2023-2024 Syllabus

Algebra I

Student name: _________________________

Lexi Miree Teacher: ___Kellie Hurtsellers______________________

Lexi Miree
_____________________________________ agrees to complete satisfactorily the academic work required in this syllabus in order to
pass the course. If a student’s average grade falls below 75%, the Principal, the teacher, and the Advisor will contact parents
to discuss the next steps and possible solutions for recovery.

Course Description:

This course concentrates on problem-solving. Algebra I will include solving equations, word problems, reasoning skills, the language
of algebra, patterns, and functions, the real number system, integers, rational numbers, and inequalities. Students begin the year
learning about expressions and using the number properties. They will then review the use of exponent and begin to use logical
arguments to justify the steps to a word problem. Students will solve multi-step inequalities. The teaching strategies employed in this
course are both group and individual, attempting to provide each student the opportunity for instruction and for the solution of
everyday problems. Each student will be given many opportunities to master the material presented.

Student Required Materials/Resources:

Binder with dividers

Pencils
Notebook Paper
Calculator (TI-30XS) (about $20)
 GRADING REQUIREMENTS

MANDATORY GRADING WEIGHTS GRADE 6-12

Formative AssessmentsTotal = 50%

Classwork 30%
Quizzes 15%
Homework 5%
Summative Assessments Total = 50%
Unit Tests 25%
Projects 15%
Midterm & Final Exams 10%

MSA GRADING SCALE

A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 75-79
D= 70-74
F= 69- Below

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Classwork - Quizzes - Homework

The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that instructors can use to improve their
teaching and students to improve their learning. More specifically, formative assessments: help identify their strengths and
weaknesses and target areas that need work.

Classwork Policy:

Classwork is an integral part of the learning process and plays a crucial role in academic progress. Active engagement is expected in
all class activities, exercises, and discussions. Classwork is designed to reinforce concepts, develop critical thinking, and foster
collaborative learning.

Students are required to come to class prepared and participate in all classwork activities. Completion of classwork is essential for a
comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and is worth 30% of the overall course grade.

Remember that classwork is an opportunity to actively engage with the material, ask questions, and seek clarification. Commitment to
classwork will significantly impact learning and academic success.

Late submissions of classwork will result in reduced credit, please see the late work policy. It is a student’s responsibility to keep
track of any missed classwork and arrange for make-up work promptly. Utilize Google Classroom.
Quizzes Policy:

Quizzes will be administered throughout the course to assess students' understanding of the material and track their progress. These
short assessments are designed to reinforce learning and provide feedback on individual performance. Quizzes will cover topics
covered in class, readings, and class discussions. The purpose of quizzes is to help students identify areas for improvement, and
encourage active participation, and is worth 15% of the overall course grade.

Homework Policy:

Teachers will assign homework on a regular basis. Homework is worth 5% of the overall course grade. Homework is a review of
what has been taught in class, a preview of new work, or a time to prepare for reading assignments.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Projects - Unit Tests- Midterm/Final Exams

The goal of summative assessment is to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit, or course by comparing it
against the standard learning goals. Examples of summative assessments include projects, unit tests, and midterm/final exams.

Projects:

Projects aim to enhance student learning, critical thinking, and creativity. They provide opportunities for students to apply
knowledge, explore interests, and develop essential skills. Clear guidelines and expectations will be provided for each project
through instructions and rubrics. Students will have access to the necessary resources and support. Projects will be assessed based
on their alignment with learning objectives, content mastery, creativity, and presentation and are worth 15% of the overall grade.
Projects may be individual or group based on teacher discretion. By actively engaging in projects, students will enrich their learning
experience and cultivate valuable 21st-century competencies.

Unit Tests:

Unit tests serve as an essential assessment tool to evaluate students' understanding and mastery of the standard learning targets
covered in each unit. They are designed to assess students' knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and application of
concepts learned in class and are worth 25% of the overall grade.

Test Format: Unit tests will include a combination of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and problem-
solving exercises.

Test Schedule: The dates for unit tests will be provided no less than two weeks in advance with a study guide/materials
by the teacher. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the test dates and come prepared.

Academic Integrity: Students are expected to uphold academic integrity during tests. Any form of cheating or plagiarism
will result in appropriate consequences as per the school's academic honesty policy.

Make-up Tests: See ABSENCES & MAKE-UP WORK POLICY

Review and Feedback: After each unit test, students will receive feedback on their performance, including areas of
strength and areas needing improvement within a week. The teacher will be available for further clarification or guidance
upon request.

Test Retakes: Test retakes will be considered and determined, as needed.

Midterm/Final Exams:

The schedules for the midterm and final exams are included in the student handbook and posted on the school website on the
calendar. Please be familiar with those dates.
 Content: Both exams will cover the material taught during the respective periods, including lectures, readings, class
discussions, and any assigned projects or assignments.

Format: The exams will consist of a combination of different question types, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, essay
questions, or problem-solving exercises.

Preparation: Students are expected to actively engage with the course material, attend classes regularly, and review their
notes and readings to prepare thoroughly for the exams. Please see the school calendar for exam review dates.

Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated during exams. Any
violations will result in procedures as outlined in the school's academic integrity policy.

Makeup Exams: Makeup exams may be offered in the case of a legitimate absence, such as illness or extenuating
circumstances. Parents/students must inform the instructor and make arrangements for makeup exams.

Exam Grades: Exam grades will contribute to 10% of the overall course grade, and will be input into the gradebook as
two grades as per the grading policy outlined in the syllabus.

EXTRA CREDIT AND LATE WORK

Extra credit is not given. Students are expected to complete all assigned work during the semester.

Late Work Policy (non-absence):

Any assignment not submitted on the day and time determined by the teacher is considered late.
10% of an assignment grade will be deducted each day the work is late up to 3 class days. After 3 class days, a zero will be entered
into the grade book, and will not be changed.

ABSENCES & MAKE-UP WORK POLICY

Absence Make-Up Work:

Students are expected to make up work for excused absences and are responsible for obtaining make-up assignments for each class
missed, completing the make-up work, and turning in the assignments on the date determined by the student and teacher. If the
absence is planned, students should get assignments prior to the absence. This includes student-athletes missing class or work for
competitions.

The number of days allotted to make up work is the total number of class days the student was absent. For instance, if a student is
absent for three (3) class days, they would have three (3) class days to make up her/ his work. However, students must be prepared to
continue with regular class activities upon their return in addition to completing the Make-Up Work. Lunch and Learn is one
opportunity for students to make up with work, within the allotted time.

All assignments, including tests and quizzes, that are missed due to an absence will be due the day the student returns. Any work not
submitted at that time will be subject to the Late Work policy. Making inquiries and arrangements for make-up work after absences
are the students ’ responsibility and not their teacher's. Should the student fail to inquire about and arrange for make-up work, zeros
will be assigned for all work missed after the allotted 3 days, and will not be changed.

Special Cases and Exceptions:

Extenuating circumstances may require adjustments and exceptions to the above policies. This includes one-on-one and other support.
At MSA, those cases will be handled on an individual basis by the Academic Team.

Final Exam Exemptions:

12th-grade students with a 90% or higher in a subject area at the end of the spring semester, can opt out of taking the final exam for
that subject in the spring semester ONLY.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
All students have access to Google Classroom. All homework and class assignments are posted on Google Classroom. It is the
student’s responsibility to write all assignments in their planner and check Google Classroom daily.

Please sign and return by August 25, 2023

An electronic copy of this document should be provided in Google Classroom for each course under Course Materials.

Parent Signature:_____________________________________ Student Signature: ______________________________