Algebra 1 - Syllabus - Mr. Sorensen - 2014-2015
Introduction: Greetings and welcome back! My name is Mr. Sorensen and I will be your math teacher for this school year. This is my 18th year teaching at West. My mission is to instill in each of you a strong work ethic and love for math, as we build the math foundations that you will use for the rest of your life.
Course Curriculum/Topics: This course uses the Connected Mathematics Project 3 (CMP3) curriculum and related materials. This curriculum provides engaging, discovery-based investigations that are highly consistent with state and national standards-based efforts to improve school mathematics. There are several topics we will cover this year… some of them are: a) linear and exponential relationships expressed in words, tables, graphs, and symbols, b) the Pythagorean Theorem, c) solving equations and inequalities, and d) systems and functions. This class will build your math and problem solving skills and will help you be successful in your Algebra 1 class.
Academics: 80% of your grade is based on summative assessments (tests, projects, and quizzes) and 20% of your grade is based on formative assessments and activities (homework, homework quizzes, keeping a class notebook, participating in class activities/discussions).
Grading Scale: The following percentages will be used to determine your grade: 92.5% = A, 89.5% = A-, 86.5% = B+, 82.5% = B, 79.5% = B-, 76.5% = C+, 72.5% = C, 69.5% = C-, 66.5% = D+, 62.5% = D, 59.5% = D-, 0% = F
Materials to Bring to Class : (1) many regular #2 pencils and color pencils or markers, (2) one spiral notebook (college ruled, 11x8.5, 1 subject), (3) math book, (4) scientific or graphing calculator, (5) metric/standard ruler, (6) graph paper, (7) two 2-pocket folders, (8) glue sticks, (9) highlighters (2 different colors), (10) scissors, (11) school issued iPad (fully charged), (12) headphones.
Helpful Websites for the Curriculum and Moodle: Connected Mathematics 3 (CMP3): http://mymathuniverse.com/programs/cmp3/channels/8; Moodle Site: http://courseweb.hopkinsschools.org/course/view.php?id=863
Homework Help: Thursday afternoons (2:45-3:15) in room 616. If you need to meet at a different time, please let me know and we will set something up.
Contact Info: Parents/Guardians/Students - If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or email me: 952-567-8890 (voicemail), [email protected] (email, best way)
First HW Assignment of the Year: get two signatures below, date it, cut on the line, and turn it in.
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I have read this entire syllabus from Mr. Sorensen, with its procedures and policies, and understand and comply with them completely.
Student Signature: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Date ______
Parent/Guardian - Please write any comments or concerns on the back (bottom portion of sheet or on a separate piece of paper) that you feel I need to be aware of at the present time. Thank you. this page intentionally left blank
2 Room 616 Class Procedures* -- Mr. Sorensen
A. Note from the Instructor As an instructor, I pride myself on an efficient and smooth running classroom. To achieve this I have established a few simple procedures. As a student, it is your responsibility to learn and perform these procedures. Through these procedures, I promise to you a more organized and effective learning experience.
B. Most Common Procedures
Entering the Classroom You are to enter the classroom without screaming, running or otherwise causing a ruckus. Students who do not do this will be asked to return to the door and re-enter as expected. As soon as you enter the classroom, go to the front table and pickup any handouts and then sharpen your pencil, grab a tissue, get your classroom folder and be seated. Once seated, check the front board or screen for the day's objectives/activities. Then start your bellwork. Do all of this before the bell rings...be ready to learn.
Bellwork Most days will begin with bellwork. You will find the bellwork on the front screen/board or on the front table. Bellwork needs to be started before the bell rings. Most bellwork will focus on math skills that need to be reinforced or brain teasers to expand your thinking. Sometimes bellwork may be used to answer a question or fill out a form. Bellwork is required and will be collected periodically.
Coming to Attention When I need to quiet the class, I will raise my hand and say, “I need your attention.” When you see and hear this you are expected to stop your conversation and/or work and look at me for information.
Getting the Teacher’s Attention Shouting out, “Mr. Sorensen, Mr. Sorensen!” to get my attention is too distracting to the class. Instead, I need you to raise fingers to communicate with me. Raising one finger (index) means “I wish to speak”. Raising two fingers (index and middle) means “I wish to leave my seat”. Raising three fingers (index, middle, ring) means “I need your help”. Raising 4 fingers (index, middle, ring, pinky) means “I wish to use a pass”. Be patient and KEEP WORKING until I acknowledge you. Don’t just sit there doing nothing!
Labeling Assignments The proper heading is needed on every assignment. It needs to be located in the upper right hand corner and include (in this order!) your first and last name, book name (abbreviations are fine), date, and page and assignment numbers. Here is an example:
3 Captain America LP 9/7/2014 Pgs. 3-4, #'s 1, 2, 5, 8
Using a Pass Passes are used for emergencies only. You have four minutes of passing time (it used to be two minutes!) to go to your locker, go to the bathroom, get a drink, etc. Get your stuff done then. Before class begins, do not ask me if you can use the washroom or go to your locker, just go before you get to class. Anyone tardy for any reason is tardy.
