Course Syllabus

Honors Algebra 1 

Mr. Frank 

Mark.Frank@bexleyschools.org 

2016-2017 

 

What Is Honors Algebra 1? 

In Math 7 and Math 8, students learned how to use numbers, equations, and functions to describe events and analyze rates of change. Honors Algebra 1 continues that work and pushes students to understand how to use mathematics to model relationships that exist in outside of linear functions. Specifically, Honors Algebra 1 will allow students to learn: 

• How to solve systems of equations with 3 variables; 
• How to solve compound inequalities; 
• How to determine the nth term and sum of varied numerical sequences; 
• How to differentiate between linear, exponential, and quadratic relationships; 
• How the properties of exponents allow us to simplify complex expressions; 
• How to solve quadratic and polynomial functions using a variety of methods. 

 

How Is This Course Structured? 

Mathematics is learned best when students have the space to experiment with different problem solving methods and then can work together to find the best way forward. Our class will spend as much time as possible working in groups on problems, then sharing solutions with the class. Lectures will occur, of course, but they will be limited in time and scope to only what is necessary for student learning. 

 

What Materials Do You Need? 

You can’t be successful if you are not prepared. Here are the supplies you need for this class: 

• Graph paper notebook of at least 100 sheets 
• Loose leaf graph paper 
• 1.5-inch 3-ring binder 
• TI-84 Silver Edition or something similar -- no CAS calculators are allowed 
• Pencils 

 

Class Expectations & Rules 

We have 3 simple rules in this class. We can create more if we need to. 

1. Come to class on time and prepared to work when the bell rings. 
2. Ask questions of each other and your teachers. 
3. Do not interfere in the learning of others. 

 

Need Help? 

Any time you need help, you can find Mr. Frank during my 6th period plan, 7th period study center before school, after school or at another time we set up together.  

 

Grades on PowerSchool 

I post grades on PowerSchool regularly and quickly. Please check those often and if you aren’t sure about something, just ask! 

 

How You’ll Be Graded 

Grades in this class measure and report how much students have learned. You will notice this in the types of assessments we give, which are broken up into 2 kinds. 

• Standards-Based Grades (SBG) I give SBG quizzes fairly frequently. Students will be assessed on how well they understand the mathematics content on a scale of 1-4. Students will have the opportunity to retake any of these quizzes for full credit. These grades constitute 30% of a student’s grade. 

• UNIT TESTS Unit tests tell students and teachers how well we have made sense of all the topics within a learning unit. These are traditional tests. Typically, retakes are not allowed for tests. 
• OTHER ASSIGNMENTS These can include projects, group work assignments, or other opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding. Unit tests and other assignments are worth 70% of a student’s grade. 

 

Miss Time? Get Caught Up & Use Canvas! 

When you miss class, please find any handouts you may have missed in the back of the room. Also, check Canvas for notes and any other instructions from the day.  

I will use Canvas regularly to communicate with students, to post keys, and otherwise update students and parents about the course. Check it often.

 

Homework

Homework is assigned most nights but is not collected for a grade. Students are responsible for completing the assignments in a timely fashion. Failure to do the homework leads to poor grades on SBG quizzes and on tests.

 

Online Textbook

To access the online version of our textbook, complete the following:

Go to:           www.classzone.com

Select:           Math, Ohio

Select:           Algebra 2 2007 (our book)

Username:    bexalg2

Password:     ilovemath