Welcome to Pre-Algebra

Supplies:         One, 1”, three ring binder for math work only

                       Loose-leaf paper for the three ring binder

                       Graph paper

                       Three, #2 lead pencils - NO pens

                       One colored pen or colored pencil for correcting homework

                       A calculator will be needed as we will use them for parts of the class

                       Each day you should bring these supplies and your math book to class

 

Text Book:      Glencoe Pre-Algebra

During this year our goal will be to complete Chapters 1 through 7.

 Web Site:      The publisher provides a web site that offers you extra practice and sample tests for your review.

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/math.com

Enter “CA” for the state and either “student” or “parent”

At the first prompt for Pre-Algebra, enter “1997” edition. The second time you are prompted for Pre-Algebra, enter “2003.” This is a later edition with the chapters rearranged, but it will provide you with comparable materials to review.

 

Daily Class Routine:

 

When the bell rings you should be in your seat with your prior day’s homework and notes on your desk. You should have out a clean sheet of paper and a pencil.

 

On the board will be several problems for you do as a “warm-up.” These will be review problems from previous days material. Attempt to solve all of the problems and be sure to show all steps and any calculations that you do. While you are doing the warm-up, I will be coming to each desk and looking at your homework and notes from the previous day.

 

Once we review the warm-up problems, you will exchange homework papers and you will correct each other’s answers with a colored pen or colored pencil. I will be giving up to 5 points each day for completing the homework. Generally, I will not deduct points for wrong answers. However, you will receive less than 5 points if you did not try to do all assigned problems. On some days, I will give advanced notice that I will collect and grade the assignment for correct answers-with all steps shown. These “graded” assignments may be worth more than five points. I will also deduct points if you do not show all steps in solving the problem or if you do not show any calculations that you made to get the answer. Seeing your steps and calculations helps me to see where you made your mistakes so that I can help you. Completed homework should be filed in your math binder behind the “Homework” tab. Please note that no credit is given for late assignments. The only exception to this is for an excused absence. All excused work will be due after the number of days of the excused absence.

 

We will then start reading and discussing the new material for the day. You will be taking notes and doing problems as part of your class work. These notes and problems should be put on the sheet of paper that you used for warm-ups earlier in the period. I will also assign up to 5 points each day for good and complete notes. Note taking is an important skill, and is necessary to succeed in math. Your notes and sample problems will be helpful when you are at home doing your homework. You can expect to have homework almost every day. The assignment will usually consist of 10 to 20 problems.

 

Your binder should contain all homework papers in one section in date order. Your warm-ups/notes should be in another section in date order. Periodically, I will check your binders to see if they are organized and complete. Should your parents ever request a conference with me, I will ask you to bring your math binder with you to the conference.

 

Grading Policy:

 

            Homework                                        Maximum 5 points per day

            Notes/Warm-ups                                Maximum 5 points per day

            Quizzes (at least one per chapter)        20 to 50 points

            Chapter Tests                                     75 to 100 points

    Class participation/behavior               Up to maximum of 50 points per quarter

 

            Test Retakes - Should you score poorly on a Chapter Test or Mid-Chapter Quiz,

            you will be allowed to retake the Test or Quiz. The following conditions apply if you want to do a “retake”:

1. You must schedule and complete the “retake,” prior to the day that the next Quiz or Chapter Test is given. A “retake” will not be allowed after that time and your original score will be counted.

2. The “retake” must be taken after school, not during the lunch period.

3. You cannot score higher than 85% (B+) on the “retake” exam.

4. You will receive credit for the higher score of the two exams (either the original or the “retake.”)

 

Your overall grade will be calculated by taking the total points that you earned and dividing it by the total points possible during the grading period.

 

 

Good luck this year and study hard!