Remember the school rules for using passes: a. no passes during 3rd block; b. no passes in the first 15 or last 15 minutes of blocks 1, 2, and 4; c. use the blue and red pass to be in the hallways; d. only one person out of the room at a time e. you have three (3) minutes to be back in class.
My rules for passes: a. no passes during lecture time or discussion time; b. only three passes allowed per quarter
End of Class The bell does not dismiss the class, I do. Before you leave, put your folder back in the bin, turn in any materials you may have borrowed (including calculators), make sure the area around your desk is clean (pick up papers and throw them away), sit down and be quiet. Once the class is ready and quiet, I will dismiss you.
“For all procedures...Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Your Best.”
* Procedures may be changed or new ones added by the teacher. All procedures will be rehearsed as a class.
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Room 616 Class Policies -- Mr. Sorensen (used in conjunction with the West Junior High Human Rights Policy and the All School Rules, the District's Policy on Offensive Behavior, and the Principles of Ethical Behavior)
A. Note from the Instructor I will lead a respectful and disciplined classroom. To achieve this, I have established a few simple policies for room 616. As a student, it is your responsibility to comply with these policies. If you decide not to comply, there will be logical consequences. By enforcing these policies, I promise to you fairness and order in our classroom.
4 B. Class Rules 1. Watch Your Mouth- Students will exhibit courtesy and respect toward the teacher and all other students at all times. Using words/phrases such as “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me”, “I’m sorry” helps to build that respect. When the teacher is talking or when a student is talking or presenting, the class is quiet. Also, swearing or hateful comments concerning race, gender, sexuality, political views, appearance, or of any other type will not be tolerated; this applies to serious as well as "joking" comments.
2. Keep Your Hands to Yourself- Physical contact of any kind is not permitted.
3. Stay in Your Seat- Remain seated unless you have permission from the teacher to get up. Have everything ready for the day’s work before class begins.
4. Leave the Food at Home- Students may not eat or drink in the classroom. Closable containers of water are OK. Gum/mints are OK.
5. I Need to See Your Eyes- Face the teacher when he is talking. Stay awake; no sleeping. You are here to learn and get an education.
6. Nothing Goes Airborne- Nothing will go airborne in class at any time. This includes pencils/pens, paper, rubber bands, and other items.
7. Do Not Say "Shut Up"- This phrase has no place in the room (or school). Do not use it. Instead, in a respectful voice say, “please be quiet” or “please stop talking”.
8. Follow Directions the First Time Given- Be a “first-timer”. It shouldn’t take two, three, or four reminders to do something—follow directions right away!
9. Respect School Property- This includes the desks and any other part of the room, computers, calculators, iPads, etc. Marking or damaging property will not be tolerated. We are fortunate to have the school and equipment we have. Keep it all looking and working well.
C. IF YOU CHOOSE to Break a Rule: Punishments will always fit the crime. Of course there are behaviors that will warrant an Office/ISS referral immediately. Examples of this include gross insubordination or violent behavior. Behaviors that are less severe, but in violation of the policies of this class and school policies will be dealt with in the manner described below. This format is in no way all inclusive and is subject to change:
1st Incident -- name on board = warning 2nd Incident -- check (√) next to name = 1 minute after class
5 3rd Incident -- 2 checks (√√) next to name = 2 minutes after class and phone call home 4th Incident – 3 checks (√√√) = send to ISS and phone call home
Warnings and checks carry over to the next math class and the names and checks will then be erased at the end of that class.
D. Tardies and Late Arrivals I expect you to be in your seat and working before the bell rings. If you are late or tardy, you need a pass to enter the classroom. Come into class quietly, put your pass on the front desk, go to your seat and get to work.
E. Academic Honesty It is expected that students will use genuine, sincere, and fair means for the accomplishment of tests, quizzes, homework, or projects from which evaluations of progress shall be determined. Students found plagiarizing, copying or cheating in any way will receive automatic zeros and have phone calls made to their parents. Flagrant or repeated offenses will result in a failing grade for the quarter.
F. Classwork/Homework Homework will be assigned most days and should take an average of half an hour or less. Homework must be completed before class begins on the day it is due. Homework will be assessed for completeness and quality. Homework quizzes will be given periodically and will contribute to your grade.
G. Retakes Students may retake a summative test or quiz (other than the final exam, which may not be retaken). In order to do a retake, a student must schedule a time outside of class to retake (within one week of getting back the original assessment) and complete the "Corrections and Error Analysis" sheet as an additional assignment. The retake score will replace the first score in the gradebook. You may not retake any assessment more than once.
H. Attendance If a student has an excused absence from class he or she is responsible for the assignments/ homework missed. The student has as many days as he or she was absent to make up the assignments. It is up to the student to inquire about missed work and tests. Zeros will be given if a student fails to make up work within an acceptable time frame. Unexcused absences void all make-up privileges.
I. Late Work
6 Work is considered late if it is submitted any time after I check or collect it in class. Late homework will be accepted up until the unit test. No late work will be accepted after the end of that unit.
J. Make-Up Tests/Quizzes (when absent) If a student has an excused absence for a test day, s/he may make up the test before or after school. Arrange with the teacher when you will take the make-up. Failure to follow through with this in a timely manner will result in a zero.
“For all policies...Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Your Best.”
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