Algebra I
Instructor: Mr. Paisley / 2007-2008
Length of Course: 1 Year
Course Description
Algebra 1 will help students learn to understand, represent, and solve problems using symbolic and algebraic systems. Students will learn to reason logically and apply critical thinking skills. Students will develop graphing and modeling skills, manipulate and solve algebraic equations, and apply mathematical tools to real world and imagined problems in a variety of contexts.
Below is a summary of the California State Mathematics Standards for the course:
Download the Curricular Map
CST |
Code |
Algebra 1 Standards Listed in Order of Frequency on the California Standards Test (CST) |
Items |
|
|
6 |
A1.05 |
Multi-Step Problems & Word Problems |
5 |
A1.09 |
Solve & Graph Systems of Linear Equations & Inequalities |
4 |
A1.02 |
Inverses, Identities, Exponents, Fractional Powers |
4 |
A1.06 |
Graph Linear Equations & Inequalitites; Find Intercepts |
4 |
A1.07 |
Verify Point is On a Line / Linear Equations & Point-Slope Formula |
4 |
A1.10 |
Polynomial Arithmetic (Simple, Multi-Step, Word Problems) |
4 |
A1.13 |
Rational Expression Arithmetic |
4 |
A1.15 |
Problems Involving Rates, Work, and Mixtures |
3 |
A1.04 |
Expressions and Linear Equations & Inequalities |
3 |
A1.12 |
Simplify Rational Expressions |
3 |
A1.14 |
Solve Quadratics by Factoring & Complete The Square |
3 |
A1.20 |
Use Quadratic Formula to Find Roots & Solve Quadratics |
3 |
A1.21 |
Graph Quadratic Functions & Find Roots as X-intercepts |
3 |
A1.23 |
Apply Quadratic Functions to Physical Problems |
2 |
A1.11 |
Factor 2nd, 3rd Degree Polynomials & Special Products |
2 |
A1.19 |
Prove and Memorize the Quadratic Formula |
1 |
A1.03 |
Equations & Inequalities Involving Absolute Value |
1 |
A1.08 |
Slopes of Parallels & Perpendiculars / Equation of Line Ç a Point |
1 |
A1.17 |
Domain & Range |
1 |
A1.22 |
Use Quadratic Formula & Factoring to Find Roots and Multiplicity |
1/2** |
A1.01 |
Arithmetic Properties of N, Z, Q, I, R |
1/2** |
A1.16 |
Relations & Functions |
1/2** |
A1.18 |
Relations vs. Functions |
1/2** |
A1.25 |
Valid Arguments, Properties of Numbers, Truth Conditions |
1/3** |
A1.24 |
Inductive vs. Deductive / Logical Deduction / Falsification |
Note: 1/2** and 1/3** refer to standards which are tested every 2nd and 3rd year.
The complete text of the California Mathematics Standards for Algebra 1 can be found at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/mthalgebra1.asp
Curriculum Map
The Algebra 1 curriculum will be covered in five units, with a final review unit before state testing in the spring. Below is a curriculum map for this year’s course:
Semester 1 / Unit 1 |
Semester 2 / Unit 1 |
Mathematics Theme |
Mathematics Theme |
Project Focus |
Project Focus |
State Standards Targeted |
State Standards Targeted |
Integration & Applications |
Integration & Applications |
Semester 1 / Unit 2 |
Semester 2 / Unit 2 |
Mathematics Theme |
Mathematics Theme |
Project Focus |
Project Focus |
State Standards Targeted |
Standards: |
Integration & Applications |
Integration & Applications |
Semester 1 / Unit 3 |
Semester 2 / Unit 3 |
Mathematics Theme |
Mathematics Theme: |
Project Focus |
Project Focus |
State Standards Targeted |
Standards: |
Integration & Applications |
Integration & Applications |
Course Calendar
The course calendar can be accessed from the NNTHS website or from the student web portal.
Students and parents can check the calendar for activities, assignments, and important dates.
Assignments and Assessments
Earning Credit: Assignments and assessments must be complete and correct in order to earn full credit.
Students should expect to make repeated corrections and revisions if necessary to earn full credit.
Late Penalties: There are no late penalties, and any assignment may be corrected or upgraded at any time before grades are due to the school office (as long as sufficient time remains to grade late submissions).
Last-Minute Work Submitted: Work turned in very close to a school-wide grade reporting date will be graded on a “first-come-first-serve” basis, so last minute submissions may not get graded in time to be included in that grade report. Students are advised to submit work far enough in advance of grade reports to allow time for assessment. Work that misses a grade report date will still earn credit towards the next grade report, except at the end of the semester when final grade submission deadlines must be met.
Grading System
Assignments and assessments will include a mixture of individual, partner, and team work.
Types of work may include projects, investigations, problem solving activities, math literacy exercises, drill & practice, skills review & remediation, quizzes & tests.
Overall grades will be synthesized from the following NNTHS Learning Outcomes:
Work Ethic |
20% |
Math Content: Mathematics Review Skills (“D” grade work) |
10% |
Math Content: Basic Algebra Skills (“C” grade work) |
10% |
Math Content: Core Proficiency Algebra Skills (“B” grade work) |
10% |
Math Content: Advanced Algebra Skills (“A” grade work) |
10% |
Critical Thinking |
10% |
Collaboration |
10% |
Technology |
10% |
Written Communication |
10% |
Important Notice #1: In the Math Content categories, students will need to complete all “C work” before their “B work” can be credited, and they will need to complete all “C & B work” before their “A work” can be credited. This policy exists to prevent students from skipping their work on math fundamentals and compensating with points from other activities that are intended to serve as extensions and/or enrichments. When assignments and assessments contain stages or sections of “C”, “B”, “A” work, all lower grade work must be completed before higher grade points may be earned. At any time, students may upgrade & resubmit any assignment to raise it from a lower grade to a higher grade with the understanding that Mr. Paisley will need adequate time to evaluate upgrades/resubmissions before schoolwide grade reporting dates.
Important Notice #2: There will be no “D” grades awarded in this class. Passing grades begin at 70%, which constitutes a “C” grade. The grading policy is due to the sequential nature of learning mathematics, where serious deficiencies in one set of math skills can seriously impair a student’s chances for success in future math courses. Many years of teaching experience have shown me that students who earn “D” grades really do not have the math skills necessary for future success, and therefore would benefit greatly from repeating the course. Since the long-term goal of mathematics studies is skill development and math proficiency, it does not serve students well when they are permitted to pass with poor skills and significant weakness in math. Therefore, passing grades will begin with 70%.
Absence and Tardy Policy
Unexcused absences and tardies will automatically reduce a student’s grade in the Work Ethic category. Students are responsible for work missed during absences. Alternative assignments and/or assessments may be given at the teacher’s discretion when the nature of an absence makes it impractical for students to complete the regular coursework.
Additional Math Work and Make-Up Times
Students who allow their grades to fall below “C” level are expected to spend extra time getting math help until they have raised their grades. In addition to regularly scheduled class time, students are encouraged to seek math help during lunch, after school, and on monthly weekend Math Make-Up Sessions.
Teacher Contact Information
Mr. Ariel Paisley, M. Ed.
Napa New Technology High School
920 Yount St., Napa, CA 94559
School Phone: 707-259-8557
e-mail: apaisley@newtechhigh.org
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