August 2011
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian,
My name is Mrs. Patricia Banach and I will be your son’s/daughter’s math teacher this school year. In order to provide your child and all other students in the class the excellent educational climate they deserve, I have outlined a class syllabus, classroom discipline, and grading scale.
It will help you to know that tutoring is available throughout their day in four different ways.
First, a math tutor is available during your child’s study/lunch period four days a week, Monday thru Thursday. Second, student’s can seek help during connection period from any of their teachers. Connection period is on Wednesday’s from 2:35 to 3:10. (except for 3rd Wednesday of the month.) Third, NHS students are available during study/lunch period or after school. Fourth, the Internet is a great resource. (Specific sites are noted in this syllabus.) And finally, help is available after school from math teachers. Arrangements need to be made in advance.
Should you ever have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You will get the quickest responds by using e-mail. My e-mail address is [email protected]. If you would like to share your e-mail with me, please do so on the form below or e-mail me or email me. This will provide me with the opportunity to contact you promptly should any concerns arise on my end. Another way to contact me is by leaving a message on my voice mail 687-0500, ext 3691 and I will call you back as soon as possible.
Please take some time to look over this material and perhaps share your views with your child. I look forward to this school year with your son/daughter. By working together, I am confident that your child will find success in this class.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Pat Banach Algebra II Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Patricia Banach COURSE: Algebra II CREDITS: One TIME: 4th period 10:15 – 11:10 and 6th period12:15- 1:10
SCHOOL YEAR: 2011– 2012
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is the third course in a college preparatory mathematics sequence. Units of study include a review of Algebra I topics, matrices, quadratic functions, polynomials and polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, radical equations and functions, conic sections, and probability and statistics. Technological tools, such as the TI graphing calculator, will be used for both discovery and problem solving. Classroom sets of graphing calculators will be provided.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course, the student should understand the following: 1. Functions are mathematical models of real-world applications. 2. The graphs of different types of functions have specific shapes. 3. The roots of functions have specific meaning in the real world. 4. Conic sections are geometric figures formed by slicing a double cone with a plane.
The textbook used is: Algebra 2, McDougal Littell, 2004
After successfully completing this course, the student will be expected to: 1. Express relationships verbally, pictorially, graphically, and symbolically. 2. Understand the structure of Algebra and perform algebraic manipulations. 3. Organize and interpret data and numerical patterns. 4. Apply algebraic concepts to the solution of problems involving measurement and geometry.
TEXTBOOK: Algebra Concepts And Applications Glencoe/McGraw Hill 2204
COURSE OUTLINE: First Semester Second Semester Equations and Inequalities Polynomials and Polynomial Functions Linear Equations and Functions Powers, Roots and Radicals Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Matrices and Determinants Rational Equations and Functions Quadratic Functions Quadratic Relations and Conic Sections Probability and Statistics
INTERNET SITES for homework help:
1. http://www.mcdougallittell.com
2. “http://www.yahoo.com/Science/Mathematics/” An ideal starting place that has links to other math sites.
3. “http://www.tc.cornell.edu/Edu/MathSciGateway” Provides links to math and science resources for grades 9 – 12.
4. “http://forum.swarthmore.edu/mathmagic” K-12 telecommunications project in Texas that uses a computer to increase problem solving and communication skills.
5. http://forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math/ Students in grades K-12 can ask Dr. Math their own questions.
6. Google Richard Delaware- he lectures on Alg 2 topics
CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
1. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry with C or better
2. Classroom supplies: - 1” binder/dividers (4) - 2 pencils - pen - graph paper - calculator - book cover - planner
3. Evaluation: a. Announced tests b. Quizzes, could include “pop” quizzes c. Homework assignments will be given daily. Homework will be checked and/or collected with credit given for serious attempt. Late work is not accepted. d. Projects e. Notes can be collected at anytime for a grade.
ATTENDANCE: Daily attendance is expected. New information that is presented often requires knowledge of previous concepts; therefore the student should make every effort to be in class. Excused Absences – See student handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any assignment missed. All assignments are posted on the bulletin board daily. If a handout or worksheet is given they can be found in the folder on my desk. Any missed test or quiz must be made up one week after the date of absence – see me about scheduling a time.
Unexcused Absences – See student handbook. NO CREDIT for missed work, tests, or quizzes.
CALCULATOR USAGE: All students will be expected to attain and maintain a level of non-calculator based computational proficiency. However, calculators will be used for conceptual and procedural understandings of number, numeration, operations, estimations, and approximations. We support the National Council of Teacher Mathematics Association of America, in regards to calculator usage. It is their recommendation that calculators are used to judge reliability of results in order to strengthen the context of applications and problem solving. Any electronic device other than approved calculators will not be allowed for classroom use.
GRADING: Each nine weeks, total points earned will determine students’ grades. The following grading scale will be used to determine the letter grade. GRADE PERCENTAGE A 100 – 90 B 89 – 80 C 79 – 70 D 69 – 60 E 59 and below There will be a comprehensive final examination given at the end of each semester. It will count as approximately 20% of the semester grade. Each nine-week grade will count as 40% of the semester grade.
TEACHER SCHEDULE:
PERIOD CLASS ROOM 2 Hrs Geom 620 3 Plan/Supervision 620 4 Alg II 620 5 Lunch 620 6 Alg II 620 7 Alg 1 620 8 Hrs Geom 620
INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Banach CLASS: Algebra I, Hrs Geometry, Algebra II C L A S S R O O M M A N A G E M E N T P L A N
CLASSROOM RULES: ***
1. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. 2. Bring your supplies and positive spirit to class daily.
3. Follow directions the first time they are given.
4. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
5. Respect the rights and individuality of others.
6. No severe behavior will be tolerated. (i.e. fighting, insubordination, vandalism, etc. )
7. Any use of a communicating or unapproved calculating device during a test or quiz will fall under the category of cheating and will result in a score of a zero. Cell phones will be confiscated and sent to the dean’s office.
*** Rules and regulations contained in the Student/Parent Handbook will be followed. Note: proper attire is expected at all times.
REWARDS:
1. Specific verbal praise 2. ‘Blue chips’ can be earned for extra-credit points. 3. Reduced homework assignment 4. Provide the opportunity relaxed atmosphere and enhance social skills. 5. Positive letter/phone call to parent/guardian.
CONSEQUENCES:
First Consequence Verbal Warning Second Consequence Individual student conference directly after class Third Consequence Parent Contact Fourth Consequence Dean’s detention and/or teacher’s detention Fifth Consequence Discipline referral
Severe Clause: Send to dean/administrator (discipline referral) * * * * * Parent contact may occur at any time as needed ******