Coach Paul Acuff
Acuffp@milanssd.org
COURSE SYLLABUS
MATERIALS NEEDED: * Textbook: Algebra I (McDougal
Littell) - provided
* Notebook (paper) - spiral type
recommended
* Pencil (work done in pen will not be
accepted)
* Calculator (TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84,
or TI-84 Plus) - class set provided for
class use; own calculator is recommended
* Highlighter - pack of 2 recommended
* Extra batteries (AAA) for
calculators - encouraged to donate pack of 4
SUMMARY: Algebra is a course that uses problem situations, physical
models, and appropriate
technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student
reasoning. The concepts empha-
sized in the course include functions, equation and inequality
solving and graphing, slope as
rates of change, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportionality,
and probability.
GRADING:
* Late assignments will receive 50% credit if one day late and 0%
after that time.
* All work missed due to absences must be made up within one day
for every day of absence.
* Missing a test may result in a lost test opportunity. Students
absent on the test day must
make up the test by arrangement with teacher.
* Tests = 70 % Homework = 20% Quizzes = 10%
* Trimester average = 80% Trimester Final Exam = 20%
* Grade Scale:
93 - 100 A
85 - 92 B Note: If student
average is 70-79 after Algebra IA,
75 - 84 C then student will move
to Algebra Essentials. If
70 - 74 D student average is
below 70 after Algebra IA,
Below 70 F then student will
repeat Algebra IA.
TEST QUALIFIERS:
In order for a student to be eligible to take a unit test, that
student must have received credit for
each assignment in that unit when it was turned in, or have
completely corrected and resubmit-
ted all assignments for which he/she did not receive credit. All
assignments must be handed in
by scheduled test time. In order to earn points, all daily
assignments are to be completed by the
beginning of the following class day. Note: There are two -
possibly three - tests (A, B, C) for
each unit test. The B and C tests will be used if necessary (after
corrections are made) to
improve Test A results. When doing homework, please follow the
Criteria for Credit guidelines.
CRITERIA FOR CREDIT: All student work is done in a manner that increases
the probability of
success and facilitates evaluation. Student work adhering to the
Criteria for Credit will be
eligible for evaluation and the awarding of credit. Specific
guidelines are as follows:
* Work is done in pencil on standard size paper.
* Each assignment is labeled with the student’s name, the
assignment number and the period
number in the UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER.
* All work is shown and worked down the page in columns, not
across the page.
* A straight dividing line is drawn to separate columns of work.
* All answers are highlighted (or circled).
* Work is neat and organized with undesired work or answers
crossed off or erased.
* Space is left for each problem that is not done so that it can
be filled in later.
* Never present someone else’s work as your own.
RULES FOR TESTING:
* Eyes must never appear to be directed at another’s work.
* No communication of any kind is to take place.
* All books and materials should be placed on the floor.
* Work paper should be organized and numbered like homework papers.
* All work (paper) must be turned in with test or quiz.
* No sharing of materials (calculators, pencils, etc.)
* Keep answer sheet covered (with cover sheet).
EXPECTATIONS:
1) INTEGRITY - Conduct yourself with authenticity, sincerity, and
wholeness. Your values and
behavior are aligned.
2) FAILURE LEADS TO SUCCESS - Understand that failures simply provide
you with the information you need to succeed. Everything can be useful if
you know how to find the gift.
3) SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE - Speak in a positive sense, and be
responsible for honest and direct communication. Avoid gossip and harmful
communication.
4) THIS IS IT - Focus your attention on the present moment, and make the
most of it. Give each task your best effort.
5) COMMITMENT: Follow through on you promises and obligations; live
your vision. Do whatever it takes to get the job done.
6) OWNERSHIP: Take responsibility and be accountable for your actions.
7) FLEXIBILITY: Be open to change or a new approach when it helps you
get the outcome you desire.
8) BALANCE: Keep your mind, body, and spirit in alignment. Spend time
developing and maintaining these three areas.
EXTRA HELP: Tutoring will be available before school.
World Geography A
Instructor: Coach Paul Acuff
e-mail: acuffp@milanssd.org
Course Description: In World Geography, high school students study people,
places, and environments at local, national, and international levels from
the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. The six study standards
of essential content knowledge and three process skills are integrated for
instructional purposes.
