Curriculum 2.0 – Algebra I – Course Overview 2014-2015
Algebra I is for students who have successfully completed Middle School Mathematics
Course B (Math 7), Middle School Mathematics Course C (Algebra Prep), and/or
Investigations into Mathematics. Students successful in this course take either Geometry
or Honors Geometry the following year. Students in this course take the state High
School Assessment Test 1 for Mathematics, which includes both algebraic and statistical
concepts and two semester exams. This course satisfies the high school Algebra I
requirement.
UNITS OF STUDY
Unit 1: Relationships between Quantities and Reasoning with Equations
Topics of Study
Topic 1: Linear Equations in One Variable
Topic 2: Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Topic 3: Exponential Equations in One Variable
Unit 2: Linear and Exponential Relationships
Topics of Study
Topic 1: Characteristics of Functions
Topic 2: Constructing and Comparing Linear and Exponential Functions
Topic 3: Solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables
Unit 3: Descriptive Statistics
Topic of Study
Topic 1: Analyzing Data Representations
Unit 4: Quadratic Relationships
Topics of Study
Topic 1: Quadratic Functions
Topic 2: Equations in Two Variables
Topic 3: Solving Quadratic Equations
Unit 5: Generalizing Function Properties
Topic of Study
Topic1: Function Families
*Units 1 and 2 will be completed in Semester 1 and assessed on the Semester 1A Final
Exam in January. Units 3-5 will be completed in Semester 2 and assessed on the
Semester 1B Final Exam in June.
FINAL GRADE CALCULATION
Final Grade = 90% of Overall Achievement Grade + 10% of Overall Assignment
Completion Grade
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Achievement grades reflect achievement of the MCPS indicators only.
Achievement assignment grades are calculated by dividing points earned by total
points possible and are based on a percentage scale of A=90-100%, B=80-89%,
C=70-79%, D=60-69%, and E=0-59%.
Achievement grades are defined by two categories: 1) Formative Assessments,
which may include, but are not limited to: Daily Quizzes, and 50-point Tests;
and 2) Summative Assessments, which may include, but are not limited to:
County Unit Tests, Projects, and Performance Assessments.
Students are assigned a grade of 0% on an assessment or reassessment if they
do not meet the Basic Requirements (see below) as determined by the grade
level, subject area teachers. No grades between 0% and 50% are assigned
to individual assessments or reassessments.
There are NO Extra Credit or Bonus assignments.
Assignment Completion grades are included in the Final Grade calculation as
shown above and reported as a Learning Skills grade.
Learning Skills will be recorded on report cards using the following scale:
Consistently; Often; Sometimes; Rarely; and Not Enough Information. These
codes are reflected in two categories:
1. Participation- asking questions, sharing ideas, using feedback,
engaging learning.
2. Assignment Completion- completing homework and classwork
fully and on time.
Students will have multiple opportunities to attempt course objectives and
indicators, to receive feedback on performance, and/or to meet with a teacher
for additional instruction prior to assessments or reassessments.
All assignments may be graded for Achievement and/or Assignment
Completion.
Homework for practice or preparation is included in the Assignment
Completion grade. Homework evaluated for achievement (learning) is
included in the Achievement calculation.
Grade reports are updated regularly and can be accessed using Edline.
 PLEASE NOTE- The following special codes may be recorded on
grade reports:
o X = Excused from an assignment. This does not count in
the calculations and is not a missing grade.
o Z = Missing work that can still be made up. Z is calculated
as a zero until the work is made up or the deadline has
passed.
o BLANK = Does not count in calculations, but is a missing
grade.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
When using percentages, teachers assign a grade no lower than 50% to an Achievement
assignment that meets the basic requirements of the task/assessment. Teachers assign a
grade of 0% to an Achievement assignment that does not meet the basic requirements.
The basic requirements are determined by teachers based on various factors (including,
but not limited to: assignment completion, pattern(s) of errors, lack of clarity, and
evidence of thought) that show the student has begun to understand the information or
concept, as measured by indicator.
REASSESSMENT
Opportunities for reassessment on formative assessments will be offered during each unit.
Algebra students will only be permitted one opportunity for reassessment per unit of
study. There will be a formative assessment for each topic within each unit. For
example, Unit 1 has 3 topics, so 3 formative assessments will be given. Students will be
permitted to reassess 1 out of the 3 formative assessments. The reassessment grade
replaces the original grade. Please refer to the attached letter for more information
regarding reassessing assignments.
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LATE WORK
A due date is the date students are expected to submit an assignment. Any
Achievement assignment turned in after the due date will be penalized one
letter grade.
A deadline is the last date a teacher will accept an assignment (or the date the
teacher returns graded assignments). An Achievement assignment not turned
in or turned in after the deadline date will not earn credit (0%).
Any Assignment Completion assignment that is provided for practice or
preparation must be completed on time for full credit. Any late or incomplete
Assignment Completion assignment may receive a 0%.
Students who have excused absences have a responsibility to make up missed
assignments. Deadlines for missed assignments due to absences are the
following class period after returning to school.
All due dates and deadline dates will be announced and may be the same date.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be given every night (yes, even Fridays) and will be graded based on
assignment completion.
For homework assignments that are meant for practice, I will be looking for:
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Completion (all problems are attempted)
Work was Completed in Pencil
Neatness
Evidence That Effort was Put Forth
The Student Has Shown All Work
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
In order for all students to maximize their learning experience in this class, students are
required to follow all class rules and procedures as well as the Rocky Hill Middle School
and MCPS code of conduct. My expectations include:
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P-“Prepared” Come to class prepared everyday (on time, with all materials, ready
to learn/participate)
R-“Respectful” Be respectful to everyone in the classroom (this includes other
students, the teacher, the classroom itself, and yourself—NO EXCEPTIONS WILL
BE TOLERATED)
I-“Involved” Always do your work (set and meet your own academic goals, reach
beyond your potential, don’t ever give up)
D-“Disciplined” For quizzes and tests, study (yes, study means study)
E-“Effective Effort” Have a positive attitude for learning. Make an effort; Come
for extra help as needed; And take responsibility for your actions.
MATERIALS
Every student will be required to bring the following materials to class
EVERYDAY:
 Binder
 Paper
 Journal (for note-taking and warm-ups)
 Graphing Calculator (see below)
 #2 Pencils
 Positive Attitude
*TI-84 or TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is REQUIRED for Algebra I.
All students MUST have their own graphing calculator. If you are purchasing a
graphing calculator for the first time, please purchase a TI-84. Students may borrow
TI-83 calculators from the school, for a refundable deposit, although they are limited
in supply. Please contact me for more information. Students must have their
calculators every day in class; they will NOT be supplied.
EXTRA HELP
I am more than willing to help anyone before school or during class. Make sure you talk
to me ahead of time to make an appointment to come in so that I am available to help you
when you come. I arrive at school each morning by 7:30 a.m. Instructional videos for
each topic within units are posted on the Rocky Hill MS website.
COMMUNICATION
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or concerns. Expect
occasional contact from me throughout the year. The best way to contact me is through email. I
will respond as soon as possible, but definitely within 24 hours. It is important to me to not only
build strong, personal relationships with my students, but with parents as well.