Course+Guidelines

The long-winded version. Dual Credit Students - See the Dual Credit Course Information

ALGEBRA 2 MRS. BAUMER Class website: __ http://spartanalgebra.wikispaces.com __ abaumer@fayette.k12.in.us, 825-1151 x255 In Algebra 2 we build on Algebra I skills and focus on new and challenging material. In order to be successful in this class each student must come to class ready to learn, commit to understanding and remembering the material, and complete assignments on time. Algebra 2 is a challenging course which is required for graduation. Active participation and completion of assignments will be essential to your success in this course.

GUIDELINES I expect you to:
 * //Be on time//. If you are not in the room you are Tardy - unless you have a written pass.
 * //Be prepared// for class with required materials (book, pencil, eraser, paper, folder, notes, …).
 * //Be courteous and respectful// to everyone in the classroom and building at all times.
 * //Do your best// on all assignments. Complete all assignments on time.
 * //Participate// in all class discussions and activities and work productively with your classmates.
 * //Follow ALL school and classroom rules// (see student handbook).

MATERIALS
 * pencils, eraser, paper, math notebook, folder, 2 inch binder
 * scientific (TI-30X IIS is a good choice) or graphing calculator (TI-84)

GRADING

The school grading scale (see student handbook) will be used and semester grades will be determined by:

1st 6 weeks = 30% 2nd 6 weeks = 30% 3rd 6 weeks = 30% Semester Final Exam = 10%

ASSIGNMENTS (about 10% of your grade)
 * //Homework// and //classwork// are essential to learning algebra and will be assigned daily. Homework should be complete and ready to discuss the following day.
 * Assignments will usually be collected at the beginning of the class period. Homework may be turned in one or two days late for //partial// credit; points will be deducted for each day it is late. //No credit will be given for assignments turned in after the chapter test.//
 * Assignments will be graded in a variety of ways. //Work must be shown// and all work should be neat and legible and include the date and page number. If I can’t read it or find it, it is wrong.

QUIZZES AND TESTS (about 90% of your grade)
 * The math department at CHS has implemented a grading system more closely based on mastery of standards. Therefore assessments will make up the bulk of your grade.
 * The research is in: Tests are a very good learning device and frequent testing seems to be a better learning tool than just studying the material. The more you retrieve, the easier it is to retrieve. Halamish, V & Bjork, R. (2011). //When does testing enhance retention? A distribution-based interpretation of retrieval as a memory modifier//. Journal of Experimental Psychology. Vol 37(4), 801-812.
 * Assessments will occur frequently. In addition to major quizzes and chapter tests, we will usually start class with a review quiz to help keep old material fresh and test understanding of current topics. Each six weeks your lowest 2 review quiz scores will be dropped.
 * If you are absent you have **only 2 days** to make-up any quizzes. These quizzes must be made up during SRT or before or after school by appointment. They may **not** be made up during class.
 * //Work must be shown// and be legible for full credit.


 * Algebra 2 CourseGuidelines **: We have discussed and understand the information contained in this document. Return by August 22, 2011

_____________________ ______________________ __________________ __________________  Student’s Signature Parent’s Signature Parent e-mail Phone#


 * IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO BE HERE EVERYDAY!** Students with 2 or fewer absences from Algebra 2 may opt out of the final exam. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check the assignment board or our class website: __http://spartanalgebra.wikispaces.com__ for make-up work and to copy the notes from a classmate. Generally you will have 2 days to make up missed assignments.

YOU are responsible for making arrangements to make up tests and quizzes in a timely manner – you must ask me at an appropriate time. //Work that is not made up in a timely manner will result in a failing score. Also, if your absence is unexcused or unverified, you will receive a zero for any assignments or quizzes during the absence.//

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/RULES – Students are expected to follow all school rules. Usually, I will give a verbal warning the first time and a write-up and/or removal to Isolated Instruction at subsequent offenses. No warnings will be given for cellphone or electronics offenses. Here are some highlights:
 * No food and no drinks in the classroom. Water will be allowed unless it becomes a problem.
 * Bathroom/Locker Pass – You must have a pass to leave class – either from a staff member or from your handbook. Passes will not be granted during the beginning of class or when I am teaching.
 * Headphones, cell phones, personal grooming items, toys and other items not required for math class – MUST NOT BE SEEN OR HEARD in this classroom. See handbook.
 * Use class time wisely.
 * Academic Honesty: I expect each of you to hand in your own work. Any form of cheating, plagiarizing, or copying will not be tolerated. Students involved will receive a zero on the assignment; additional consequences are in your school handbook.
 * //All disciplinary actions will follow the process outlined in the school handbook//.

GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS
 * 1) //Attitude// and //effort// are the keys to success.
 * 2) HOMEWORK MUST BE COMPLETED DAILY. Don’t fall behind on your assignments. Work additional odd problems in each section to ensure understanding of difficult concepts.
 * 3) Don’t give up too easily when trying homework problems. Spend at least 5 minutes thinking about or trying a problem before giving up.
 * 4) Look for help in your textbook or online. [|//www.purplemath.com//] has excellent explanations for most Algebra 2 topics. Online videos: //__youtube.com__// and math websites often have helpful instructional videos.
 * 5) Ask questions.
 * 6) Be sure to show work. Just the answer is rarely acceptable.
 * 7) IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL HELP, I am available during SRT, after school by appointment, or by e-mail. Or, form a study group that meets weekly or more often. //Don’t wait until you are totally lost to get help.//

INDIANA ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR ALGEBRA 2 The Indiana Academic Standards for all courses may be found at []. The State Course Overview for Algebra 2 is 18 pages long. View it at: //http://indianadoe.buildyourowncurriculum.com/Public/Course_Summary_Report.aspx?ID=33503//

*Note: I reserve the right to modify these procedures and rules at any time. You will be informed of changes.*