Algebra Readiness Syllabus
(Pre-Algebra)
2011-2012
School: Douglass Middle School (DMS) Grade Level: Seventh or Eighth
Course Length: Yearlong Credit: Ten Credits
Prerequisite: CST Math score of 300 or higher Text: Course 2: Pre-
Algebra, Holt
Teacher Contact:
• Ernesto Canales, 525 Granada Drive, Woodland, CA 95695
• Phone: 530-666-2191 (ext.129)
• Email: ernesto.canales@wjusd.org
• Website: http://teacherweb.com/CA/DouglassMiddleSchool/MrCanales/
Course Description:
This yearlong course covers all of the standards for Pre-Algebra which
account for over 75% of the questions on the High School Exit Exam. This
course prepares students for Algebra I in the Eighth Grade. Emphasis will be
placed on improving problem solving skills, organizational skills, and study
skills.
Student Objectives:
• Students will be prepared for Algebra I in the Eighth Grade.
• Students will learn problem solving skills.
• Students will improve organizational skills and study habits.
• Students will increase their confidence in working math problems.
• Students will improve their CST and STAR Test scores in math.
Supplies (suggested):
• Three ring binder.
• Loose leaf binder paper for scratch work
• Spiral notebook ( college ruled, wire spiral, 80 sheets)
• School Planner
• Pencils with erasers
Supplies (optional):
• Colored pencils/markers
• Highlighter
• Calculator (something simple; i.e. TI-108)
• Ruler/protractor
• Mini-stapler
Class Routine:
• Homework is assigned on Mondays, and is due throughout the week. HW
is recorded on a stamp sheet in the students binder.
• Homework assignments can be accessed on my website.
• Practice tests will be given one or two days before students take the
actual chapter test.
• Quizzes will usually be given on Friday for work covered in class
that week.
• Chapter Tests are given about every three weeks.
Absent Work:
Students will inevitably miss a few days of school each year due to illness
or medical appointments. At the Middle School level, students are expected
to make up this work. Homework is always listed online on my website.
Students should also have study buddies that they can call to find out any
missed class work during their absence. Tests and quizzes can be made up
after school by appointment. If a student will miss five or more days in
row, parents should call the counseling office at DMS to schedule an
independent study packet of work for their child. Parents need to call at
least two weeks before the extended absence begins. NO WORK AT HOME CAN EVER
MAKE UP FOR MISSED SEAT TIME IN THE CLASSROOM. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS
ARE ON TIME FOR SCHOOL AND IN CLASS DAILY.
Grades:
Students will earn cumulative class grades for each Semester. These grades
are reported to parents every six weeks on the student’s report card. Report
cards are handed out at school the week after a grading period ends. All
letter grades in my class will be calculated using the following scale: 90%
and above – A, 80-89% – B, 70-79%-C, 50-69% - D, and 49.9% and below – F.
Each grading period grades will be calculated on a percent of the total
points-possible basis. Class grades will be weighted as follows: Tests,
Quizzes, and Projects – 75%, and Classwork, Homework, Participation – 25%.
Students, who score a D or F grade on a Chapter Test, will have the
opportunity to take a re-take exam once. The highest grade on a re-take exam
is a C-. Quizzes may also be corrected for a higher grade.
Expectations of Parents:
• Review your child’s school planner daily.
• Check homework assignments daily for completeness.
• Review six week progress reports.
• Communicate with teacher using email, voicemail, or student planners.
• Attend Back to School Night, and Parent Conferences as needed.
Class Rules:
• Students will not have food or drinks out in class. (Water is fine.)
• Students will show the teacher and other students respect.
• Students will follow the DMS tardy policy and the DMS dress code.
• Students will have proper supplies including their planner each day
for class.
• Students will take responsibility for their actions, their work, and
their grades.
Positive Interventions:
Students who show me positive citizenship or academic excellence can expect
to receive:
• Verbal praise
• Leadership roles in class
• Positive referrals to the Vice-Principal
Consequences for Breaking Rules:
Students who break class rules can expect:
• A verbal warning
• Detention after school
• A parent phone call
• Friday Intervention (for one hour)
• A referral to the Vice-Principal ( see student planner )
Please sign and date this letter to verify that you read and discussed it
with your child.
Student’s Name ______________________ Student’s signature
____________________________
Parent’s Name _______________________ Parent’s signature
_____________________________
Date ____________