GSE Foundations of Algebra Fall 2017

Ms. Aikhuele
Room 807
Email: [email protected]
Blog: http://www. aikhuelefoa.weebly.com
Welcome to Foundations of Algebra!
Course Description
Foundations of Algebra class is a year-long course that will give you the opportunity
to build a stronger foundation for future success in math and other high school
courses. Foundations of Algebra will provide many opportunities to revisit and
expand your understanding of foundational algebra concepts, will employ diagnostic
means to offer focused interventions, and will incorporate varied instructional
strategies to prepare you for required high school courses. This course will emphasize both algebra and
numeracy in a variety of contexts including number sense, proportional reasoning, quantitative reasoning
with functions, and solving equations and inequalities.
In the first semester, modules 1 to 5 will be taught and in the second semester, units 3 to 6 of Algebra I
(formerly Coordinate Algebra), will be taught.

Standards for Mathematical Practice: Content Area Standards:

The standards addressed in this course fall under the

Make sense of problems and persevere in following subject are strands:
solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Number Sense and Quantity
Arithmetic to Algebra
Construct viable arguments and critique the Proportional Reasoning
reasoning of others. Equations & Inequalities
Model with Mathematics. Quantitative Reasoning with Functions
Modeling & Analyzing Quadratic Functions
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Modeling & Analyzing Exponential Functions
Attend to precision. Comparing & Contrasting Functions
Look for and make use of structure. Describing Data/ Review and Extend
Look for and express regularity in repeated
A more detailed description of the standards addressed in
reasoning. each unit can be found at www.georgiastandards.org

Foundations of Algebra Course Schedule

**Time spent on each unit is an approximation,
Some units may need less time and some may need more time.**

1st Semester

Module 1: Number Sense and Quantity 2 Weeks 11%

Module 2: Arithmetic to Algebra 1 Week 11%
Module 3: Proportional Reasoning 2 Weeks 11%
Mid-Term Date will be announced --------- 10%
Module 4: Equations & Inequalities 2 Weeks 11%
Unit 1: Relationship Between Quantities and Expressions 4 weeks 18%
Unit 2a: Reasoning with Linear Quantities and Expressions 4 weeks 18%
Final Exam: --------- 10%
 2nd Semester
Unit 2b: Reasoning with Linear Quantities and Expressions 2 weeks
Unit 3a & 3b: Modeling & Analyzing Quadratic Functions 5 Weeks
Mid-Term Date will be announced ---------
Unit 4: Modeling & Analyzing Exponential Functions 3 Weeks
Unit 5: Comparing & Contrasting Functions 1 Week
Unit 6: Describing Data 2 Weeks
Georgia Milestones EOC ---------
Final Exam: ---------

Grading Policy/Grade Improvement

All assessments are graded by standards. A short quiz at the end of each week. Tests will be given at the end of
each module/unit.

YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED Grading Rubric

TO RETAKE ASSESSMENTS 4 Uses appropriate concepts and correct answer is generated (e.g.
calculation, figures, diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.).
Uses a strategy that leads to a solution of the problem.
OR IMPROVE YOUR GRADE All necessary work is shown and is neat and readable.
Mathematical representation is actively used as a means of
AFTER COMING TO communicating ideas related to the solution of the problem.
(Correct answer and associated work shown)
TUTORING OR PROVING 3 There is appropriate use of accurate mathematical representation.
Uses a strategy that leads to a solution of the problem that is not
correct due to calculation errors or careless mistakes.
THAT YOU HAVE WORKED All necessary work is shown but work is sloppy but readable.
(May have correct answer, Unfinished work or not simplified, or
ON YOUR OWN. calculation mistakes)
Uses a strategy that is partially useful, leading some way toward a
2 solution, but not to a full solution of the problem.
Grading Scale Work is sloppy or questions are not discernable. Work is incomplete
or explanation may not be clearly presented.
90 100 % A (May show some correct work but no correct answer and work is
sloppy or incorrect)
Answers only or answers left blank.
80 89 % B 1 The solution doesn't address any of the mathematical components
presented in the problem. Work is sloppy work and questions are
74 79 % C not discernable.
There is no use or inappropriate use of mathematical representations
(e.g. figures, diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.).
70 73 % D
0 No
solution
69 & below F
generated

Grading Policy: 80% Summative and 20% Formative

Summative: Project-10%, Final exam or EOC-20%, Major Test-30%, Major Quiz-20%
Formative: Classwork-5%, Homework-5%, Mini quiz-10%
Class Expectations
Because we value education:
Come to class everyday on time prepared with all materials necessary for learning.
Be respectful of your classmates questions and opinions including yourself.
Review/Study every night, which includes the concepts you understand and concepts you do not understand.
Participate in your own learning by asking questions.
Be responsible; have assignments due on time.
Be safe in the classroom.
Be your best academically and socially.

Tutoring/Grade Improvement
Tutoring will be available after school Monday through Thursday by appointments only from 3:30pm to
4:30pm in my classroom. Tutoring will be only for students who have participated in class and completed
assignments. Students can also work on USA Test Prep along with other websites listed on my blog.

Homework
Homework in math is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT and will be graded. You will have homework daily except
Fridays. To excel in math, you must practice!

Absences
If you are absent from school for ANY reason, it is THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY to get any
materials/notes/HW that was missed on the absent day. Any missed quizzes or tests will be assigned a grade of
zero until the assignment is completed. Students have one week to make up missed assignments for full credit
following return to school after an absence. All assignments and the days activities are posted on my Blog.
http://www. aikhuelefoa.weebly.com

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

While cell phones and other electronics can be an important communication and safety device for families, their
use during the school day is prohibited unless your teacher specifically tells you that you will use it during
instruction.

FOUNDATIONS OF ALGEBRA CLASS CHECKLIST

Supplies Suggested
To improve organizational skills, we require the following supplies:
#2 Pencils
Erasers
2 Notebooks
Highlighters/ colored pencils
Loose leaf lined paper
SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR!!!! The recommended calculator is TI-34XS. It is typically $20
and sold at any office supply store (OfficeMax, Office Depot, Staples, Walmart)
 Foundations of Algebra
The class always welcomes classroom donations like:
- Tissue
- Sanitizer wipes
- Hand Sanitizer

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Parent/Guardian PLEASE INITIAL:

_______I have read the syllabus, and if I have any questions I will contact Ms. Aikhuele.

_______I understand the procedure on cell phones or any other electronic device.

_______I understand what supplies are suggested for Foundations of Algebra.

_______I understand the requirements for grade improvement.

_______I understand the academic expectations for Foundations of Algebra.

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