Course: Algebra 2A
Teacher: Art DeJohn
Room: Modular #102
Email: art.dejohn@ssfs.org
Phone: 301-774-7445
Office Hours: 2nd, lunch, 5th and after school.
Ch. 1: Equations and Inequalities
Ch. 2: Linear Equations and Functions
Ch. 3: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
Ch. 4: Matrices
Ch. 5: Quadratic Functions
Ch. 6: Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
Ch. 7: Powers, Roots, and Radicals
Ch. 8: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Ch. 9: Rational Equations and Functions
Ch.10: Quadratic Relations and Conic Sections
Ch.11: Sequences and Series
Students will learn a conceptual understanding of functions and relationships among variables, and the precedural fluency in the skills required to solve problems given data sets, equations, graphs, and verbal descriptions. The overall approach is to build a deeper understanding of the elements learned in algebra 1 and to expand this knowledge to a family of functions and relationships that will prepare students for higher level mathematics courses that require analysis. Students will also improve on their note taking skills and ability to approach problems using different techniques.
Notebook Checks: 20%, notebooks are similar to journals and everything you do for the course is written in your notebook. They consist of notes from class discussions (lecture and homework review), and homework assignments in chronological order. Notebooks are collected approximately every two weeks. I check organization, and completeness in terms of class notes from discussion and homework review. Many of the assigned problems require multi-step solutions, and I expect to see complete solutions, not just a final answer. I'm interested in process as much as the correct answer. 20 pt's/notebook check
Warm-ups: 20%, these are random 5-10 minute assessments that can occur anytime, usually once or twice a week. They are meant to assess your basic understanding of material that has been assigned and reviewed. They are not as difficult as quizzes or tests, and should have an above average score if you are keeping pace with the course. 6-10 pt's/warm-up
Quizzes: 60%, these occur once or twice per chapter. They could be 30 to 45 minute assessments. 50 pt's/quiz
Semester Exams: are cumulative with calculator and non-calculator sections. They are weighted 15% of your semester grade if your exam score is less than your two quarter average, and weighted 20% of your semester grade if your exam score is greater than your two quarter average.
> I have high expectations for mutual respect and academic honesty among your peers and the community as a whole. Further, I am always open to discussing issues or concerns of any kind. Please bring your textbook, notebook, and graphing calculator to class every day. Write in pen if your are neat and it is erasable ink.
> Although I don't collect or check daily homework, I expect you to honestly attempt all homework assignments. If you don't complete a given assignment, I expect you to engage in the class discussion, and to ask questions about difficult problems, or to take notes on problems that you may not have attempted. The point is for you to keep pace with the course, and to follow through on missed assignments immediately. Notebook checks are designed to check the quality of your work, meaning your thought process in approaching a given problem. However, I expect all class notes to be in your notebook and all of the homework problems at the time I collect the notebooks to be completed.
> Warm-ups are not scheduled. They are not considered difficult, and are motivation for you to keep pace with reviewed homework. You should take a few minutes everyday to review concepts and problems discussed in class.
> Quizzes, and warm-ups will consists of a variety of formats including written equations, graphical, data sets, and verbal with and without diagrams. You will be required to develop flexible skills in approaching a variety of problems. You will need to be fluent in procedural and conceptual skills.
> I permit the use of notebooks on all assessments, except for the semester exams on which I give you a formatted formula sheet. My goal is for you to develop good note taking skills, and to have a good reference for studying the process of problem solving, rather than having pages of short answers that have no context for which to learn the material. CAUTION, notebooks are not meant to be used like an encyclopedia during assessments, because there is not enough time for you to look up every type of problem, and not every type of problem asked of you to solve will be in your notebook. It will be most useful as a reference for formulas, and to assist you on a couple of challenging problems.
Finally, my overall goal is for you to enjoy mathematics.