Mrs. Tompkins
ALGEBRA I SYLLABUS
2008-2009
This course is an introduction to algebra. This class contains some material from pre-algebra and material that you have not seen before.
Requirements:
1. Text: Algebra 1, Glencoe Mathematics..
2. Calculator: A calculator is required for this class. Graphing calculators are recommended for this class, Geometry, and Algebra II. You will use the calculator for all of your high school math courses, so it is to your benefit to invest in a calculator now. You must bring yours to class every day, not just for quizzes and tests. A Texas Instruments calculator is recommended (I will use a TI 83 and 84 calculator in class) although a scientific Casio or TI 30X series do not graph and will help with calculations only.
3. Notebook:
Unless I tell you otherwise, you must have your notebook or folder with
you everyday and it be clearly labeled. Spiral notebooks are not acceptable! Notes and assignments should be written
only on loose-leaf paper.
4.
Pencils: You must bring a pencil
to class every day (Mechanical pencils are allowed). Also, make sure you have an eraser on your
pencil or a separate eraser.
No
pens will be allowed. Assignments or
tests done in ink will not be accepted.
~ Attendance
Your attendance in
this class is both expected and important.
The material in this course will build on previously covered
material. If you do have to miss
class, it is your
responsibility to find out what was covered
during your absence. You should
have the phone numbers of at least three of your classmates at home; call
someone if you miss class and be sure to check the class website.
Unexcused absences
result in an Incomplete for the day's assignment. The
makeup work will be given according to CPSB policies on excused and unexcused
absences. If you miss class the
day of a quiz or exam, you will make it up immediately upon your return to
school. You will not be excused
from any missing assessments (e.g. assignments, exams, etc.).
~ Homework
It is expected that you will come to class prepared every day, but it is your responsibility to do so. This includes reading the material to be covered during class and trying some of the problems in each section. By doing this, you will already be familiar with the material to be discussed that day. After class, you should again study the text before working on the homework assignments.
You will have a
written assignment every day. You will
sometimes be able to work on your assignments in class; I expect that you will
use this time to work quietly on your homework.
Your homework must have your name, period, and assignment in the
upper right corner of the page.
All assignments and
upcoming quizzes/tests will be written on the board. If you are absent from class, you may find
the assignments there or from another student and important information on the
class website.
~ Quizzes and
Tests
Announced quizzes
will be given throughout the year, usually after three sections of the text
have been covered. Unannounced quizzes
may also be given periodically if I feel they are necessary. Students who miss class the day
before (or the day of) a quiz will be expected to take the quiz the day they
return. Students who miss two or more
days in a row will be required to complete the quiz in a timely manner, as
determined by the CPSB policies. If you
ever feel that you might be falling behind, you probably are! Please get extra help immediately. The longer you wait to get help, the more
difficult it will be to get back on track.