Course: Accelerated Advanced Algebra
Instructor: Mr. Kasner
Classroom: 562
Periods: 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Office Phone: 691-1504
Home Phone: 330-1334
Email: [email protected]
Course Description: This class will focus on the expansion of
the basic concepts learned in first-year Algebra. It will combine a
variety of Real-Life applications with Problem-Solving strategies to make
connections and give Algebra a greater meaning. The difference between
this class and the “regular” Advanced Algebra classes is the pace, amount
of technology involved and the topics covered. This course is designed
to give you the advantage to succeed in higher-level math courses such as
Precalculus and Calculus.
Textbook: Algebra 2; © 2003 by Glencoe-McGraw Hill
Materials Needed: Textbook (provided)
Notebook (s) / Binders
& Loose-Leaf
Pencils
*** Calculator
*** Technology plays a major role in
today’s Algebra. I strongly recommend that you have a graphing calculator
to use in the classroom and at home. I realize that these utilities
are rather expensive, therefore I cannot “require” each student to have one.
However, I can tell you that there will be many times where a graphing calculator
will be beneficial in your studies. Plus, you will need to have one
for the higher-level math courses, including Precalculus next year.
At the very minimum, you need to have a scientific calculator that will perform
the basic operations as well as all scientific operations.
Classroom Policy: (1) All students should come to class prepared
each day. That means that you should be in your seat when the bell
rings with all your materials. To arrive late on a jobsite is unacceptable,
so I would be doing you a great injustice by letting you arrive late to class.
In other words, tardies are simply not allowed. The policy regarding
tardies as outlined in the Millard North Student Handbook will be strictly
adhered to.
3 tardies – detention with me
6 tardies – referral to the office and assigned detention
9 tardies – Saturday School.
(2) All materials need to be brought with the student each
day. You will need your textbook, notebook, and writing utensil EVERY
DAY. “To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail.”
(3) Disrespect (to the teacher, another student, or oneself)
is simply not tolerated.
All students will be expected to adhere to the classroom policies and procedures
as outlined in the Millard North Student Handbook. If you don’t have
a copy of the handbook, obtain one from your advisor or the office.
Grading Scale: The districts grading scale will be followed
concerning semester and quarter grades:
The semester grade is determined by the following:
Quarter 1 grade à 42.5%
Quarter 2 grade à 42.5%
Semester Test à 15%
The following percentages determine the grade you receive:
93%-100% à “1”
85% - 92% à “2”
77% - 84% à “3”
68% - 76% à “4”
below 68% à “5”
Determining Grades: Grades will be determined based on the total
number of points obtained from homework, quizzes (pop and announced), tests
and assessments.
Homework: Homework will be given each day. The sole purpose
of homework is to prepare you for quizzes and tests. While homework
may not account for many points, it is by far the most important category.
That is where you begin to understand the material. Homework may either
be graded on completion (5 points per assignment) or on accuracy (in which
case I will collect, grade and return). Therefore, each assignment
should be ready to be handed in. Homework will account for roughly
15% of the final grade.
Pop Quizzes: Pop quizzes will be unannounced quizzes to check
and see who is paying attention to and understanding the homework that they
have been assigned. These will account for roughly 15% of the final
grade and should be “easy points” provided students are paying attention
to the nightly homework.
Announced Quizzes: Quizzes will be given approximately every
2 weeks. Each will be announced plenty ahead of time. Announced
quizzes will account for roughly 20% of the final grade. Quizzes will
cover everything discussed in class and in the textbook.
Tests: Tests will occur at the end of each chapter. Tests
are a majority of you quarter grade (approximately 50%). The tests
focus on applying what you have learned in class, on homework and on quizzes.
Tests will cover everything discussed in class and in the textbook.
Extra Credit: Each Friday, “Weekend Problems” will be
placed in the back of the room. These problems may be completed and
turned in on Monday for 1 bonus point each. Plan ahead . . . you may
need them.
Information: Assignments for the week will be posted in the
back of the room. It is THE STUDENTS responsibility for obtaining assignments
for the given day. If you are in school for any part of the day, or
know in advance you are going to be absent (school activity, etc.), you are
required to have the assignment done as if you attended class. All
missed notes and material is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get from another student
and the textbook. For each day you are gone due to illness or other
excused absence (not covered above) you receive one day to complete the assignment
(example: If gone on Tuesday, you have until class time on Thursday
to hand the assignment in).
Grades will be posted in the back of the room according to your student I.D.
number. If you wish not to have your grade posted, please notify me.
Grades will be updated approximately every 2 weeks. However, I determine
grades based off of total points earned / total points possible, so I encourage
you to keep track. I do return all graded material. In other
words, don’t hound me about your grade.
Office Hours: 7:00 – 7:45 a.m. on T, Th,
F (or earlier by appointment)
3:00 – 4:15 p.m. on M – F (or
later by appointment)
*** I do help out with basketball and track, so during those seasons I would
appreciate if you could email me to let me know what time works for you in
case extra help is needed.
Additional Information: You will find out quickly that the amount
of work you put into this class is directly related to the grade you receive.
I’ve noticed in the past that if you put the same time, energy and effort
into this class as you did last year, your final grade will be approximately
one grade lower . . . it’s that much tougher of a course. It will take
some additional effort on your part, which may include (but not limited to):
study groups, extra help from a tutor, additional time at night (usually
about 30 minutes to 1 hour each night is recommended), study buddies, etc.
Get to know other members of this class. They will be your biggest
assets.