SYLLABUS Pre-Algebra

SYLLABUS – Pre-Algebra Ms. Petcher 2009-2010 PHONE: (207) 892-1810 ext. 387 EMAIL: [email protected]

COURSE OUTLINE: Pre-Algebra is taught from the AGS Publishing textbook.

The following topics will be covered this year:

Quarter 1 – Algebra and Whole Numbers Quarter 3 - Integers Using Decimals Exponents Number Theory Square Roots Pythagorean Theorem Geometry Equations

Quarter 2 – Rational Numbers and Fractions Quarter 4 - Graphing Rational Expressions Geometry Ratios Data Proportions Statistics Percents Probability

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How are the number systems used to solve our world problems?

GENERAL INFORMATION: Proper classroom behavior is expected at all times. Be respectful of others. Students should not talk out of turn or disturb the learning process. 1st offense = warning, 2nd offense = warning, 3rd offense = a teacher detention, 4th offense = teacher contacts parents, and 5th = an unexcused absence and a Tuesday late night. Students are expected to be on time for class, seated, and prepared for the start of class with required materials.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: three- ring binder with dividers (notebook), loose leaf paper, a pencil, textbook-covered with a paper or cloth cover, Scientific calculator, and all math work that is due.

NOTEBOOK: Each student is required to keep a notebook that will be collected quarterly. These notebook scores will be counted as a test grade. Notebooks will consist of the following sections: 1) notes and handouts 2) class work 3) homework 4) quizzes and tests. Work should be put in chronological order. All papers should be labeled with appropriate dates.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned 3 to 4 times a week. Homework is an extremely important tool in the study of mathematics. It is important to practice math skills and new concepts. All work needs to be shown, and all problems need to be attempted. In the right corner of your homework, put your first and last name, the class, the page numbers, the problems, and the date. Circle all answers. Put a question mark in the left column of the page for any problems that you do not understand. The homework will be corrected and graded at my discretion. Homework will be checked each class for completion and will be graded accordingly: 4= all problems attempted 0= no problems done

LATE WORK: If you do not have a homework assignment done the day it is due you must stay after school to earn partial credit for that assignment. Zeros can only be made up to 75 percent. If you are absent the day of a quiz or a test it is your responsibility to make arrangements to take the quiz or test. All late work will be accepted only up to two weeks after an excused absence. If you have an unexcused absence you will receive zeros for missed work.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: All Windham High School students are encouraged and expected to model academic integrity. Any academic dishonesty will be reported. Examples of academic dishonesty are copying answers from the back of the book, copying another student’s work and trying to receive credit for it as your own, and assisting others with cheating.

GETTING HELP: I will be available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00 to 2:40 in room 221. In addition, extra help may be accessed in the Math Lab.

GRADING: Homework-20% A 93-100 Class participation/ effort- 10% B 85-92 Quizzes-35% C 77-84 Tests/Notebooks/Projects-35% D 70-76 F 69 and lower

Quizzes are given a couple of times during a chapter and tests are given at the end of each chapter. The lowest quiz grade for each quarter will be dropped.

Progress reports will go out halfway through the quarter and report cards will go out at the end of each quarter. At any of these times I will call home or e-mail any parents if their child is failing.

This syllabus is subject to change at the teacher’s discretion.