Work- The class will be divided into groups of approximately four  to work on review sheets the day before every test.    Everyone will be expected to         work together and show their work.  If one person in the group misses a                 problem then everyone in the group misses the problem.  Group work is                 worth 2 points.

    Tests and Quizzes-There will be a test or a quiz about every week.  Tests are worth about 30 points.  You may chose to retake a test if you do not pass it                the first  time.   To be eligible to retake a test you must set up a time to                  review with me either before or after school.   You must retake on your own time (before school,  study hall, or  after school) not during class time.  You are responsible for setting up a retake time with me.  All tests are accumulative.  Quizzes are worth approximately 10points.   Quizzes will cover new  material only and notes may be used. 

    There are usually around 300 points possible for a quarter.  To calculate your             percentage grade take the number of points you have earned and divide by the         total number of possible points.
        Example:  You receive 27 out of a possible 30 points on a test.
                27/30 = 90%

    Since all tests are accumulative the Final Exam is simply a regular test.

    Cheating is not tolerated.  A student caught cheating on a test will be required to redo the test before school under direct supervision of Mrs. Heithoff.  The student will then receive 50% of their retake test grade.  ex:  Student retakes the test and receives an 80%.  A grade of 40% will be recorded in the grade book.

    All make-up work must be turned in within 2 school days for every day you missed. 
    You are responsible for getting notes and obtaining make-up work.

General Info:
I will be available to answer questions and provide help outside of class before school (7:45-8:05 am), during 2nd or 7th period, and after school until 4:15 pm.