Core Connections Algebra 2

Mr. Summy – jeff.summy@ankenyschools.org

Mrs. Hoodjer – hanna.hoodjer@ankenyschools.org

2017-2018

Course Description Core Connections Algebra 2 is the third course in a five-year sequence of rigorous college preparatory mathematics

courses that starts with Algebra I and continues through Calculus. It aims to apply and extend what students have

learned in previous courses by focusing on finding connections between multiple representations of functions,

transformations of different function families, finding zeros of polynomials and connecting them to graphs and

equations of polynomials, modeling periodic phenomena with trigonometry, and understanding the role of

randomness and the normal distribution in making statistical conclusions.

On a daily basis, students in Core Connections Algebra 2 use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating,

analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their

thinking. Students learn in collaboration with others while sharing information, expertise, and ideas.

The course is well balanced between procedural fluency (algorithms and basic skills), deep conceptual

understanding, strategic competence (problem solving), and adaptive reasoning (extension and transference). The

lessons in the course meet all of the content standards, including the “plus” standards, of Appendix A of

the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics . The course embeds the CCSS Standards for Mathematical

Practice as an integral part of the lessons in the course. (description taken from http://cpm.org/cca2).

The Three Pillars of CPM (Attaining Long Term Knowledge):

Cooperative Learning, Problem-Based Learning, Mixed-Spaced Practice

E-book / Textbook Information Our course uses the book Core Connections Algebra 2, published by CPM – College Preparatory Mathematics. All

students will have access to an e-book for the entire year. We will also have physical textbooks in our classroom to use

as we work through the different activities and investigations done to help us learn the concepts. Many textbook

resources for students, teachers, and parents can be found at the website http://cpm.org/cca2.

Required Materials and Supplies (bring these supplies to class each day) Chromebook, Pens, pencils, erasers, and loose leaf paper

Graphing calculator – I would recommend a TI-83 or TI-84. This is a vital class tool and the only calculator you may use on an assessment. See me if you need assistance acquiring a calculator for class use

Algebra 2 Study Team Expectations We will work primarily in student study teams in this class. In order to get the most from your team, there are several guidelines that we will practice in class:

- Students will be expected to participate daily. - No talking outside of your team. - Discuss questions with your team before asking the teacher. - Keep your conversations on the math. - Explain and justify your ideas, give statements and reasons. - Use study team voice levels. - Help your teammate by asking good questions and giving hints, not by giving the answers. - No one alone is as smart as all of us together. Do not leave anyone behind or let anyone work ahead.

Your team is not done until everyone is done.

Algebra 2 Test Assessment Policy Assessments in Algebra 2 are spiraled in nature, meaning that concepts that appear on a unit assessment appear on

subsequent assessments as well. There are several reasons for this policy:

● Spiraled content on assessments is research-based

● To encourage retention of knowledge learned throughout the course

● To empower students to be successful in this and future mathematics courses

● To allow students multiple opportunities to assess on course objectives

● To allow students to demonstrate mastery over time

● To gain a true picture of student achievement rather than a one-time snapshot

As a result of this practice, students will no longer need to “re -take” a unit test. Students can focus on new learning

while developing mastery of past concepts over time. This practice is in accordance with Board Policy 602.02 and the

district’s vision for Standards-Referenced Grading.

Grading Setup Your semester grade will be calculated by weighting the 18-week grade 90% and the semester exam 10%. Homework: Homework is not optional, it is a requirement. Homework is practice, and students need to be

able to make mistakes and not be penalized. However, very few students perform well on assessments without at least some practice. The sooner you learn to do homework for learning – instead of just for points – the better off you will be. Homework completion will be recorded and posted on Infinite Campus. Homework will count for 10% of your 18-week grade.

Assessments: Tests will always have problems from previous chapters. Often, a topic may be introduced in

one chapter, but mastery of the topic is not expected until a later chapter. In that case, the topic will not show up on a test until the later chapter when mastery is expected. Assessments will count for 90% of your 18-week grade.

Categories/Weighting in Infinite Campus:

Standard Interpreting

Functions Creating

Equations Building

Functions Polynomials &

Rational Expressions Trig

Functions Complex Numbers

Linear and Exponential Models

Weight 22 8 14 8 8 18 12

Grading Scale for Non-weighted Classes:

Minimum Percent

92.5 89.5 86.5 82.5 79.5 76.5 72.5 69.5 66.5 62.5 59.5 Below 59.5

Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F

Attendance As a student, your primary responsibility is to learn. To do this, you are expected to be in class every day, before the bell

rings and prepared for class (supplies out, notebook ready, previous homework ready, etc.) If you miss a test or quiz, you will be expected to take it when you return to school .

Extra Credit and Bonus Points To ensure that grades reflect progress toward and achievement of the standards, giving extra credit points or bonus

points will not occur in this class.

Behavioral Expectations The work habits/behavior standards are for grades 6-12 courses in our district. These work habits/behavior standards

will be reported throughout the semester and are as follows: Organization and Readiness

Productivity and Accountability Collaboration Skills

For those of you accessing this document electronically, the work habits tool can be accessed here. We will be using the

following performance levels:

Performance Levels for Work Habits/Behavior Standards

MS PM DM NE

Meets Standard Partially Meets Standard Doesn’t Meet Standard No Evidence

These descriptors are intended for feedback and communication and do not impact a student’s GPA.

Getting Extra Help Every student will need extra help at some time during the year. I want each of you to do the very best job you can in

your study of algebra 2. I am willing to help you as much as I can to ensure your success. There are two things that you

need to do for yourself though… PRACTICE and ASK QUESTIONS!

Here are some different places and times that you can get help: - Before school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - After school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in S.O.S. (teachers and peer tutors

available to help you!) - Check with me and schedule appointments as needed - Your E-book has a section where you can get hints for help on the homework - The CPM website, www.cpm.org/cca2 , also has a section for Student Support as well as Parent

Support (look in the left hand column).

How to Contact Us Feel free to e-mail or call with any questions or concerns that you have about the class or how you're doing in the class

or anything else on your mind. becky.hannasch@ankenyschools.org devin.hansen@ankenyschools.org