Materials: It will be greatly appreciated if students can bring colored
pencils or markers.
Goal/Objectives: The goal of this course is to introduce students to World
Geography using the five themes of geography which are: place, location,
human-environment interaction, movements, and regions. Students will learn
both the physical and human geographies as they pertain to the world through
the Western Hemisphere.
Grading Scale: A 100-93, B 92-85, C 84-75, D 74-70, F below 70
Textbook: Prentice Hall World Geography-Building a Global Perspective will
be provided.
Test and Daily Work Policy: It is the students responsibility to make-up any
work or test missed due to absences. You will have 3 days to make up work
once you return to school.
Key Topics Covered:
Week 1 Exploring Geography
Week 2
Climates and
Ecosystems
Week
3 Population and
Culture
Week 4
Resources and Land
Use
Week 5 Introduction
to the United States and
Canada
Week 6
Regions of the
U.S.
Week 7 Canada
Week
8 Introduction to Latin America
Week 9 Mexico
Week 10 Central America and the Caribbean
Week
11 Brazil
Week 12 Countries of South America
Instructor: Coach Paul Acuff
Telephone: MHS 731-686-0841
Email:acuffp @milanssd.org
Course: Geometry
I. Classroom Expectations
8 Keys of Excellence
1. Integrity: Conduct yourself with authenticity, sincerity and wholeness.
Your values and behavior are aligned.
2. Failure Leads to Success: Understand that failures simply provide you with
the information you need to succeed. There are no failures, only outcomes and
feedback. Everything can be useful if you know how to find the gift.
3. Speak with Good Purpose: Speak in a positive sense, and be responsible for
honest and direct communication. Avoid gossip and harmful communication.
4. This is it: focus your attention on the present moment, and make the most
of it. Give each task your best effort.
5. Commitment: Follow through on your promises and obligations; live your
vision. Do whatever it takes to get the job done.
6. Ownership: Take responsibility and be accountable for your actions.
7. Flexibility: Be open to change or a new approach when it helps you get the
outcome you desire.
8. Balance: Keep your mind, body and spirit in alignment. Spend time
developing and maintaining these three areas.
II. Classroom Reminders
1. Manners will be used daily.
2. Be respectful.
3. Follow all directions.
4. Be prepared for class.
III. Course Outline
(Prerequisite: Algebra I)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the basic structure of
geometry, plane and solid, and of the critical and creative reasoning skills
necessary for the proficiency in problem solving. Freshman can take Geometry
if they have passed Algebra I.
IV. Required Materials
• Pencil
• Calculator (one will be provided for classroom use only if you bring
4 AAA batteries. No one else will be able to use your calculator with your
batteries.)
• Loose leaf notebook paper only
V. Grades
Tests 60%
Quizzes 20%
Homework 20%
VI. Homework
a. I check HW to see if you attempted the problems. If you only attempt
20 out of 40 problems, then you will receive a 50. If you have at least 95%
of your homework completed you will receive a 100. I only give a grade of
100, 50, or a 0 on HW grades. If you don’t understand some of the HW you
will need to come see me BEFORE school. DO NOT wait until class begins.
b. If you are in possession of another person’s HW, you are cheating. A
zero will be given to both students.
c. You will usually have homework every day.
d. At the top of your homework you will need to have the following:
i. Your name
ii. The date
iii. The assignment
VII. Make-up Policy
a. If you miss a QUIZ, you will not be allowed to make it up. I will
give you an X which does not count for or against you.
b. If you miss a TEST, you will need to come see me to see when you can
make it up. If you are know you are going to be absent on the day of the
test, you will need to make it up before you are absent.
c. If you do not make up a test before grades are due, then you will
receive a zero on your test.
VIII. Other Rules
a. NO WORK TURNED IN WITH INK!!!!
b. NO WORK- NO CREDIT!!! If you do not show any work, then you will not
receive credit for that problem. There will be some sections that will not
require work and I will let you know when I need to see work.
IX. Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F 0-69
X. Late Policy
**I will not accept ANY late work**
