Course Description:  Algebra II is designed to provide the student with the necessary math skills to be successful in meeting the PSAE standards for 11^th grade.  This course also serves as preparation for taking either Math Analysis at PORTA or College Algebra after graduation for those students scoring 85% or higher on each semesters’ final exam. 

 Text: Larson --- Heath Algebra II

Textbooks are provided for use as a reference, and a source of practice problems. You should read all assigned textbook readings prior to the start of class so that you are familiar with material to be covered and will be prepared to ask questions when appropriate.  However, material is presented primarily through lectures and assignments that are not always part of the textbook.  Good preparation, note taking and personal study are essential for getting a good grade in this course.

 Material Covered: The course will cover a wide variety of algebra subjects and expands on concepts learned in Algebra I and Geometry.

 Grading: Is done in accordance with the stated grade scale in your student handbook.

 There will be semester finals at the end of the First and Second semesters.  (This is generally 20% of your grade).  Exemptions are awarded in accordance with the district’s policy.

 SRS: Throughout each section, there will be questions asked via the student response system (SRS) “clickers” and are part of the normal PowerPoint lecture slides.  They are available only to those students present on the day and it is the student’s responsibility to submit responses via the SRS.  There are no make-ups on SRS and no other means for response.  The questions are generally representative of questions the student will see on tests and will be available for review prior to the test.  SRS’s are graded based on a minimum number of questions worth 1 point each.  The more you answer the better your grade can be.

 Homework: Homework is assigned most days and is due by the beginning of class the next day Homework must be presented in a neat and clear manner, showing all work required by the assignment.  Homework without names on it is discarded.  Grading of homework is often done as a completion grade of 5-10 points however I reserve the right to grade any assignments if I feel it is necessary for class improvement.  Homework is intended to help you practice the skills taught, those who do not do their own work will perform poorly on other assessments, so you are strongly encouraged to take these assignments seriously.

 Note Taking: You will be expected to keep a notebook of the material covered in class.  I highly recommend a 1-inch ring binder with 5 dividers to keep your notes as well as other supplemental materials that you will receive.  Guided notes will be provided from time to time to help you with your note taking.  Periodically I may collect your notebook for a completion grade.

 In class assignments:

In addition during class you will be assigned worksheets to complete before the end of class.  These assignments are designed to give you practice on the concepts taught and to help you with your homework. 

 Projects: Also from time to time we will do projects.  These will consist of team assignments, technology labs, as well as hands on activities.  The value will vary from assignment to assignment but generally they will be around 25 points.

 Tests and Quizzes:  Each chapter will be assessed by the use of quizzes and tests.  There will also be a mid-semester test that will cover all the material to date.  All tests and quizzes will be comprehensive and not restricted to the material just covered.  Generally they will account for 33% 0f your grade.

 Extra Credit:  Each student will be eligible for extra credit in the form of “no-fault points”.  Generally no-faults may account for a maximum of 3% of your grade.

You may lose these points under the following conditions:

   Being tardy or absent for class (1 point each offense)

   Being unprepared for class i.e. no book, notebook, pencil, calculator

   Late or missing assignments (1 point each offense)

   Inattentive behavior during class. (1 point each offense)

   Disrupting class. (2 point each offense)

The loss of “No-Fault” points in no way affects the enforcement and penalty associated with violating school policies as outlined in the student handbook.

 Additional examples of extra credit assignments may include but not be limited to:

   Assisting at scholastic bowl meets

   Service projects (food drives, ect.)

 Late Assignments:  All assignments are due on or before the start of class on the date specified. Assignments turned in after this time will be graded as zero. 

 The only additional time allowed for late assignments is if you are absent from school with a valid excuse on the day the assignment was assigned.  If you are absent on the day an assignment was due, the assignment is to be turned in on the first day back from your absence.  Extracurricular activities, suspensions, AEP, and prearranged absences will not be considered valid reasons for late assignments. 

 Late to Class: You are required to be in your seat and ready for class when scheduled.  You will be marked late if you are not in your seat and ready when attendance is taken.  While I may be generous on extending some forgiveness on this matter, you should not count on such behavior occurring more than once.  5 times tardy, means you will take my final.

 Absence:

   Absence from class, regardless of the reason, makes you ineligible for any take-fives that may be given for that day. 

   If you have a prearranged absence or extracurricular activity to attend it is your responsibility to notify me in advance.  Failure to do so may result in your being given an unexcused absence from class on that day.  Do not rely on your coach or other teachers to inform me. 

   The policies in the student handbook will be strictly enforced concerning tardiness.

 Seating: Open seating within reasonable considerations.

 Dress Policy: The school’s policies that concern appropriate dress will be strictly enforced.    In addition, it is my hope that this class will be able to go outside for several projects, and appropriate wear will be needed for those occasions.  When such events are scheduled please be prepared, since I do not intend to go out if everyone is not ready and I will not take class time to allow you to get ready.