Mr. Stanek/Ms. Thompson
Course Expectations Financial Literacy
2014-2015
“Smart is not something you are, smart is something you get!”
Effort = Success
Financial Literacy is a real world applications course, which will cover general interest topics that all
students should be exposed to in order to be mathematically literate in today’s world. The following
topics will be covered: making financial decisions, implementing a financial plan, personal budgeting,
analyzing your paychecks, working with checking accounts, and other financial topics. You will be able
to think logically and critically about the many mathematical situations, which you are faced with in our
society. You should leave this course with an increased confidence in your mathematical ability and be
able to make informed decisions about many real life situations.
Keys to Success: The teacher plays a role in learning, but ultimately, you are responsible for the quality
of your education. In order to maximize your learning experience, follow the guidelines below.
I. Materials:
Being prepared for class each day means having your completed homework, your binder, a
writing utensil, a calculator and our text book.
II. Homework:
You are responsible for all the material covered in the homework, even if we don’t go over those
problems in class. Homework is your time to try problems on your own and determine how well you
know the material. It is important for class discussions that everyone has completed their homework;
therefore, no late homework will be accepted. In order to get full credit for a homework assignment, you
must attempt all the problems. Sometimes you may not be able to solve the early problems, but you will
be able to solve the later problems, so be sure to try each problem. You will only receive credit if all
problems are attempted and if in class corrections are made on your sheet. You must show all work to
receive full credit!
Homework may be collected at any time and counted as a quiz!
Any handouts or homework sheets can be found in the file folder in the back of the room.
III: Grading:
Grades will be based on a percentage total of points earned over a quarter. In addition, class
participation will be worth 15% of your grade. You will be notified of the point value for additional
activities, projects, quizzes, and assignments when they are given. Most assessments and projects are
done cooperatively. This means that everyone in the group is required to contribute. If you fail to show
appropriate contributions, it will be reflected in your grade.
IV. Behavior:
This classroom is a place for us to come together and learn. You cannot learn without making
mistakes, so expect that we will all make them. I expect respect in this classroom, both for me and for
your classmates, and will not tolerate anything less. Being respectful means being on time to class,
waiting your turn, and being involved in the classroom discussion. I also expect that we support each
other in our shared learning experience.
V. Extra Help:
I am available for extra help during any of my free periods (Mr. Stanek – Blocks 1,5,6; Ms Thompson –
Blocks 2,3,5). Feel free to stop by any time, but if you know you will need help, it is always a good idea
to check with me ahead of time to be sure I will be available. I encourage you to come see me as soon as
possible if you have questions. Sometimes 10 minutes can save you hours of work.
VI. Attendance:
Be on time! If you are late, I WILL mark you tardy. If you want to be successful, you need to be in every
class for every minute! If you are absent only the day before an assessment, you are expected to take it as
scheduled. If you are absent only on the day of an assessment, you are expected to take it the day you
return, even if our class does not meet. Long-term absences will be handled on an individual basis. If
you are tardy to school or are dismissed early on the day of an assessment, you are still expected to take
the assessment that day. Be sure to see me to make arrangements. Make up assessments are kept in the
math office for you to take during a free period or after school. Just show up at the math office and ask a
teacher to assist you! Also, any unexcused absence will result in a zero for any assignment, assessment,
etc. completed on that given day.
VII. Cell Phones and Ipods:
The use of cell phones and ipods is not allowed in the classroom. If I see or hear any of these devices,
they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Remember that being prepared and being
involved in the class discussions is the key to success in mathematics. Do your homework, ask questions
and come see me for help when you need it. I am looking forward to a great year!
VIII. Ipass, E-mail and Class Website:
You will be able to view your grades/homework assignments/lesson plans through ipass. This is a great
resource, which you are expected to check daily! You can find class notes and other materials on the
class website. This is a great resource, especially when you’re absent from class. You are expected to
check your email daily!!!!
"A great discovery solves a great problem, but there is a grain of discovery in the solution of any
problem. Your problem may be modest, but if it challenges your curiosity and brings into play your
intensive faculties, and if you solve it by your own means, you may experience the tension and enjoy the
triumph of discovery."
-George Polya, How To Solve It