Intensive Math Syllabus Michael M. Krop Senior High

1410 County Line Road Mrs. Abolsky-Babyatsky 2011-2012 wabolsky@dadeschools.net

http://74.53.27.98/~mkhscom/index.htm

Course Description: By taking this course you are about to begin an exciting mathematical journey. On this journey you will gather the necessary skills and tools toss be a part of the mathematical world.

Intensive Math Topics: Topics covered in this course include patterns in mathematics, linear equations and inequalities and their functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, proportional reasoning, exponents, quadratic equations and functions, rational expressions and functions, matrices.

Course Objectives: Students will acquire and demonstrate knowledge of concepts, definitions, properties, and applications of the topics listed above, as well as develop the computational skills and strategies needed to solve problems. Students will develop critical thinking and decision-making skills by connecting concepts to practical applications.

Expectations: Proper classroom behavior leads to success in class. You must always be willing to listen to each other, to participate actively, to ask questions, and to help each other when asked. Remember you can accomplish much more cooperatively than you can individually. I expect you to follow all rules and procedures as well as the following:

Once you enter the classroom you are expected to be ready to learn and participate. Copy down the agenda everyday as soon as you come into class, and copy EVERYTHING written on the board. Pencils must be sharpened BEFORE class begins. All work must be done in pencil only. You must attend to your personal needs between classes. Bathroom passes will be issued on an individual basis and

for emergences only. Do not begin to pack up before I give you permission. The bell does not dismiss you: I do. Do not get out of your seat

until I say it is time to leave. Actively listen at all times and DO NOT talk while others are talking. All school rules are followed and obeyed in this room. Disruptive behavior or rudeness will NOT be tolerated. We will be courteous and treat each other with respect.

Materials: One 2-2.5 inch three ring notebook. (It will fill quickly) 4 function calculator Mini stapler Four dividers Plenty of lined paper Graph Paper Pencils and erasers

Grading Policy: Your nine-week grade is determined by combining several assessments including homework, in class investigations/participation, notebook, projects, quizzes and tests. A nine-week grade or final grade will only have a teacher over-ride if there is a mistake made. Under no other circumstance will an over-ride be made, so do not ask!

Grading 9 Weeks (approximately)

Category Number of Times Given Equivalent PercentQuizzes/Mini Quizzes 5-10 4 points /2points eachNotebook 1 or more 3 points eachParticipation Weekly 2 point eachClass work Daily 1 point each

Grading Scale: (100-90) A (89-80) B (79-70) C (69-60) D (59 and below) F

Classwork: Intensive Math is designed to help students prepare for the Algebra 1 End Of Course Exam. You will often be given class time to work in groups to discuss the lesson and classwork. What you do not finish in class must be finished at home. All classwork assignments will be posted daily on the grade book under the narration section. Classwork is a place for you to learn and make mistakes; therefore your grade will be based on the amount of effort given to each problem. Each day when you come to class you will record how many problems you attempted. Attempted does not mean that you copied down the problem. Attempting the problem means that you completed the process of solving the problem to the best of your ability. Classwork will be collected and recorded daily. For attempting all the problems you will receive A, for about three fourths of the problems C, for less than half a D, and for not doing any of your classwork an F.

Sample Classwork Log To Be Stapled To The Front Of Each Weekly Packet

Week #1 Name:Date Assigned Assignment Attempted/Total #

ProblemsGrade

1 Mon.8/22/11

2-3 Tues./Wed8/23/118/24/11

4 Thurs.8/25/11

5 Fri.8/26/11

Since your classwork grade is based on effort, it is up to you to make sure you understand all the problems and concepts. You are cheating yourself by copying the answers from a teammate. Tutoring will be available for additional help.

Quizzes : You will have weekly quizzes based on classwork problems and lessons learned during that week. Some quizzes may be announced and others may be given without notice. Students will be informed of the scheduled quiz date. In order to do well mastery of all concepts must be demonstrated. Partial credit is given for showing your work on these assessments.

Cheating: (including copying) will not be tolerated. It will result in an F on the assignment and a D in conduct for the term. Parents will be notified. Givers and receivers will be equally punished.

Notebook: You must bring your Math Notebook with you every day to class and have it out on your desk. No other subject material may be in your notebook. Non-compliance may result in an F for your notebook grade (which are unannounced). If this happens more than once you will receive a phone call home. NO EXCEPTIONS OR EXCUSES! See notebook Contract for more information about your notebook.

Participation: Class participation is crucial to your success. Although this class is about Algebra I and related skills, it is also about working together and learning from each other. The best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Trying to explain an idea will help you to sort out what you do and don’t understand. Participation points can be earned by presenting problems to students.

Attendance and Missed Assignments: Mathematics is a challenging subject. Since many topics build on one another, daily participation is a must. DO NOT GET BEHIND IN YOUR COUSE WORK. It is difficult to catch up; thus any absence, excused or unexcused, will indirectly affect your grade. If you are in any extracurricular activities, try your best not to miss class. If you must, it is your responsibility to make up what you missed. No teacher has the right to keep you from my class without my permission. Failure to do so will mean your absence is considered unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in zeros for missed assignments. Only those students with an excused absence will be permitted to turn in missed assignments. If you are absent, assignments that were given on the last day you attended class will only be accepted the day you return. The number of days to complete missed

assignments is equal to the number of days absent from school. It is up to you to ask for your missed assignment and turn them in within the permitted time. I strongly suggest that you check the grade book for the assignments so you do not fall behind.

If you are absent on the day of a quiz, you may come in the following morning before school starts to make up the quiz. If you are absent the day of a test, you must schedule an appointment with me to make up the test; you will have one week upon your return to do so. If you fail to make up the test you will receive a 0 for that test.

Tutoring: If you need extra help I am available before school every day from 6:50-7:15 and by appointment after school. There is also tutoring several afternoons by Mu Alpha Theta. See monthly schedule.

A good study tip: The morning of a quiz is not the time to start asking questions. In order to do well on a quiz, ask questions as you have them.

Together we can make this a successful and meaningful experience!Have a great year.Mrs. Abolsky-Babyatsky