Algebra 1

In the state of Texas, Algebra 1 is the first math course students take in the high school curriculum. It can be a difficult course and may, at times, require additional time for preparation and practice. The students are expected to come to class each day with their completed homework, the proper materials and the motivation to succeed in Algebra 1.

Grading Procedures

The final grade a student receives will be calculated as follows: Tests will be 50% of your grade for each cycle. Quizzes and major assignments will make up 40% of your grade for each cycle. All major assignments will be designated as such when they are assigned. Daily grades will constitute the remaining 10% of your grade. Daily work will include both classroom work and homework. Some assignments will be graded for completion while other assignments will be collected with some of the problems to be graded for correctness.

Homework

Students should expect to have homework assigned at every class meeting. The intent of each homework assignment is to give students an opportunity to practice the skills introduced and modeled in the classroom. Homework will be checked the next class meeting (unless otherwise stated by the teacher). A homework grade is usually based on effort and completion. If homework is not handed in when asked for, no credit is given or will be given for any late work. No one is allowed to go to his/her locker to get homework. The homework should show the work the student has done, along with the answers, to receive credit.

Classroom Rules:

The students will come to class prepared with their notebook, textbook and pencil.

Students need to be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings. The School Tardy Policy is in the student TimeTracker.

Before leaving class, students will be expected to pick up and dispose of any trash in and around their work areas.

Students should do their own work.

Working on assignments for another class is not allowed unless granted by the teacher.

All assignments should be handed in on time. Late work will not be accepted. If a student does not have an assignment at the

The students will treat others with respect and courtesy. When doing group activities in the classroom, it is important that you listen to each other and always keep the volume of your discussions at an acceptable level.

The students will refrain from eating, drinking, gum chewing, and personal grooming in class.

The students will refrain from sleeping in class, putting their heads down on the desks, propping their heads on their hands or slouching down in their desks.

Adhere to all rules in DeBakey High School’s student handbook and HISD’s Code of Student Conduct.

Cheating of any kind will result in a zero.

Consequences:

Warning

Detention

Parent Phone Call /counselor referral

Referral to Assistant Principal

**The above consequences are for a violation of classroom rules or Level I rules. All violations of other levels will result in consequences as specified in the Student Code of Conduct.

Textbook

McDougal Littell Algebra 1 2007 Texas edition (specific textbook aligned resources available at classzone.com)

Classroom Materials/Supplies:

Each student should have a binder with filler paper or a spiral notebook with a small binder to organize and keep all returned papers

Graph paper (either 4 or 5 squares per inch) is a necessary daily supply for Algebra 1.

Here are a few internet links for printable graph paper or dot paper.

dotpaper (Microsoft word document)
Graphpaper - 4 squares per inch
Graphpaper - 5 squares per inch
Dotpaper - 4 squares per inch
Incompetech.com - website to make custom graph paper and dot paper

Students should always bring a pencil to class and should always do their homework in pencil as well. Highlighters and colored pencils are optional but helpful, but not required.

Students will be assigned a specific TI-83 graphing calculator for use in the classroom. They should leave their personal graphing calculator at home (unless needed for another class). Purchasing a graphing calculator for home use is optional, but encouraged. Work assigned as homework will NOT require a graphing calculator.

I have a classroom set of rulers. However, you will need to have a ruler at home for use on assigned homework.

Any donations of facial tissue and paper towels will be greatly appreciated.

Make-up work

Any student missing a class must bring an official permit to the class for a teacher’s signature within 3 days of returning to school. Students are responsible for the work they miss when absent from class for any reason. It is wise to contact 2 classmates to find out what you have missed. Students who are absent on the day an assignment is given will have three school (calendar) days to make up the work. Students who are absent on the day an assignment is due or test is given must be prepared to complete the assignment/test the day they return to school. The teacher reserves the right to give extensions, in writing, for students with extended illnesses or emergencies, on a case-by-case basis. Extensions will not be given for lack of organization or planning on the part of the student (inkless printers, forgotten materials, last minute realizations that you need help, etc.) Do not put any work in the teacher’s mailbox, under the classroom door, on the teacher’s desk unless told to do so.

The teacher is available daily, but appointment, for tutoring before school (7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.) and at B lunch. The school also offers Title I tutorials after school from 3:25 p.m. – 4:25 p.m. Students can go to any of the participating teachers they wish, but must be in the room for tutoring by 3:25 p.m. Ms. Winkler will be tutoring in the afterschool program. The days of availability will be announced and posted.

Extra Credit

There are no opportunities for individual extra credit in this class. Bonus points, however, are given on some quizzes and extra assignments may be offered to all.

Progress Reports

Progress reports will be given to all students during the 4th week of each 6 weeks. Students who have a number of missing homework assignments or who have not returned their signed progress report and their grade is less than a 75, may receive multiple progress reports for that cycle.

Scope and Sequence for Algebra 1A

The following topics will be taught in the Algebra 1 Course (not necessarily in this order).

Simplifying Expressions

Rules for operations with signed numbers (first integers then rational numbers)

Order of operations

Evaluating expressions

Distributive Property

Polynomials and simplifying

Combining like terms

Multiplying using the distributive property

Solving single variable equations

Solving one step equations

Solving two-step equations

Solving single variable equations with a variable located on each side of the equal sign

Solving single variable equations involving grouping symbols

Solving proportions

Solving problems involving percents

Applying formulas to a given problem and solving

Solving word problems by writing a single variable equation and solving

Solving literal equations for a given variable

Solving single variable inequalities

Graphing inequalities on a number line

Solving single variable inequalities

Finding patterns (informally and formally)

Dependent and Independent relationships

Discrete and continuous data

Interpreting graphs

Scatterplots and Correlation of data

Domain and Range of data relationship

Looking at patterns informally (term number, visual, written description, process, numerical value of the term

Finite Differences (rules)

Guess my Rule
What is a function?

Function notation

Using functions to solve word problems

Interpreting/drawing graphs of functions

Linear Functions

Slope/Rate of Change

Graphing lines given certain characteristics/information

Writing equations of lines (slope-intercept form, point-slope form, standard form)

Parent graph and parameter changes

Parallel and perpendicular lines

Direct and Inverse variation

Line of best fit

Linear Inequalities

Systems of Linear equations and inequalities

Solving by graphing

Solving by substitution

Solving by elimination

Choosing a method

Solving word problems using systems of equations

Graphing a system of inequalities

Interpreting a solution to a system of inequalities

Teacher Worksheets and Worksheet Answers

Solving Equations Worksheet Answers (.pdf file)