Orangewood Academy

Algebra I, 2016 - 2017

Course Syllabus

Instructor
Ms. Shultz
Email: jshultz@orangewoodacademy.com
Phone: (714) 534-4694 ext. 205

Course Description
Algebra I builds upon and incorporates the math you have learned from kindergarten through
pre-algebra. Many of the concepts taught in the first few chapters of Algebra are ones that you
already know and use on a daily basis (e.g. How much will I have to pay if I go to the movies?).
In Algebra, you are simply learning how to mathematically express these questions you are
already used to solving. As you begin to learn how to read and write algebraically, you will see
the usefulness and power behind Algebra. You will then learn to express yourself not only with
algebraic expressions and equations, but also through visual representations such as graphs and
tables. Last, since Algebra is a way of communicating, you will learn not only how to
communicate your ideas algebraically but also how to understand what other people are saying
when they write or depict things algebraically. You will be able to express yourself and
understand others through means of expressions, equations, systems of equations, graphs, and
tables. You will also be able to use these tools to help you answer textbook questions and real-
world scenario questions.

Purpose of Course
The purpose of this course will be different for every person. Some will need it for their future
careers as Engineers, Doctors, Teachers, Animators, Video Game Designers, etc. Others will
need it to pass Standardized Tests such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, and so
forth, from which they will gain admittance into colleges and/or professional programs and earn
scholarships. Every standardized test has Algebra I concepts on it. Furthermore, these methods of
solving problems are applicable to everyones lives. So applicable that every person in this class
has already used algebraic concepts in their lives, though some or many of you may have not
realized it. This year it is my expectation that you will see how you have already been using it
and learn the tools to make it even more powerful in the help it gives you. Last, and perhaps
most importantly, everyone will benefit from the amazing way that math enhances our minds. It
helps us further tap into and use the beautiful minds that God has created for us. It helps us see
things in a new and clearer light. It teaches us a new way to think. It trains our minds to look at
things in logical ways. Learning math activates parts of our mind that could otherwise remain
inactive and useless. The more we use our minds the more we can do with them. Learning math
also teaches us skills in discipline, patience, perseverance, motivation, organization,
communication and positive thinking.
Grading System
Letter grades will be determined using the following weight system:

Tests & Quizzes 85%

Assignments, Khan Acad. & Project(s) 15%

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A 93% - 100% C 73% - 77%
A- 90% - 92% C- 70% - 72%
B+ 88% - 89% D+ 68% - 69%
B 83% - 87% D 63% - 67%
B- 80% - 82% D- 60% - 62%
C+ 78% - 79% F Everything else

Current grades will be updated on Renweb every Friday afternoon.

Materials
1. Textbook: Larson (2012). Algebra 1.
2. Writing utensil(s)
3. Scientific Calculator (only for later in the year)
4. Khan Academy Account

Homework
Your homework is designed to prepare you. So take it seriously and work every problem until
you are sure you understand the techniques involved. If you have any questions about an
assignment, it is your responsibility to ask. I am happy to help.

Some problems will appear exactly as the examples we work in class, but others will stretch your
thinking and require you to study the reading section of the assignment carefully. This is so you
learn not only step-by-step procedures, but also really understand the concepts being taught.
Some assignments may also have supplementary questions from previous sections in order to
review past concepts and ensure maximum retention.

Brain studies tell us that the discomfort and frustration you feel when you hit more difficult
problems are extremely critical to mastering a new skill. Just as sore muscles indicate growth on
the athletic field, a sore brain indicates you are smarter now than you were before.

Homework is assigned every day

Due at beginning of class
Late work receives half credit
Must show work to receive credit
I will grade for completion, you are responsible for checking the accuracy
Khan Academy
Each of you is required to have a Khan Academy Account. This will be a way for you to have
more individualized practice, allowing you to work on past topics and/or move ahead if you can.
It will also be another source for you to go to when you have questions. You will be responsible
for practicing for a certain amount of time each week, which I will be able to monitor. This will
be part of your homework grade.

Project(s)
Each semester a project may be assigned. You will be given advance notice of the project and
given an appropriate amount of time to complete it. If you are going to be absent the day it is
due, you must make arrangements to turn it in early.

