Mrs. Caso's Algebra 1 Course

Course Objectives

Student Supplies

Students must bring the following with them daily (or as needed**):

pencils &/or pens

their textbook

their note/materials binder

an official OGT calculator

loose-leaf paper for notes and homework

a 12 inch ruler**
graph paper**

Binder Specifications

Each student is to have a 2" or 2 ½ “ three-ring binder with stiff sides to be used only for this class. I expect three-ring binders so that items can be added or re-organized. I will provide a set of index tab pages for each student which will be put into the binder. I will provide notebook grading rubrics and grade tracking sheets which will also be put into the binder. I will not accept notebooks which have pages falling out, loose pages tucked in, pages in pockets, or contents out-of-order. Notebooks are to be kept in good shape. Notes are to be taken in class on the guides provided (and occasionally on loose-leaf paper) from the overhead, chalkboard or lecture. If a student is absent, the notes must still be acquired (either from me or from a classmate). All notes must be handwritten unless I have photocopied them for the student. Students should not keep homework in the notes section of the binder. I grade the homework separately, but will provide an index tab for homework which should be kept in the binder until the test for the current chapter has been taken. Old homework may be removed at that point.

Grading Policy

Standard Grading Scale				Percentage grades for the quarter will be based on the following weights:
A+	97%-100%	C	73%-76%	Tests & Projects	60%
A	93%-96%	C-	70%-72%	Quizzes	10%
A-	90%-92%	D+	67%-69%	Daily Homework	20%
B+	87%-89%	D	63%-66%	Notebook Checks	10%
B	83%-86%	D-	60%-62%
B-	80%-82%	F	0%-59%
C+	77%-79%			Total:	100%

Test, Quiz, and Homework Policy

Tests will be given at the end of every chapter. Study sheets will be passed out in advance and we will review in class before the tests.

Special projects will be given occasionally to reinforce the material learned in class. They are applications of the topics covered in the text. They will vary in point value and may replace a test for a given chapter.

Quizzes, when given, will be done as soon as students walk in the door. Students will have the first 10 minutes of class to complete them and then I will collect them. They are to check their homework as soon as they are done with the quiz. Quizzes will vary in number of points.

Homework will be assigned and checked on a daily basis (except for test and review days). Students will be expected to follow the Homework Guidelines adopted by the Mathematics Department and provided to them at the beginning of the school year. Students will be expected to do all of the assigned problems in each section. I will walk around the room and check the previous night's assignment while they are checking their answers on the overhead. Homework will receive 2 points for 80% - 100% done (must show all work). It will receive 1 point for 50% - 80% done (must show all work). It will receive no points for less than 50% done or not enough work shown. Students are also
expected to have their homework done (and with them) at the beginning of each period. I will accept homework assignments up to one day late for half credit. Questions about homework problem solutions are to be asked as I check everyone’s homework and will be explained immediately after.

Notebooks will be graded at random times twice each quarter. A rubric will be provided which details what is expected and the points that can be earned. See the Student Supplies section above for specifics on the notebook.

Extra Credit will be offered periodically throughout the quarter. Each will be added into one of the existing weighted categories. Students will be told which categories were used as the graded items are returned to them. That way they can track their grades.

If students are to be or have been absent, it is their responsibility to see me to arrange make up work. I will not keep after them or repeatedly remind them. Also, the number of days allowed to make up missed work will equal the number of days missed + 1. (ex.: if students miss 3 days, then they have 4 days including the day they return to make up the work.) (Under most circumstances, I do not accept late work.)

It is also the students’ responsibility to record the daily assignments and any tests or projects in their student planner. Most of the time, I will print out the schedule for a chapter before we start the chapter, but schedules may change due to unforeseen circumstances. I will remind them to look on the web site, but checking the web site should be part of their regular routine.

Classroom Rules and Consequences

Students:

You are expected to follow the general rules of the school and common courtesy. (That means, give respect and you'll get it back.)

Make sure that you are 100% in the room when the bell finishes ringing. (Consequence: One 30-minute detention during the office hour listed above)
You will be expected to sit in your assigned seat and to have all necessary materials with you when you arrive--NO EXCUSES. This means you MUST have your textbook, calculator, writing implements, binder and paper when you arrive in class. (Consequence: not allowed to go to locker. Take notes on notebook paper. Borrow from classmates and not from me! Or, removal to office if refusal to sit where assigned.)
3. You will NOT be permitted to have a cell phone, MP3 player, or other technology (which has not been specifically approved by me) in my sight in my classroom! I do not want to see earbuds or earphones in my classroom. I do not want to hear you ask to use your phone as a calculator... bring your OGT calculator as required for this course! Also, purses/bags are to be kept on the floor or over the seat back and not on your lap or on your desk. Hands are to be kept on the desktop at all times. That way I know you are not using technology (that I have not specifically approved) while in class. (Consequence: NO WARNINGS! One 30-minute detention during the office hour listed above for first offense. After that, you will be sent to the office to turn in the technology if caught with something out. I will follow-up with the administrator and your parents.)
Nothing is to be thrown or tossed across the room (including "shooting" stuff into the trash basket). (Consequence: 1 or more detentions, or more severe depending on exact situation)
Class ends at the bell. You will be expected to work and remain seated until the bell rings. (Consequence: One 30-minute detention during the office hour listed above)
The book that you are issued is the one that you will return at the end of the year. The book is to be returned in the same condition as when it was issued. (Consequence: see student handbook)
Do not bring candy, food, games, toys, magazines, newspapers, novels, photographs, or any other form of distraction to class. Items that you are selling for fund-raisers must remain on the floor during class. (Consequence: If I see them, I take them and you may retrieve them from the office or me at a later time.)
Make up tests may be taken during study halls or the SOAR period--NOT DURING CLASS TIME! (Consequence: loss of grade unless extenuating circumstances can be proven)
I do not give many restroom passes. Unless it is a bonafide emergency, don’t ask for one. All restroom privileges are at my discretion. There will be no passes given to lockers, etc....don’t bother to ask for one. (The clinic is the only exception and I verify your presence with the nurse.)
Cheating on quizzes or tests will not be tolerated. I will not say anything to you if I see you, but I will document what I saw and will give a zero score for the work. Then I will warn you that I will be calling your home to discuss the matter. (Consequence: self-explanatory and in the handbook under Honors Violations)
Most importantly: do not talk while I'm talking or while another student is talking to me. Verbal disruptions/ distractions are rude and unacceptable. (Consequence: reprimands, detentions, referrals, removal or whatever is warranted by the severity or frequency of the situation.)

Note about this website

**There may be some JAVA applets on the web site as it develops over the course of the year. JAVA must be enabled in the browser in order to view these applets.
(Please note that the syllabus is subject to change and students should check it regularly.)

Online Grade Reports

Current grade progress may be obtained at any time over the Internet via the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Grades are updated as each item is graded. Simply go to https://psno.nccohio.org/public/ and enter the username and password supplied by the school. It is expected that parents will take advantage of this opportunity to keep track of their student’s progress in this course.

Disclaimer

This classroom management plan is not meant to be all encompassing. As the year progresses, there may be a need for additional assignments or modifications to expectations. If such should occur, I will provide an addendum to add to this plan.

Office Hours

Students may see me for assistance during the SOAR period from 2:30 - 3:15 daily (except Tuesdays) in room 832. Make-up tests and quizzes may also be taken during that time. Students are to bring their textbook, calculator and other materials with them when taking advantage of office hours. Also, they are expected to have attempted the assignment before asking questions. It is not a social setting, but rather an academic one.

Mathematics Department: Algebra 1

Mrs. Caso's Classes