Course Philosophy Algebra 1

Algebra 1 is the introductory course which is essential towards development of reasoning, analyzing and describing contextual situations through a mathematical lens.  Students will learn algebraic symbols, expressions and sentences so that they can model and analyze simulations of real situations. Students will further learn about arithmetic operations, exponentiation, linear and quadratic functions and all the characteristics of the graphs, tables and reasoning attached to the modeled situation.  The course will emphasize a multi-representational approach to learning by expressing and exploring through graphical, numerical, analytical and verbal means.

Course Objective

The main objective of this course is to give students the understanding of algebraic concepts, related mathematical skills and appropriate technology necessary for success on the Summative Semester Exams and in subsequent mathematical courses.   

Class Blog – https://iblog.dearbornschools.org/hewittk/

A description of weekly activities will be posted here along with a link to a calendar of activities and approximate dates of assessments.  Most classwork, notes and assignments will be on the ilearn page The enrollment code for our class page is ______.

Homework

Homework will be in the form of watching videos, reviewing notes and reflecting on the learning the student has done in class.  Students may have homework on a given day to complete work that was given class time to complete.

Quizzes and Tests

These could happen weekly and at the end of each chapter.  

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are not allowed.  Please keep them put away out of sight (not even on your desk).  If I see it, I will take it to the office at the end of the day and the school policy on phones will be enforced.  (no backpacks on top of tables!)

Extra Help

If you are struggling or have a question on a problem, please email Mr. Hewitt at hewittk@dearbornschools.org .  I will either email you back or go over your question in class.  I am available after school Tuesday through Thursday, weekly.

Grading Policy

Each assignment and assessment will be graded and students will receive feedback in a timely manner.  If you are absent for a test or quiz, you will be expected to make it up within 10 school days of the original absence.

For each objective on the assignment the student will receive one of the following scores:

Your goal is to receive a 3 or a 4 on all of your objectives.

Formative:

This includes homework, classwork, explorations, learning skills, etc…

I collect formative work in order to give you feedback.  You are expected to redo your work until it is all correct.  This is to ensure that you do not have any major misunderstandings for tests.  If summative scores are improved from the formative scores, they will replace the formative scores in the gradebook.

Building and district policies in the classroom:

1. The building P.B.I.S initiative will be followed.  Please review the behavior matrix in the student handbook and note the posted behavior expectations for the classroom.
2. The building tardy policy will be in effect.  You will receive an after school detention after you have received 6 tardies (cumulative in All your classrooms, not just mine).  BE ON TIME.
3. The classroom is a RED ZONE.  Please do not use your cell phone unless Mr. Hewitt has specifically asked you to use it for something.  PBIS will apply if you have your phone out.
4. The district attendance policy will apply.  If you accumulate 10 undocumented absences, you will be on audit.  To receive full credit, you will need a 78% or better on a cumulative final exam.  Otherwise, you will receive partial credit.