Algebra IA (1200370)
Grades 9-12

The purpose of this course is to develop the algebraic concepts and processes that can be used to solve a variety of real world and mathematical problems. This is the first of a two year sequence of courses, Algebra IA and Algebra IB. Together, the two courses meet the Algebra I graduation requirement.

Parents,

On the first day of school I spoke to your son/daughter about what they will need to do as a student in order to be successful in Algebra. I advise that you take the opportunity to look over my syllabus provided on the Forest High School website (www.foresthigh.com) and find that this class can be extremely difficult for some students at times. Please also be aware that your son/daughter may pass this class with a good grade but if they are unable to pass the Algebra end of the course exam they will not be awarded the credit for the class until the exam is passed. Unfortunately, there may be some students that will struggle with some of the basic skills needed for success in Algebra. If this is the case, let it be known that I personally give my students the following accommodations in/out of class to help them become successful. It is THEIR responsibility to take full advantage these accommodations and seek out any extra help they will need. These accommodations include but are not limited to:

Audio and visual notes sent home via e-mail to review and use both outside and inside the classroom. Individual instruction offered in the classroom when working on classwork. Extra help in the mornings in my classroom (by appointment) between the hours of 8:00 and 8:30. Free tutoring after school by the National Honor Society (days and times will be posted at a later time). Use of a calculator in and out of class. Extended time to finish work, when requested. They are allowed to retake test after failing the first test (second test will be harder). Review of homework and allowed to make corrections. Homework, classwork, and test posted on my home page. The ability for a parent to check their son/daughters grades at any time on the Marion County Parent Portal.

I encourage you to  talk with son/daughter daily to find out if he/she feels that they may be having problems and encourage them to take advantage of the supports they have been offered. The chapters we will cover in the first week should be review material for your son/daughter, not new material. If they begin to struggle in these chapters they need to realize that from this point each day will become progressively more difficult and without a firm grasp of the concepts, success will be extremely difficult. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail me or contact the guidance office and set up a conference. The success of your son/daughter is the goal and a coordinated approach between the parent, student and me is necessary to guarantee success.

David Kwiatkowski

david.kwiatkowski@marion.k12.fl.us

FHS 352-671-4700

Textbooks: There will be one Algebra book issued to the student at the beginning of the year to keep at home. A class copy of the same book will be available in the classroom. There will also be handouts and manipulatives given to the student through out the year in which they will keep in a portfolio.

1. Needed for Class: (each day)

   1. Notebook paper
   2. 1 ½” 3 ring Binder (Hard Cover)
   3. Pencils/ Pen
   4. 5 notebook tabs
   5. Calculators will be provided in the classroom only. If you need one at home it is up to you to purchase it.(not required)

   You will be required to keep a binder (portfolio) with all the work completed during the year. THIS WILL BE 1 OF YOUR 9 WEEK TEST

2.  

   • Class notes, vocabulary and other materials will be sent to you via email at the beginning of each chapter. It is your responsibility to print them and bring to class. The notes are interactive with voice and writing capabilities. I will be explaining how to use this program during the first week of school. If you have a problem with printing them off you need to notify me immediately, this will be your responsibility.

Grades:  Homework: 18%, Test/Portfolio/Vocabulary: 45%,Class Participation/ Quiz/ FCA’s : 15%,Class/Daily Assignments: 22%

• IMPORTANT: You may earn credit for the class by acquiring a passing grade for the year,  but in order to receive the credit you MUST PASS the end of the year course exam. If you do not pass the exam, the credit will be held until the exam is passed.

Students will be required to keep a binder (portfolio) with all the work completed during the year. THIS WILL BE 45 % OF YOUR 9 WEEKS GRADE ALONG WITH CHAPTER TEST! The portfolio will be graded on organization, neatness, and maintenance. An example of the notebook will be displayed the first week of class. The binder will consist of vocabulary, graphic organizers, concept maps and manipulates for each chapter.

LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY UP T0 THE PROGRESS REPORTS FOR FIRST HALF OF THE NINE WEEKS AND ONE WEEK BEFORE REPORT CARDS THE SECOND HALF OF THE NINE WEEKS. ALL LATE WORK WILL RECEIVE A MAXIUM GRADE OF A 50% NO MATER WHAT WAS MADE ON THE PAPER.  NO EXTENTIONS WILL BE MADE OTHER THAN THE PREVIOUSLY STATED UNLESS OKAYED BY ME!

You were asked to view the contant of this page the first day of class for homework. You have until Wednesday 8/22/12 to varify that you have looked over the syllabus. You will verify this by writing on a piece of paper the following information: PASSWORD "It's great to be a wildcat" and the color of this Password.  Bring the paper to class and present it with your name and class period on it. Don't miss out on your first 100.

Parents please sign up in guidance for the parent portal; this will be the best way to keep up to date on your young adult's current grade.

 ***THERE WILL BE NO EXTRA CREDIT OFFERED DURING THE YEAR***

If a student is absent and it is excused, it will be the Student’s responsibility to request the missed work. Make-up assignments are due a specified number of days after return. If the absence is unexcused no make up will be allowed. Missed assignments can also be found on line at www.foresthigh.org/under the instructional staff link “David Kwiatkowski Website”