Course Syllabus: Algebra 2/IB SL Math Studies 1,2 2014-2015
Mr. Ryan Smith – [email protected] - rm. 2509
Course Objectives:
Algebra is a set of thinking tools for studying relationships among quantities, if you can count
and think, then you can succeed in mathematics!
This course includes a review of some major concepts from Algebra 1 (linear and quadratic equations) as well
as the study of higher order polynomials, logarithms, exponentials, statistics, probability, rational functions,
and series. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of the practice of mathematics through
inquiry, modelling and application of the use of technology.
In this class you are expected to:
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Be respectful of others in the class and not disturb the learning environment. If you are talking at the same
time a peer or I am you are being disrespectful to that person and the class, which will not be tolerated.
Take ownership of your own learning and work hard.
Work independently and with others.
Actively listen during class instruction, ask questions, and help to answer the questions of your teacher or
classmates.
Develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics; the WHY along with the HOW.
Learn through inquiry as well as direct instruction.
Respect the classroom.
Adopt a “Growth mindset”-- knowing that with work comes learning, understanding, and achievement.
General Class Guidelines:
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Absolutely no cell phones or music players are to be seen or heard in class.
o First Offense: Verbal warning
o Second Offence: Your device will be given to me and you can have it back after class
Please keep food or drink to a minimum, light snacking of non-messy foods is acceptable.
Required Materials:
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Three ring notebook or spiral. There will be several handouts that you will need to hang onto in this
course.
A graphing calculator TI-84 is preferred. We will have ones in class for students to use, but students should
get access to a calculator or computer to do their homework. Email me if you are having trouble finding an
affordable one. I do not suggest buying the TI-89 or Inspire.
Attendance/Punctuality:
-If you are absent please check our class website for homework assignments and handouts. I also suggest you
email me if you have any questions. It is your responsibility as a student to find out what work you need to
make up, however I am happy to work with you before or after school to catch you up. Assignments are taken
late by one day with no penalty for every day you are gone.
-Tardiness should be minimal, if a pattern emerges we will have a discussion about how to get to class on
time.
Grading:
Daily Work (in-class & at-home)
Quizzes
Tests
30%
20%
50%




90 – 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
0 – 59
A
B
C
D
F
Daily Work
Your daily work grade is primarily based on your homework completion as well as your daily contribution to
discussions, the way that you collaborate with your peers, and your ability to come to class on time and with
the proper materials. Homework stamps are given daily, either a full stamp for 75%+ of homework completed
or a half stamp for 50-75% of homework completed. The stamp sheet will be recorded in the gradebook every
Friday, if you lose it you lose all your points for that week.
Quizzes
We will have group quizzes that are open note, open book and open help from your three peers in your group.
I will select one quiz from the group at random to grade. I will grade it completely and then the next day hand
it back to the group to make corrections. As a group students will collaborate to make corrections in colored
pencils and will turn in once again to receive a final grade based off a random drawing of a student in the
group.
Tests
Tests will be individual and sometimes calculator restricted. If you are absent for a test you need to make it up
ASAP or take it early. I allow test retakes to be taken one week from when tests are handed back for up to 80%
credit. In order to take the retake you must show me the corrections you made on your original test.
I Care!
I care about you as my student and you as a person. I am willing to work with you to achieve the grade you
would like to in this class. I am here daily at 7am, after school till 5pm and here during lunch, for you to stop
by and talk to me and get help. You are also welcome to use our room as a quiet place to study.
Please sign below if you have read and agree to comply with the policies set forth by this syllabus.
Return by
. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email.
Student Signature
Email
Printed Name
Phone
Parent/Guardian Signature
Email
Printed Name
Phone