Independence High School – College Algebra
Course Overview Fall 2009
Teacher: Mrs. Milesic
Phone: 623-435-6100
E-Mail: sjanjic@guhsdaz.org
Office hours: I am available every day before school from 7:15 am to 7:50 am.
The Math Lab is also available before and after school each day. Please do not wait until you are completely lost before getting extra help!
Required Text: Precalculus with Limits.– D.C. Heath and Company
You should have the pre-cal book that you received at registration. If you do not have your book, please see me after class.
Course Content: First semester we will cover introductory college algebra concepts including conic sections, rational and polynomial functions, matrices, logarithms and series. Students who take this course and earn a passing grade will continue on to complete college algebra with an introduction to trigonometry and pre-calculus for the spring semester. This course is offered with optional dual enrollment to earn college credit. More information will be provided about dual enrollment at a later date.
MATERIALS needed for class every day:
q Positive attitude
q Pencil
q Eraser
q Highlighter
q Graphing calculator - I recommend a TI-84 or 84Plus, but the TI-83
and 83Plus work as well. Purchase your own or check one out from
me while my supplies last.
q Loose-leaf notebook paper (no spiral bound papers please)
q 3-ring binder (1 ½” to 2” in width)
q 5 tabbed subject dividers
Notebook:
The three ring binder (1 ½” to 2” in width) should be organized with your five dividers in this order: (1) Agenda, (2) Bellwork, (3) Notes, (4) Homework, (5) Paper. (An example of proper notebook set up will be shown in class.)
Homework:
Homework is always due the next class day after it is assigned. Homework will only be collected at the beginning of class. All work is to be turned in to the “IN” box before the end of bellwork time. It is not acceptable to work on homework in class the day it is due. Mrs. Milesic does not accept late work under any circumstances.
To receive full credit, homework needs to follow the criteria for credit as follows (an example will be shown in class):
ü Proper heading
ü Standard loose-leaf paper (no frill edges)
ü Pencil only, work done in pen will not be accepted
ü All work must be shown for each problem
ü Answers must be highlighted neatly
ü All problems must be attempted
ü Assignment turned in on time.
Make-up work:
If a student is absent the day a homework assignment is due, it must be turned in on the first day they return. Students will have 5 days to make up any work assigned on a day they are absent. It is your responsibility to get the bellwork, notes, homework assignment and anything else you may have missed in your absence.
Any assignments turned in after being absent should be labeled “Absent” at the top of your paper.
Sweep:
If you go to sweep on any given day, you must turn in the homework that was due to Mrs. Milesic by 3:30 pm that same day. If you were in sweep and failed to turn in your assignment by the end of the day I will consider the assignment late and it will not be accepted. The same is true if you miss assignments because you were in sweep. It is your responsibility to come and get the notes and homework that same day by 3:30 pm. Sweep is not considered an excused absence and work will be due the following day as usual.
Grading:
Independence High School follows the Outcome Based Instruction model, which means that students have multiple opportunities to re-take tests. As a result, tests make up a very large portion of a student’s grade. However, this does not mean that homework and other assignments are not important. In fact, choosing to do or not to do homework can be the difference between a passing grade and a failing grade. I do not round grades. Grades will be weighted on the following scale:
Tests: 60% Other Assignments: 25% Semester Exam: 15%
*The other assignments category includes: homework, classwork, quizzes, and random notebook checks.
**Extra credit is offered only at the discretion of Mrs. Milesic and makes up a very minimal part of each grade.
Please DO NOT ask for extra credit.
The scale used for assigning letter/number grades is as follows:
92-100% 1 - A
83-91.9% 2 - B
74-82.9% 3 - C
65-73.9% 4 – D
0 - 64.9% 5 - F (No credit)
Classroom Rules:
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Bring all necessary materials to class including your ID.
3. Raise one’s hand before speaking, use appropriate language and show good manners. (Please and thank-you are always appropriate!)
4. Be in one’s seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
5. Contribute to a positive learning environment for everyone.
6. Have all electronics turned off and put away during school time. This does not include calculators.
7. Take all notes and work on the assignment if time permits.
8. At the end of the period, do not leave until I dismiss you.
Policies and Procedures:
Ø Students must abide by the school dress code every day.
Ø ID cards are needed to enter class every day. They must accessible all times and presented upon request.
Consequences:
Ø If you do not have your ID when asked, you will be sent to the attendance office. NO discussion.
Ø If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are tardy and will need to report to the sweep room.
Ø You may be placed on a six-step behavior contract for violation of any of the school rules or the above listed classroom rules.
Extended Opportunity Period (EOP):
EOP is offered every Wednesday, beginning August 20th, from 8:30 am to 9:20 am. EOP is a time where students can come in for extra help, make up missed work, and/or retake tests. I will not require you to come in for EOP; it is your responsibility to decide if you need to come in. Your grade will reflect those decisions.
Citizenship:
The policy for citizenship is listed in the student handbook. Please remember that three tardies in one quarter can result in an automatic grade of “U” (Unsatisfactory). A grade of “U” may also be a result of being placed on the 6-step behavior contract.
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J Return this section to Mrs. Milesic, signed and dated by both you and your parent/guardian by
Friday, August 14, 2009 for 10 points extra credit. Return it by Wednesday the 12th for 20 points! J
College Algebra Course Overview Sign-Off Sheet
Student Name:_________________________________ Period:_________
(Print your name very neatly please)
My parent/guardian and I have read the terms of the Course Overview and we both have a clear understanding of all sections.
____________________________________ _____________
Student Signature Date
____________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
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