Algebra I- Course Syllabus & Expectations - 2007 - 2008
TEXT: Algebra I by K. Pilger, et al copyright 1999 by Bob Jones University Press
STUDENT NEEDS: Each student is encouraged to have an inexpensive calculator. The students should keep homework for a quarter and quizzes for a semester to be used for study and review.
The instructor will provide:
(a) a textbook
(b) an algebra notebook with paper for class notes and homework
(c) a Course Syllabus & Expectations
(d) clear and precise assignments on a daily basis
(e) __________________________________________________________
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The student must recognize the classroom as a place of learning. Key to this is the respect of other students, the materials used, and the teacher. Cooperation is essential. Though there are a minimum number of rules for the classroom, it is expected that the student come to the classroom with a proper attitude, a willingness to work, and the "tools" necessary to do the work of a student. BRINGING A TEXTBOOK TO CLASS IS ESSENTIAL. STUDENTS MUST BRING SOMETHING TO WRITE WITH, PREFERABLY A PENCIL. As noted in another section, homework is to be done!!! FOOD OR DRINK WILL BE DISCOURAGED FROM BEING IN THE CLASSROOM

OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVE: After completion of this course, the student should have mastered a variety of skills in algebra incorporating the use of a calculator as applicable, further the ability to solve algebra word problems, and apply the principles of algebra to solving "real world" problems

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of reading assignments, written homework
assignments, and other assigned materials, demonstrated either orally or on a written quiz,
the student will be able to:
cultivate their mathematical / algebraic skills enabling them to better meet the challenges of our rapidly-changing
society
develop their individual abilities in the fields of mathematics in preparation for a life-long use of mathematics as a
necessary tool in today's society
demonstrate mastery of computational and estimation skills upon review and practice of these skills
display competence in new topics from algebra including integers, algebraic expressions, algebraic properties,
inequalities, absolute value, factoring, and graphing
communicate mathematical / algebraic concepts and skills using a variety of oral and written frameworks.
work independently and collaboratively in problem formulation and problem solving
utilize calculators and manipulatives as problem solving tools
make useful connections between algebra, real world situations, and related disciplines
SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES are subject to review and change and/or modification based upon
the time constraints of the course and specific learning requirements of the students.

METHOD OF EVALUATION: Recognizing differences in learning styles, students will be evaluated in
several different ways. Each component of a student's grade will be "weighed" differently, as
determined by the instructor, and shared with the student approximately one week before the end of a
grade reporting period. A student's grade will be based upon:
(a) classroom participation and appropriate classroom behavior
(b) skill quizzes - given as required to insure knowledge of certain basic facts or
concepts - an example of this type of quiz would be a quiz on determining the
least common denominator
(c) "pop" quizzes - are unannounced, usually covering material from the previous day
or covered
earlier in the class session - this type of quiz usually will have a point value
no greater than 10 points
(d) regular quizzes - usually given weekly, covering the material learned during
the week and reviewing previously learned material - approximately 15 to 20
minutes in length with the point value of a particular quiz ranging from 20 to
40 points
(e) classwork - problems are often solved as a class or in small groups in the
classroom - students can be graded on this work, either collected at the end of
the class session or as an attachment to the home work assignment collected the
next day
(f) homework - HOMEWORK IS EXPECTED TO BE DONE - it will either be “spot”
checked or collected daily, all homework is graded based as much upon a good
faith effort on the part of the student to do the homework rather than the
absolute accuracy of the work - graded homework usually has a point value of 5
or 10 points - late work will receive a reduced grade - homework more than two
days late will earn a grade of zero
(consideration is given for approved class absences)
(g) BONUS POINTS - bonus points are given at the discretion of the instructor for
superlative classroom performances, either individually or collectively, OR for
other specific activities - 1 BONUS POINT is equal to 0.25 points added to the
term average - no student may acquire more than 12 BONUS POINTS during a grade
reporting period

MAKEUP: Make-up for missing classes, quizzes, or tests will be at some time mutually agreeable between
the student and the instructor. It is expected that the student make up all work in a time frame equal to
the number of days absent. (For example, if one day is missed, the student has one day to make up
missing work). Special arrangements can always be made for EXTRAORDINARY circumstances. The
instructor is usually in the building by 6:30 AM. The instructor will usually check his email at 5:00 PM
and 7:30 PM for academic questions. The address is:
      wbcs-burt @ charterinternet.com (do not include spaces when entering this address)