Course Guidelines

CPM Algebra II

Mr. Kopkas

2015-2016

Welcome to Algebra II connections!

Welcome to Algebra II Core Connections! I am looking forward to assisting you in learning and have high expectations of you for this year. If we work together, it will be a rewarding and successful year for all. This is a course designed to challenge the student to achieve his goals.

Course goals

1. To apply/extend what you learned in Algebra I and Geometry by focusing on multiple representations of functions and relations and finding connections.

2. To employ a graphing calculator as a tool to solve problems and explore algebra.

3. To use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigation, and explanation to analyze problems and formulate solutions.

4. To work and learn in a cooperative setting.

5. To communicate your understanding of mathematics.

My teaching goals

1. To spend every class minute engaged and interacting.

2. To create a desire in my students to be lifelong learners.

3. To help foster more productive members of society.

4. To focus on the positive

Required materials

Come to class each day with:

Your Algebra II book--the textbooks issued to you are your responsibility including damage & theft (use acceptable covers)

A sharpened pencil (with eraser), pens, colored pencils, and highlighters.

A supply of notebook paper and graph paper (3-ring binder recommended).

A set of 5 colored divider tabs to insert into your binder for organization purposes

A graphing calculator (TI-84+, TI-84, or TI-83)

Grading Scale & Weights

Note: Current grades are accessible on the parent viewer.

Grading Scale

A 90.0 – 100%

B 80.0 – 89.99%

C 70.0 – 79.99%

D 60.0 – 69.99%

F 59.99% and below

Weighting of Grades %

Individual Assessments

70%

Team Assessments and Small Quizzes

20%

Coursework 10%

Examples of items in the grading categories

Individual Tests (70%)

Team Assessments & Small Quizzes (20%)

Coursework (10%)

Individual Tests Team Tests Class Presentations

Larger Announced Individual Quizzes

Formative Quizzes Participation Quizzes

Entrance/Exit Slips Technology Activities

Math Notes Quizzes Participation Days

Graded Assignments Homework Quizzes/Checks

Small Quizzes

Individual Tests & Quizzes

Individual tests will be administered after each chapter or unit on Math Test Day (Tuesday or Friday).

If you are absent for a test, you are expected to make up the test in the testing center between 7 AM and 4 PM the day you return to school unless previous arrangements have already been made.

If you are absent for a test, but are present in school anytime during the day, you will be expected to take the test before leaving the building that day.

Repeated postponement of tests/quizzes could face a 10 percent reduction in score, unless previous arrangements have already been made.

Individual quizzes will be given periodically; they may or may not be announced.

Team Tests & Quizzes

Team tests will be given at the end of most chapters or units on Math Test Day (Tuesday or Friday).

If you are absent for a team test, please understand that you may have to take the test individually if others are not absent.

Team quizzes may be given periodically; they may or may not be announced.

Homework Quizzes, Entrance/Exit Slips, Graded Assignments Homework will be assigned almost every day. Homework is an

essential part of this class. It provides additional instruction, practice and reinforcement of newly acquired concepts.

Assignments will be posted in the classroom and online. It is your responsibility to write them down in class or find them online.

Assignments are to be done in pencil only on a separate sheet of paper. Correct your homework in pen. This way, mistakes and weak areas will be easily identified.

Homework quizzes may be given for points without prior notice. Be prepared to share your solutions with the class. Select homework assignments may be collected and graded.

Class Presentations, Projects, Participation, Homework Checks

Class presentations, portfolio assignments, and projects will be given periodically during the course. They will be discussed in more detail when assigned.

Very rarely will I check your homework simply for completion, so it is a good idea to do your homework honestly and ask questions when you do not understand.

I will NOT grade on a curve nor will grades be rounded. However, bonus questions will appear occasionally.

 

On my page, you will find daily lessons, homework, upcoming tests and quizzes as well as some of the class resources. To get to my page follow these steps:

1.   Go to the Solon Schools web page www.solonschools.org

2.    Choose Schools

3.    Choose SHS 9-12

4. Choose Staff Directory

5. Scroll down to my name (Damien Kopkas)

6.    Choose “Calendar”

7.    Choose the appropriate class

Internet Information

Classroom interaction Respect others at all times. Common courtesy is expected.

Be in class and ready to begin when the bell rings. Class is over when you are dismissed by the teacher. Occasional tardies are excused until Labor Day. After Labor Day, any tardy will result in a teacher detention.

Listen to and follow directions the first time they are given.

Be a WILLING AND ACTIVE participant in class discussions and group activities, complete EVERY problem on ALL assignments on time, take notes and ask questions!

TALKING DURING A TEST OR QUIZ WILL RESULT IN A “ZERO”. IT WILL REMAIN SILENT UNTIL THE LAST PAPER HAS BEEN TURNED IN. Be aware that sharing information with other students about quiz and test material is a form of cheating.

Graphing Calculators are NOT to be used as a game-playing device during class. Students who are using their calculators in this manner will have their calculator confiscated for the remainder of the day and all programs erased. It is the student’s responsibility to return to pick up the calculator at the end of the day. The use of graphing calculators will be restricted for some activities and several assessments.  

Classroom interaction Any electronic device (cell phones, iPods, headphones,

etc) will be confiscated by the teacher if they are used or audible when not being used for an educational purpose directly related to this class. You must have permission from me to use your device.

Restroom/Drinking Fountain Breaks — EMERGENCIES ONLY!

Food and drink are NOT PERMITTED in this classroom. Water is the ONLY exception.

You are expected to participate in all classroom activities. Sleeping, working on another subject, drawing pictures, socializing, etc. will NOT BE PERMITTED.

You are expected to follow all school rules in the student handbook. Do not ask me to bend the rules. Ignorance of school rules is not a valid excuse for a violation of the rules.

Consequences

Verbal warning from the teacher.

Classroom Intervention Strategy and/or removal from class (isolated desk in classroom)

Teacher Detention — 24 hour notice — time at the convenience of the teacher.

Detention and Phone Call Home.

Office referral

The benefits of being on a team . . .

We learn to win/achieve with dignity

We learn to overcome disappointment and loss

We rely on our friends and teammates for support.

Collectively striving for the same objective enhances these benefits.

Assignment

1. Problem #1-3 (p. 7)2. Cover Textbook3. Student Information

Sheet4. Goals and Quote

Worksheet5. Graphing Calculator (By

Thurs.)

Let’s have a great year!

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action

steps.

--Confucius