Algebra 1

VENTURA HIGH EXPECTED CLASSROOM LEARNING RESULTS

(ECLRs)

Course: Algebra 1

Program Area: Mathematics	Teacher: Mr. P. Chamaa
DEPARTMENT GOAL STATEMENT: Students will master the major concepts and skills of mathematics: number, measurement, geometry, patterns and functions, statistics and probability, logic and algebra. Students will reason, invent, and construct knowledge in order to achieve a level of understanding that enables to know how, why and when to apply their mathematical learning.

Primary ESLR

B2. Develop solutions to problems based on justifiable rationale.

B3. Combine and apply higher order thinking skills to processes and competencies.

Course Description

Algebra I is where mathematics start to get serious. Letters start replacing numbers and we explore what we can and can not do with those letters, and why.

We also look at real life problems and find their solutions using the algebraic methods presented.

TEACHER STATEMENT:

Welcome to high school Mathematics. My goal as a teacher is more than just teach the material. It has to make sense to you. Not only will we learn many math related topics, but we will also to learn to enjoy mathematics.

Come and see me in room 50 after school any day if you have any questions, or just want to talk, complain or vent. Or you can send me an e-mail at pchamaa@vtusd.k12.ca.us

GOALS OF THE COURSE

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

	Manipulate numbers and letters using the usual operations.
	Factor, simplify expand and solve polynomials.
	Graph functions and find solutions graphically.
	Work with fractions where the numerator and denominator are polynomials.
	Perform operations with irrational numbers.
	Use the quadratic formula.

READING/WRITING COMPONENTS

	Some assignments will require students to explain in writing how they got their answers.
	Students will keep a journal in which they will write.
	Each student will keep a portfolio which will remain in class. The portfolio consists of a collection of chosen work. Students will attach a set of written statements related to the chosen piece of work.
	Some assignments will be in the form of word problems. Students will need to read and understand the problems in order to translate them to mathematical terms and solve them.
	Students will be expected to use proper sentence structure in their written work.

MATERIAL/RESOURCES

	A three-ring binder and graph paper.
	A pencil, preferably mechanical. (0.5 mm recommended). An eraser.
	A ruler, 20 cm long or more, with metric and customary units of measure. (2 rulers are OK)
	A calculator
	Textbook: Merrill Pre-Algebra by Price, Rath and Leschensky.
	Your Agenda

CLASS RULES

	Be nice, courteous, considerate and respectful of others.
	Be a contributor to the learning process.
	Use your time constructively and productively. Allow others to do the same.
	Respect others’ property, including the school’s. It is there for you to use, not abuse.
	Eat, drink and chew in the cafeteria, use the restroom during the passing periods, apply make-up and comb your hair somewhere else, come to class to learn.
	Ask questions, before, during or after class, lunch, after school, by e-mail, anywhere, anytime. It is your responsibility to tell me what you don’t understand. Let me help you.
	Be honest, be true to yourself, work hard and most of all, HAVE FUN.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Be here. School rules with respect to attendance are strictly enforced. Check your agenda.

When the bell rings, you are sitting in your assigned seat. Otherwise you are tardy. Tardies are disruptive and break class rules #1, 2 and 3.

CLASS HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework will be assigned regularly, will be collected when due and will contribute a significant portion of your grade. Late work is not accepted. Extra credit will only allowed to those who have completed their regular credit. It may not be used as a make-up for missed work.

METHODS OF EVALUATION

	Homework: 25%
	Quizzes and Tests: 35%
	Problems of the Week, Group Projects, Individual Projects: 20%
	Class Participation: 10%
	Portfolio: 10%

SPECIAL PROJECT DUE:

Several projects will be assigned during the year. Some will be individual, others will require the efforts of several students to complete as a group.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR ASSIGNMENTS IN THE TEXTBOOK:

	Work in pencil.
	Be neat.
	Write a full heading: First and last name, period, date, and assignment label.
	Show your work and describe what you are doing.
	You will get credit for trying, even if the answer may not be correct.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH PROJECT(s)

Will vary by project. Directions will be furnished upon assigning the project.