Math A3/A4

Department of Mathematics, Schenectady High School

Ms. J. Brendese

Course Description   This course covers the third semester of the Mathematics A curriculum with additional preparation for the Math A Regents Exam  integrated into the curriculum.  A comprehensive review of algebra will be followed by the study of geometric shapes, patterns, and relationships.  Mathematical proofs will also be introduced.  Students will take the Math A Regents Exam in January and a school-level final exam in June. 

Materials

          à3-ring binder

          àfolder

          àtext:  New York Math A/B: An Integrated Approach  (Prentice Hall)

          àpens/pencils

          àscientific calculator (TI-30Xa preferred)

Classroom Procedures

·        Students are to be in their seats by the time the second bell rings.  Students who are not in the classroom by the time the second bell rings will be considered tardy.  Three tardies will result in a detention.

·        Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom during instructional time for any reason, including trips to their locker or the bathroom.  Exceptions will be made in emergency situations only.  No student will be allowed to leave the room without their planner.

·        All electronic devices (ESPECIALLY CELL PHONES) shall be turned off and put away (ie. not ON or IN the desk) by the time the second bell rings.  Failure to comply will result in the student being asked to leave class and bring the electronic device to their house principal. 

     ***ANY STUDENT USING A CELL PHONE DURING AN ASSESSMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY EARN A SCORE OF ZERO.***

·        Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a teacher detention, an administrative referral, or removal from class based on the severity of the infraction.  Examples of inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following:

àuse of offensive language

àtalking while instruction is taking place or another student is asking a question

àthrowing objects

àtaking things not belonging to you without permission

àinitiating unwanted physical contact

àremoving objects from the instructor’s desk

àvandalism of instructional materials/furniture/property of others

·        Please refer to the Student Handbook/Code of Conduct for further information regarding school policies and procedures.

Disciplinary Action

          Instructor reserves the right to detain students for inappropriate behavior, failure to follow classroom procedures, or failure to complete assignments.  Failure to report for detention will automatically result in an administrative referral.  Two or more teacher detentions will automatically result in an administrative referral. 

Assessment & Grading

          Each week students will complete either an exam or a quiz.  Students should expect 7-8 quizzes per marking period and one exam.  Other forms of assessment include class participation, homework, and Regents Review materials.  Grades will be determined as follows:

                             Quizzes                                     45%

                             Exams                                       20%

                             Homework                                 15%

                             Participation                             20%

***Students are responsible for making up missed assessments (both exams AND quizzes) due to absences.  Arrangements should be made with the instructor outside of class; failure to do so will result in a zero for the assessment.***

Homework

          Homework will be assigned at the completion of each lesson and is due  at the beginning of the following class.  Failure to complete these assignments will negatively impact your grade and may result in detention.  Students who are absent are responsible for completing missed homework assignments and submitting them prior to the end of the week in which they were assigned.    ***IF YOU ARE IN CLASS, YOUR HOMEWORK IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.  NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU ARE ABSENT FROM CLASS.***  

Participation

As per the Attendance Policy, the secondary math teachers have developed the following policy to determine the participation grade for the 2007-08 school year.  Participation will equal 20% of each quarter’s grade – in determining this grade, the following items will be among those considered. 

·        Attendance will be part of this grade

§        Students who arrive to class illegally more than halfway through a period will not get credit for attendance.

§        Students who are sent out of class for disciplinary reasons will not get credit for attendance.

·        Being prepared for class will be part of this grade.

·        Submitting work on time will be part of this grade.

·        Being part of class discussion will be part of this grade.

·        Completing each day’s activity will be part of this grade.

·        Returning books will be part of this grade.

Extra Help/Miscellaneous Information

·        Instructor is available most days after school in room AB13for additional help if you are having difficulty; a calendar will be posted on the classroom door and filled in weekly to indicate availability.  Please SEEK OUT EXTRA HELP immediately if you are having difficulty with the material; mathematics is cumulative.

·        Please refer to the following website for a weekly list of topics to be covered and homework assignments, as well as other helpful information and link:   www.infinitehorses.com