Ms.
Mancini 2 Algebra Honors
Contact Me!
Email: ​mancinie@eths.k12.il.us
Phone: (847) 424-7625
Website: msmancini.weebly.com
Room: N312
Dale Leibforth
Math Department Chair
Email: ​leibforthd@eths.k12.il.us
Phone: (847) 424-7600
Room: N216
Course Description
2 Algebra Honors is a challenging advanced algebra course that focuses on problem solving and algebraic manipulation.
This course is function-based, where we will study the connections between each function, their related graphs, and
how they arise in the world around us. Our ultimate goal is to become a group of independent, yet collaborative,
problem solvers who can analyze information/patterns and approach problems with a critical eye.

I expect that you will… You can expect that I will …

● Come to class on time, excited to learn
● Bring the required materials each day
● Check the course website/classroom daily
● Work cooperatively and use your peers as a
resource in learning
● Persist through challenging concepts
● Seek help when needed
● Take responsibility for your learning
● Have CONFIDENCE in your abilities , but also
know mistakes are how we ​learn.
● Come to class on time, excited to teach
● Create activities that are relevant and
intellectually stimulating
● Update the website and grades in a timely
manner
● Appreciate the ideas and knowledge you
bring to the class
● Make myself available and offer resources to
help you
● Teach skills applicable outside of this class
● Have high expectations for your success.

Classroom Resources
● Extra Help:
1) AM Support: Daily from 8-8:30 in N312
2) Math Study Center: staffed by a math teacher every period in the Hub
3) South Study Café: staffed by a math teacher during every lunch period
4) Wildkit Academy: receive support on select Saturdays. See calendar for dates
5) ETHS tutoring program OR tutors for hire: please talk to me if interested.

If all else fails, ​please talk to me​ to schedule an appointment during mutual free time

Technology
● Check the ​website​ for reminders, calendars, class activities, solutions, and general resources.
● Sign up for ​Google Classroom​ with the class code ​nvmxoi
● Sign up for ​EdPuzzle​ with the class code ​lekujlo
● Follow my classroom twitter ​@msmanciniETHS​. Use this resource responsibly to ask questions and tweet course
related findings. As with all district technology resources, usage is governed by the district’s Acceptable Use
Policy (​http://tinyurl.com/ethsaup​). Please do your best to maintain the secure and working condition of all
ETHS technology resources.
Learning Portfolio
Your binder will be used to store your “learning portfolio”. This will house all pre-test work including notes (video &
class), practices, assessments, and corrections. This portfolio is a representation of your learning process, or what I like
to call “evidence of learning”. If you wish to retake an assessment, you will need to go over your portfolio with me.

Practice
● Video Notes (0%): ​Instructional videos will be assigned for homework, almost daily. These videos will vary in
length from 7-15 minutes. To be successful in this class, it is crucial that you watch all videos before the concepts
are discussed and practiced in class. I will not reteach this same lesson in class. You are expected to take notes
on each video and write down questions as you have them.
● In Class Practice (ICP- 0%)​: ICPs are assignments and activities that practice the content introduced in videos.
Often these are problems from the book, but they may also be notes, labs, activities, projects, warm ups, exit
slips, etc. I may assign ICPs to be finished at home, as needed.

Assessments
● Formative Assessments (0%):​ formative assessments are given to help both you and I monitor your progress.
These are NOT for a grade, but for feedback purposes. To have success in 2H, it is essential that you consider
these a learning opportunity and use the results to grow before a summative assessment.
● Summative Assessments (100%):​ summative assessments are given to evaluate your learning. These will count
for a grade.
○ 75% tests (1 at the end of this unit, 3 units per quarter)
○ 25% quizzes (1-3 per unit, 1 topic each)
● Corrections (0%):​ I expect that you check and correct ​ALL the work​ you do in this class (practice and
assessments). The best way to learn is to make mistakes and then reflect/improve upon your own thinking.
Corrections will be checked or collected as I see fit. ​Use this template to complete corrections on assessments.

Retake Policy
You may earn the opportunity to RE-DEMONSTRATE your mastery of content on ANY TEST if…
● You present evidence of 100% completion on all practice tasks
● You correct all mistakes on both ICPs and assessments (​tests & quizzes​)
● You schedule a time to meet with me to reflect on your learning and review requirements in learning portfolio
● You fill out the official reassessment request form

Grades

Ultimately, we are going to become ​a community​ that is invested in one another’s success as much as our own. We will
support one another ​and keep the lines of ​communication open ​to ensure that we meet the goals you set for yourself.
You will build ​close relationships​ with everyone in our room throughout this journey, ​and your opinions and ideas will
be valued. ​This class will ​challenge​ you daily because that is how we become better thinkers. I hope to show you why
we learn math and that you find relevance in its roots of ​problem solving​. I know​ you are all capable ​of finding a
connection with the course and the ​success​ that follows. Welcome to 2H!! I am thrilled to share this year with you.
 Course Outline
Chapter Described by the Book Described by Ms. Mancini

R Basic Concepts of Algebra Collecting “tools” for your “tool box”.

Develop the fundamental skills you
need to master to access content
that transcends most other chapters.

1 Graphs, Functions, and Models Review/study algebraic skills and

notations used to describe the
functions studied in the course. Build
fondation using the most familiar
function, linear functions.

2 Functions, Equations, and Inequalities Quadratics! What is a quadratic?

What does it look like? What are its
critical features? How can we
manipulate a quadratic? Why do they
exist? Part 2 is more about
developing solving skills.

3 Polynomial and Rational Functions Polynomial and rational functions!

Part 1 breaks down polynomials, and
part 2 breaks down rationals. What
are they? What do they look like?
What are their critical features? Why
do they exist? How do we manipulate
them?

4 Exponential and Logarithmic Exponential and log functions! Did

Functions you know a log is the inverse of an
exponent? We will dive into what this
looks like in ALL ways.

8 Systems of Equations and Matrices Remember systems in 2 variables?

We get to transfer these skills to
systems in 3 variables and beyond.
Did you know matrices can help us
solve system? Did you know matrices
do a lot of other cool & practical
things?

9 Conic Sections Conic sections are created by slicing a

cone at different angles. Their shapes
are ever present in our world and
help us practice the algebraic skills
we have developed this year.

10 Sequences, Series, and Combinatorics Think recognizing and analyzing

patterns, with a side of learning how
to quantify (count) really big things.
We will wrap this up with probability.