GSE Foundations of Algebra Fall 2016

Ms. King
Room 710
Email: kathryn.king@cobbk12.org
Blog: http://mskingsouthcobb.weebly.com

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Welcome to Foundations of Algebra!

Course Description
Foundations of Algebra class is a year-long course that will
give you the
opportunity to build a stronger foundation for future success
in math and
other high school courses. Foundations of Algebra will
provide many
opportunities to revisit and expand your understanding of
foundational
algebra concepts, will employ diagnostic means to offer
focused
interventions, and will incorporate varied instructional
strategies to
prepare you for required high school courses. This course will
emphasize both
algebra and numeracy in a variety of contexts including
number sense,
proportional reasoning, quantitative reasoning with functions,
and solving
equations and inequalities.
In the first semester, modules 1 to 4, and Units 1 and 2 of Algebra 1 will be taught. Units 3 to 6 of Algebra
1 will be taught in the second semester.
Students will earn one math credit after successfully completing first semester, and one math credit after
successfully completing second semester.
Content Area Standards:

Standards for Mathematical Practice:

Make sense of problems and persevere

in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and
critique the reasoning of others.
Model with Mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in
repeated reasoning.

The standards addressed in this course fall under the

following subject are strands:

Number Sense and Quantity

Arithmetic to Algebra
Proportional Reasoning
Equations & Inequalities
Quantitative Reasoning with Functions
Modeling & Analyzing Quadratic Functions
Modeling & Analyzing Exponential Functions

Comparing & Contrasting Functions

Describing Data/ Review and Extend

A more detailed description of the standards addressed in

each unit can be found at www.georgiastndards.org

Foundations of Algebra Course Schedule

**Time spent on each unit is an approximation;
Some units may need less time and some may need more time**

1st Semester
Module 1: Number Sense and Quantity
Module 2: Arithmetic to Algebra
Module 3: Proportional Reasoning
Mid-Term Date will be announced
Module 4: Equations & Inequalities
Unit 1: Relationships Between Quantities and Expressions
Unit 2a: Reasoning with Linear Equations and Inequalities
Final Exam: Date will be announced

2 weeks
1 week
2 weeks
--------2 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
---------

2nd Semester
Unit 2b: Reasoning with Linear Equations and Inequalities
Unit 3a & 3b: Modeling and Analyzing Quadratic Functions
Mid-Term Date will be announced
Unit 4: Modeling and Analyzing Exponential Functions
Unit 5: Comparing and Contrasting Functions
Unit 6: Describing Data
Georgia Milestones EOC
Final Exam:

2 Weeks
5 Weeks
--------3 Weeks
1 Week
2 weeks
-----------------

11%
11%
11%
10%
11%
18%
18%
10%

Grading Policy/Grade Improvement

All assessments are graded by standards. Summative assessments (tests, quizzes, and projects) make of 80% of
total grades, while formative assessments (short quizzes taken during instruction to check for understanding)
make up 20% of the grades. Each question in the assessments will be graded on a 4-point scale. Formative
assessments (mini-quizzes) will be given daily with a short quiz at the end of each week. Tests will be given at
the end of each module/unit. Students cannot retake quizzes; however, they can have a quiz up-grade when they
do better on tests.

Grading Rubric
appropriate concepts and correct answer is generated (e.g.
4 Uses
calculation, figures, diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.).

Grading Scale
90 100 %

80 89 %

74 79 %

70 73 %

69 & below

Uses a strategy that leads to a solution of the problem.

All necessary work is shown and is neat and readable.
Mathematical representation is actively used as a means of
communicating ideas related to the solution of the problem.
(Correct answer and associated work shown)
There is appropriate use of accurate mathematical representation.
Uses a strategy that leads to a solution of the problem that is not
correct due to calculation errors or careless mistakes.
All necessary work is shown but work is sloppy but readable.
(May have correct answer, Unfinished work or not simplified, or
calculation mistakes)
Uses a strategy that is partially useful, leading some way toward a
solution, but not to a full solution of the problem.
Work is sloppy or questions are not discernable. Work is incomplete
or explanation may not be clearly presented.
(May show some correct work but no correct answer and work is
sloppy or incorrect)
Answers only or answers left blank.
The solution doesn't address any of the mathematical components
presented in the problem. Work is sloppy work and questions are
not discernable.
There is no use or inappropriate use of mathematical representations
(e.g. figures, diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.).

Class Expectations
Because we value education:

Come to class everyday on time prepared

1
with all materials necessary for learning.

Be respectful of your classmates questions

and opinions including yourself.

Review/Study every night, which includes

the concepts you understand and concepts you
0 No
do not understand.
solution

Participate in your own learning by asking

generated
questions.

Be responsible; have assignments due on time.

Be safe in the classroom.

Be your best academically and socially.

In other words, come to class prepared and with a good attitude!

Tutoring/Grade Improvement
Tutoring will be available after school on Thursdays, 3:40pm - 4:40pm. This time can be used for remediation
or to retake assessments. For tutoring during other times an appointment must be made. Students will have the
opportunity to redo quizzes and tests before the next test. This year we will have a tutoring available to students
24/7. Students will have the ability to ask for help anytime using the following website and login information
tutor.com/southcobb

Username: firstname.lastname

Password: StudentId

Homework/Practice
Homework in math is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. If you dont do your homework then you will not know if
you understand the material, and it is very possible that you will be lost when we move on to new material. You
will have homework Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. I do not grade homework, but I check
that students understand the concepts. Grading homework takes the focus off learning and selfassessment/reflection and replaces it with a focus on grades and compliance. These do not cultivate a growth
mindset. The more you practice the more you will know where you are struggling and the better you become.

Absences

If you are absent from school for ANY reason, it is THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY to get any
materials/notes/HW that was missed on the absent day. Assignments will also be posted on our blog. Any
missed quizzes or tests will be assigned a grade of zero until the assignment is completed in tutoring. Students
have one week to make up missed assignments following return to school after an absence.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

While cell phones and other electronics can be an important communication and safety device for families, their
use during the school day is prohibited unless your teacher specifically tells you that you will use it during
instruction.

FOUNDATIONS OF ALGEBRA CLASS CHECKLIST

Supplies
To improve organizational skills, we require the following supplies:

#2 Pencils
Erasers
2 Spiral Notebooks
Highlighters/ colored pencils
Loose leaf lined and graph paper
TI-30XS Multiview Scientific Calculator
I cannot stress how vital it is that your OWN a scientific calculator and learn how to use it. The
recommended calculator is TI-30XS Multiview. It is typically $15-20 and sold at any office supply store
(OfficeMax, Office Depot, Staples, and Walmart)

P
L
The class always welcomes classroom donations like:
- Tissues
- Hand Sanitizer
E
- Clorox Wipes
- Glue Sticks
- Pencils
A
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Students Name_____________________________________Email______________________________________
E
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Parent/Guardian Contact Information
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Name_____________________________________________ Cell Phone ________________________________
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Email_____________________________________________ Relationship to Student______________________
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Name_____________________________________________ Cell Phone ________________________________
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Email_____________________________________________ Relationship to Student______________________
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Current Address
Street_________________________________________________________________Apt#___________
City_______________________________

State________

Zip Code_________________

Parent/Guardian PLEASE INITIAL:

_______I have read the syllabus, and if I have any questions I will contact Ms. King
_______I understand the procedure on cell phones/mp3 players.
_______I understand what supplies are needed for Foundations of Algebra.
_______I understand the requirements for grade improvement.
_______I understand the academic expectations for Foundations of Algebra.

X____________________________________________ X_____________________________________________
Student Signature

Parent/Guardian Signature