Welcome to Algebra 1
Algebra 1 is a basic foundation of higher mathematics and uses the skills you've learned in math from Kindergarten on up. You may have wondered why certain things were taught and this course will use them all.
Notes to Parents and Students:
I am teaching this course in a modified "mastery" format. This means that while the course does have deadlines, a student will not progress until both the student and I feel confident that a skill or concept is mastered. This takes a lot work on the part of the student. I teach this course in a "flipped" format as well. This means that most of the teaching is done via video format that students should view and take notes on at home. Time in class is then available for getting help on concepts and working with others to deepen the understanding of concepts. For each lesson, there will be a set of learning objectives. There are many ways to gain this knowledge. As each student has different learning styles, there are different resources available so students can decide for themselves (with my help) what works best for them. Some students may prefer watching the videos and taking notes. Some may prefer to read information on various websites. There are often alternate format videos (made by someone other than me) that they may prefer to view. There are also investigations for some concepts so students learn by doing. Many lessons have Khan Academy modules associated with them for practice problems, or there may be worksheets that support learning the concepts. This course relies heavily on communication between the student and teacher. When the student and teacher feel the student understands a concept, the student takes a lesson quiz. If the student passes with 80% or higher, that score counts as a "homework" grade for that lesson and the student progresses to the next lesson. If the student does not pass with 80% or higher, they do remedial work on the concepts they failed to understand properly and requizzes. This cycle can repeat itself as many times as necessary, however, the student will have to show written proof that they have been working on the concepts they initially did not understand in order to requiz. After all lessons in a unit are complete, the student will complete a unit review. After the unit review is complete, the student will conference with the teacher and discuss the unit concepts one more time before they test. The goal is that a test is for a student to show mastery of each concept in the unit. The course has deadlines associated with it. If a student does not master concepts in a timely manner according to the pacing guide, then zeros will be entered into the gradebook until the student does master these concepts. Additionally, I will expect each student to attend seminar in my room at least twice per week until they are caught up in my course. Failure to attend seminar twice per week will result in a phone call or email to a parent. The course pacing guide will be reflected in PowerSchool as well, so parents can see whether students are on pace to finish the semester successfully or not. If students fall too far behind, I will have to just test them anyway and have them move on. This course will require a lot of in-class effort on the part of students. However, if they are working diligently in class, then at-home work may be minimal. If you are concerned about your student's progress in this course, please do not hesitate to call or email me. My goal is that every student will exit this course having mastered Algebra 1 confidently. |
Stuff You'll Use Throughout the Year
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