Purpose:  This course is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop your algebra skills.  This course is designed to encourage the development of abstract thinking.  This is important to you for at least two reasons:

 

1.  Algebra techniques allow you to mathematically model problems of the real world that you could not do with arithmetic methods only.

2.  You will need to understand and use algebra concepts to succeed in future math and science courses in high school and college.

 

Textbook:  Understanding Elementary Algebra, 6^th Edition, Goodman & Hirsch.

 

Algebra Comprehensive Exam (ACE):  In light of the importance of algebra to your future work, you need to be able to use and recall most the concepts you learned in the course.  At the end of the year you will be given the Algebra Comprehensive Exam (ACE) that will cover material for the full year, not just second semester.  More details on this test are on a separate document.

 

Homework and Quizzes:  You will have an assignment every day, except the day of a test.  Learning math is not a passive activity, you must be actively involved with algebra concepts and problems.  Therefore, doing homework is essential.   Homework points will be awarded in one of two ways.  You will be given a quiz on the homework as often as possible.   When a quiz is given the following "homework-quiz" policy described below will be used:

 

1.  The homework will be collected at the first of the class period.

2.   It will be graded as to completeness, form, and "general correctness."

3.   During class, usually right after the homework is collected, you will be given a quiz over the homework.

4.   If the homework is acceptable you will be given the points you earn on the quiz.  If your homework is not acceptable or not done, you will be given a zero for that quiz.

 

The point earned for homework and quizzes can represent from 20% to 40 % of the grade, depending on the quarter and the number of quizes.  You can have difficulty passing algebra from a homework perspective if you consistently do not hand in your homework (because of the zero quiz score), or if you do not really study (such as copy your homework), because you will make a low score on your quiz and tests.

 

In addition to homework quizzes, we will routinely give you “New Material” quizzes.  These quizzes will be given at the end of class after new concepts are covered.  These will usually be a problem from the assignment for that night.  These quizzes will have a slightly lower value than homework quizzes.  New material is covered very thoroughly in class, and students should be able to apply those concepts immediately.  Hopefully, this procedure will encourage students to deal with concepts as they are presented and not get in the habit of delaying the learning of concepts until later in the day or wait for a tutor.  Hopefully this will allow students to complete homework more efficiently and effectively.   

 

Late homework will not be accepted for credit.  The only exception is for some absences.  If the absence is due to a school event, such as a field trip or athletics, then both assignments are due on your first day back.  If you know you will be absent because a school event, let me know because I may have some lecture notes that I can give you.   If your absence is due to non school event then the due date will depend on the number days of absences.

 

Grade:  Your points, from each of the following sources will be totaled and then divided by the total number of possible points:

 

1.  Quizzes or homework points.  (2 points for homework when no quiz is given, 1 to 10 points on quiz)

2.  Tests. (Usually 50 points per test; There will usually be a test every Thursday).

 3.  Semester Exam or ACE test. (About 200 points):  Added to second quarter and fourth quarter. Note that these exams will be used to decide grade in borderline cases.

 

Grading Scale:                  Range                     Grade                           

                                          90-100%                     A    

                                          80- 90%                      B    

                                          70- 80%                      C

                                          60- 70%                      D

                                           0 - 60%                       F

Make-up Policy

 

1.  Quizzes will not usually be made up.  You will be given a no-grade for missed quizzes.  These scores do not add into your grade as possible points.

2.  Tests will be made up as soon as possible. Your instructor will announce makeup dates.

 

General Comments:

 

1.  You will be required to use pencil in this class on all homework and tests.

2.  Calculators are not required for this class.  I may project an image on a graphing calculator to discuss a few concepts.

3.  You are required to label all problems clearly and show work clearly.  That is answers only on tests and homework will never be acceptable.