COSSA Academy

Algebra I

Rules, Policies, and Procedures

2023-2024
​
Mrs. Owen
Course Title: Algebra I

Course Description: “The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. Because it is built on the middle grades standards, this is a more ambitious version of Algebra I than has generally been offered. The critical areas, called units, deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.”
                        --Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
 
Course Website:    www.owenmathclass.com

Big Ideas: We will study 7 (8, if time) modules in this course:
1.Patterns and Explicit vs. Recursive Formulas
  • CCSS: F.IF.2, F.BF.1, F.BF.2, F.LE.1, F.LE.2, F.LE.5
2.Linear and Exponential Functions
  • CCSS: F.IF.2, F.IF.5, F.LE.1, F.LE.2, F.LE.3, F.LE.5
3.Features of Functions
  • CCSS: F.IF.1, F.IF.2, F.LE.3
4.Solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • CCSS: A.CED.2, A.CED.3, A.CED.4, A.REI.5, A.REI.6, A.REI.12
5.Polynomials
  • CCSS: N.RN.1, A.SSE.1, A.APR.1
6.Factoring
  • CCSS: A.SSE.1, A.SSE.2, A.SSE.3, A.CED.3
7.Quadratic Equations
  • CCSS: A.SSE.1, A.SSE.3, A.CED.1, A.REI.4, A.REI.7, A.REI.10, F.IF.5, F.IF.7, F.IF.8
8.Statistics (if time)
  • CCSS: S.ID.1, S.ID.2, S.ID.3, S.ID.4, S.ID.5, S.ID.6, S.ID.7, S.ID.9
 
 Classroom rules:
  1. Respect others and their property
  2. Have all materials, and have them ready to use when the bell rings
  3. Be polite and helpful
  4. Don’t curse or swear
  5. No cheating*
 
Consequences:
  • First offense: Warning
  • Second offense: Short conference with student
  • Third offense: Student will be sent to Reboot
 
Grading Policy:
Quarter Grading:
Classwork……………….……………………………….................………………20%
Developing/Approaching Standard Assessments……………………….30%
Target Standard Assessments...………………………......………………….50%

*Cheating:  Cheating will not be tolerated.  Any student found cheating will receive a failing grade on that assignment and the student’s parents will be contacted.  A second offense will result in disciplinary action.
 
 Procedures:
  • Doing assigned work
    • Individual or group work will be assigned during every class meeting.
    • Please ensure that your name is on any paper that you hand in.  I don’t have time to track down papers with no name.  Advocate for yourself and make sure that you are owning the fantastic work you are submitting.
    • You must show all necessary work.  Problems without necessary work shown will be marked incorrect and returned to the student to show work.
    • All assignments may be corrected to increase the grade on the assignment.  I encourage you to correct and resubmit assignments in a timely manner.  This will increase, not only your grade, but also your understanding of the concepts presented in the classwork.
 
  • Turning work in
    • Work must be placed in the appropriate tray in the room.
    • Work that is not in the appropriate tray may be considered late.
    • I will notify you of cut-off dates for submitting classwork and corrections to classwork.  There is no exception to these cut-off dates.  You will be notified a week in advance of any cut-off date and an absence will not extend that cut-off date.
  
  • Late work
    • Completing work late puts you at a disadvantage in class.  Math is a subject that relies on previously learned skills.  I strongly encourage you to complete your work on time.
    • Although I typically do not penalize late work, I reserve the right to assign a failing grade to work that is completed late.
 
  • Quizzes
    • Quizzes will typically be given multiple times per week.
    • Do not expect to be notified of the time of a quiz.
    • Quizzes will have three sections: Developing Standard(s), Approaching Standard(s), and Target Standard(s).
    • Concepts and standards will move from “Developing” to “Approaching” to “Target” with each successive quiz.  This means that you will see a set of questions for a standard a total of three times.
    • “Target Standard” sections of quizzes can be retaken, but that must happen outside of regular class time.
    • Quizzes will not be returned to you.  Mrs. Owen will conference with each of you individually about areas of strength and areas where work is still necessary before the next quiz or retake.
 
  • Notes
    • You are expected to take notes in this class.  Ample time will be given to write down required information.
    • If you feel like you need more time to write down the information presented, please notify Mrs. Owen.
    • Notes are posted on the course website for future reference, as well.
    • Your notes may be part of your grade.
 
  • If your attention is needed
    • When the person in charge of the class stands at the front of the room do the following:
      1. Turn and face the person in charge
      2. Be ready for instruction
 
  • If you need to sharpen a pencil or if you need a new one
    • I will have a few pencils; you are more than welcome to borrow one but please do so at an appropriate time.
    • Please do NOT sharpen your pencil while someone is speaking.
    • Please be responsible with your materials and mine.  I can’t afford to supply every student with unlimited pencils.
 

  • If you would like to ask a question or respond to a question or thought
    • You do not need to gain permission every time, but please be courteous to those around you.
    • Do not interrupt someone who is speaking.
    • Do not attempt to speak over someone else.
    • Allow others an opportunity to respond if you have already done so.
    • You are more than welcome to raise your hand and gain recognition in that manner if it makes you more comfortable.
  
  • If you are absent
    • Ask Mrs. Owen for the materials at an appropriate time.  Appropriate times include during individual work time, during Academic Success, and in between classes.
    • It is your responsibility to obtain any missed materials.  It is not my responsibility to bring those materials to you.  Please make sure you are advocating for your learning.
    • Copy any part of your notes that you missed during the previous day from Mrs. Owen’s website (www.owenmathclass.com).
    • If the absence is an excused absence, you will have five days to complete the missing work.
 
  • Entering the classroom
    • Enter the classroom.
    • Go directly to your assigned seat.
    • Complete the problem on the board.
 
  • Leaving the classroom for any reason
    • Obtain my permission to leave the classroom.
    • If you are leaving the classroom without a staff member, take the pass.
 
  • In-class participation
    • I expect you to participate in class discussion at all times.
    • At times I will ask for an indication that you understand the things we’ve discussed.  We will discuss ways to indicate understanding in class.
 
  • End-of-period class dismissal
    • I will dismiss you at the end of class.  Remain seated and working until I dismiss you.
    • Do not pack up before I give you permission to.
 
  • Food and Drink
    • No food or drink will be allowed in the classroom.
 
  • Electronic Devices
    • Use of electronic devices is not allowed unless directed by the teacher.
 
  • Contact Mrs. Owen
    • If you need extra help or need to speak to me, feel free to come see me before school, after school, or during Academic Success.
    • Feel free to contact me by calling the school at 208-482-6074.
    • Email me at [email protected]
    
***Subject to change.