Algebra 1A 2011-2012
~ Mrs. Ragan ~

COURSE OBJECTIVE
The primary purpose of this course is to build a foundation of basic skills and properties of Algebra I and develop problem solving skills and logical thinking. Topics covered include order of operations, real number operations, solving equations, polynomial operations, and factoring.

COURSE MATERIALS
You will need the following everyday:
Textbook: Algebra 1 Structure and Method Book 1  (Houghton Mifflin)
Pencils
Pen
3 ring binder with notebook paper.
 All assignments, tests, and quizzes must be done in pencil. Demerits will be given if you are not prepared for class, especially if you do not have a pencil.

COURSE GRADES
Course grades will be assigned according to the diocesan grading scale as found in your agenda book. During each semester, points will be earned in the following categories:

Quizzes (25%)
Throughout each chapter there will be quizzes.
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. 

Tests (40%)
After each chapter you will have an test over the covered material. 
Tests will be announced and reviewed for during class.  
Projects may also be given and count as a test grade.

Homework/Classwork (25%)
Homework will be assigned daily and must be completed in pencil! Homework will be completed in your math binder following each section of notes unless told otherwise.  Each homework assignment will be worth 5 points.  One point will be given for notes and one for the warm-up.  The other three points will be given based on completion and/or correctness of homework.  Each assignment will be due at the start of class the following day with all work shown. If you do not show work, you will not receive any credit!  
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Make-up work will be accepted for full credit for excused absences which must be turned in within a week of the absence.  In class assignments will be worth 5 points and recorded with the same weight as a homework assignment. 

Final (10%)
A cumulative semester exam will be given both semesters.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
The rules and regulations as outlined in the agenda book will be enforced.

Be Respectful
At ALL times, students are expected to be respectful to the teacher, and the other students.  No food or drink, except water in clear containers, is allowed in the classroom.  Visible cell phones and other electronic devices will be confiscated and turned into the office. 

Be Prompt
  Attendance will be taken at the bell.  If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you will be issued a demerit. I dismiss class not the bell.

Be Prepared
  Everyday you will need your book, binder with your homework, a pencil, pen.  Failure to not be prepared will result in a demerit.

Cheating
  Any student found to be copying another student’s homework, or allowing another student to copy his/her homework will receive a zero for that assignment.  Any student found to be communicating in ANY way during a test or quiz will receive a ZERO  There will be no communications between students until the teacher has notified the class that all tests have been completed.  For more serious infractions, the student may also be reported to the office.  Further action could be taken.

 Passes 
I will issue you four passes for the semester. They can only be used during non-instructional time.  You must have your pass and your agenda book to leave.  Each pass entitles you to one trip to the restroom, drinking fountain or locker. Unused passes will be worth extra credit on your final exam.

Absences
  If you are absent, you are responsible for missed notes and assignments.  Upon your return, you must turn in all work that was due on the day of your absence.  You will have one week to turn in all work you missed while you were gone. I will record each day’s assignment in my agenda book.  If you are absent the day of a quiz or test, you will have to schedule a time to take the quiz/test before or after school.  The make-up must be completed within one week of your return or you will receive a zero.  If you are absent the day before a quiz or test, you will be required to take the quiz/test on the assigned day.

Calculators
  Calculators will not be used in this class until further notice.

Extra Credit
  There will be various opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester.

CONTACT INFORMATION
It is my goal that every student is not only successful in learning Algebra 1, but successful in life.
If you have questions or need extra help be sure to ask for it!
I am in room 401 before and after school for extra help.

Email: raganjennifer@bcchs.org

I have read and understand the information in this syllabus:

Student Signature: _________________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________

The teacher reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus.