Algebra 56

Mrs. Stewart

vstewart@tracylc.net
Purpose of the course
The course was designed as the foundation for algebra with the intention of
going beyond it to a full accredited algebra course. This course will be
challenging and difficult for some students. Others who are returning for a
second year will find many of the concepts easier and will be given more
complex assignments. Those who master all concepts will be ready to
proceed to Algebra 2 or Geometry. Others may be recommended to redo an
Algebra 1 class. Students must prove competence by scoring a 80-90% on
the Algebra 2 readiness test or the Geometry readiness test and must have a
B for high school credit for the class

The Course
The course will include at least 11 units:
Fractional parts and Integers
Exponents
Algebraic expressions and equations
Algebraic inequalities
Functions and coordinate planes
Square root and simplest radical form
Applying operations to polynomials
Factoring polynomials
Using and graphing quadratics to solve problems
Working with complex rational numbers

Statistics and probability

Geometry concepts and proofs

In addition, students will compete in weekly math Olympics which will qualify
them to be a part of the class team for the county competition. There will be
projects attached to each unit which will be performance tasks to complete
in order to fully realize the impact and practical side of the unit.
Finally, due to the scope of the curriculum, students will be poised to take
either Geometry or Algebra 2. MHS uses the sequence of Algebra 2 and then
Geometry, but traditional high schools have remained with Geometry then
Algebra 2. MHS has found it does not matter as long as students are strong
and masterful of algebra 1 concepts and skills.
Because this is an advanced class, no student will fall below a C- in the class.
Those who are not doing homework will not be given that guarantee. If a
student has missing work, the student will receive a zero which will be
indicated with a red box in Aeries. If a student has more than two of these,
you will be contacted.

Expectations
I expect that all students have mastered their basic facts. No calculators.
There is homework each night that must be completed and ready to correct
the next day. This includes Fridays.
Students must have supplies needed each day in class. Notebooks must be
neat and up to date and with the student every day.
Classroom rules will be closely followed.
Points will be earned for weekly Discovery Dollars.

Grading:
There will be many grades. I tend to have at least 80 grades per quarter!
10% classwork and participation

25% math Olympiad and projects

25% homework
25% tests and quizzes
15% mid terms, finals and readiness exams
Students will be given their grade each week. It will be placed on their
agenda every two weeks.
I am available to conference with you or your student if you e-mail me and
ask for a time to meet. vstewart@tracylc.net

Homework
There is homework every night including weekends! Notes should be
reviewed and studied every day. Homework will be written in the agenda.
Homework is easy if the student refers to the notes. Homework corrections
may be made in class and be given credit if corrected.

Unit tests
Students will keep a folders in their back pack. This folder is for MATH
homework that has been returned and for tests and work returned. Students
are to take work out of the folder and keep a file at home of all work
returned. The returned work is a great reference for practice for tests.
All unit tests will be returned to review to challenge any items marked wrong
the NEXT day. Students will realize that I may deliberately mark something
wrong so they can challenge corrections.

Website
A website will be maintained to keep you informed of exciting things in our
class. Pictures speak louder than words and we will provide many. Check
our website often.