Quizzes
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and given at any point during a class period. Quiz
problems will be similar to problems on homework assignments and those done in class.
However, just as with homework assignments, they may not be exactly the same. There may be
some problems that are more difficult that test for understanding rather than only memorization
of steps. Work must be shown to receive credit. Retakes are not given.

Chapter Tests
A test will be given after every chapter. Tests will be a way to determine how much of the
material you have learned. The questions will be similar to questions you have had on homework
assignments and seen in class during lectures and group work. Some questions will be designed
to stretch your thinking, testing for understanding and not only memorization of steps. These
types of questions may not be exactly like other problems you have seen. All tests will have
some questions from previous chapters to ensure maximum retention of material. Retakes are not
given.

Final Exam
The final exam will be given at the end of each semester and will determine students knowledge
over all material covered so far. First semester will be an exam over first semester material.
Second semester will be an exam over first and second semester material. There will be review
days in class prior to these exams. Retakes are not given.

Absences & Make-Up Work

If absent, you are responsible for going to the absent folder to see what you have missed. I will
give an appropriate amount of time to make it up on a case-by-case basis. If you will miss an
exam, you need to contact me ahead of time. If it is a last minute illness, I need an email before
class and you will need to meet with me when you return. A makeup time will be scheduled
when you meet with me. Students who miss more than two test dates during a semester will
forfeit the opportunity to have a make-up exam for any future missed test dates. Keep in mind,
you will not receive the same test as everyone else.
Tutoring/Homework Help
Please come to me if you have any questions. I will be available to help students after school
Monday - Thursday until 5pm and after school Friday until 2pm with the exception of Tuesday
staff meetings. I will often be available before school, during lunch times, and later than the
times written above, as well, though those times arent guaranteed.

Class Conduct
1. Be prepared.
Come to class on time with all of your materials, your homework completed, and in your
seat ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Stay on task.
3. Help others stay on task.
4. Be respectful.
5. Seek help when you need it.

Cheating Policy
Cheating in any form is an extremely serious academic offense both at the high school level, in
college, and in the work force. There will be zero toleration of cheating in this class. I will take
appropriate measures to minimize the opportunities to cheat in this class, and if cheating does
occur I will report it to the office. As a reminder, this is OAs Cheating Policy:
1. First offense: Failed assignment/quiz/test. Contact your parents.
2. Second offense: Failed course. Meeting with parents.
3. Third offense: Asked to withdraw from academy.

*For those who need clarification about what constitutes cheating ...
1. If you turn in any work that you did not personally do, or if anyone turns in any work on your behalf that you did
not do, that is cheating.
2. You can work in pairs or even groups on homework, but the work must be collaborative discussion and problem
solving. It is NOT OK to divide the homework up among the study group and have different people work on
different parts.
3. It is NOT OK to electronically transmit or allow any portion of your homework to be copied by another member
of the class even if the assure you they will not use it as their own. If you do this, both parties are guilty of
cheating.
4. It is NOT OK to copy, or even to paraphrase words written by others even if the sources is one of your fellow
students unless you credit them for the words. This is the law, not just school policy.
5. If you get an answer on a test from any source other than your own brain, that is cheating.
6. If you miss a test without letting me know in advance (regardless of the reason) I will reduce your score to reflect
the unfair advantage you have over your fellow students. If it happens more than once you will lose points
regardless of whether you notify me or not. So send me an email if you arent going to make it.
7. If you do anything which gives you, or anyone else in the class an advantage over the rest of the class, consider it
cheating unless you have checked with me in advance.

Note: If you feel like you need to do any of the above things to succeed, take that as a signal to come ask me for
help!

*The syllabus is subject to change per Ms. Shultzs request

My parents and I have read and discussed the information about my mathematics class
and agree to abide by these requirements.

__________________________! ! ! ! __________________________
Students Name (Printed)! ! ! ! ! Students Signature

__________________________! ! ! ! __________________________
Period!! ! ! ! ! ! ! Parent/Guardians Signature

__________________________! ! ! ! __________________________
Home Phone #! ! ! ! ! ! Work/Cell Phone #

__________________________! ! ! !
Email Address

Return this sheet to Ms. Shultz with all information in place for 10 points of assignment
credit.

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