Advanced Algebra

Course Expectations

2002-2003

Mr. Goldsmith

Office Phone: 818-4392

Course description:

Topics include complex numbers, radicals, fractional exponents, logarithms, functions, systems of equations and inequalities and introductions to trigonometry and probability.

Homework policy:

As with all things worth doing, math requires practice to be done well. Homework is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to your success in this class as it allows you to hone your skills and to determine areas in which you require further work. However, I am aware of the considerable workloads many of you have taken on and that is why, although I generally give homework assignments four times a week, I never expect you to spend more than an hour on a night’s work. (Studying for tests excluded, of course.)

Homework assignments will be worth 4 points each. 2 points are given for completing the assignment and 2 for the correct completion of a single selected problem.. I expect you to show all required work. Not all assignments will be graded. Every block day I will select one assignment from the previous week to collect. Late work will not be accepted under any circumstances. To earn credit for missing or late work, you must turn in all assignments from the week in question.

Grading:

Each chapter grade will include a chapter test and several quizzes. Your semester grade will be a combination of your tests (55%), quizzes (10%), homework (20%), and final exam (15%).

There will generally be an announced test or quiz every block day. I will only give surprise quizzes if it comes to my attention that students are not completing homework assignments.

Students are allowed (and encouraged) to make up poor test and quiz scores. Make-ups must be done before or after school (not during class time) within one week of receiving the grade. The maximum possible grade on a make-up is 75%. Under no conditions will make-ups be given to students who do not have full homework credit for the chapter.

Required Materials:

Textbook (must be covered)

2 Pencils

Paper

Binder

Graphing calculator

This class will be instructed using the TI-82/83/83+ graphing calculators. Students who do not own one of these models are welcome to sign one out for the school year.

It is up to you to keep and organize your materials in whatever method works best for you. Your class materials will be invaluable when studying for the final exam. In addition to your notes, you will be receiving important papers from me, so I recommend either a large folder or a three-ring binder.

Tardy Policy:

Do not be late to my class or bad things will happen to you.

Office hours:

I will generally be available every Tuesday and Wednesday after school.

Parents and students:

Feel free to contact me any time you have any questions or concerns.

To be signed and returned by September 3:

We have read the above.

Parent(s) signature(s) ___________________________________________

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The best way to contact us is at ____________________________________

I have read and agree to the above

Student Signature ___________________________________________