Honors Algebra III is a course designed to give able mathematics students a rigorous background in the algebraic concepts needed for further study of mathematics. The prerequisite for this class is Honors Geometry or permission by instructor. The pace of the course is quite challenging and students are expected to have a high degree of independence in their approach to learning.

It is your job to learn the material.

It is my job to facilitate that learning.

Because we have the same objective (your mastery of the subject), I believe we should agree on some ways that this could happen in a positive fashion. We need to formulate a set of guidelines to help create an environment which works well for all students in this class. These guidelines should evolve from our work together. As a team, we will continually update and modify the list which follows. For now, here are some very broad guidelines I feel are important:

• I expect you to treat me and the other students in the class with respect. Use your common sense and give others the same courtesy you would like to receive. Since group work will be an important part of this class, I ask you to make cooperation and sharing a part of your daily routine here.
• Please be ready to begin class when the bell rings. You will always need your notebook, a calculator, and your previous assignment out on your desk unless otherwise directed. Sharpen pencils before class!
• If you are absent, you are required to get the notes of the day as well as the assignment. It would be very helpful to me if you could do this by asking a member of your group for assistance. I expect a great deal of maturity and independence from you as an Honors Algebra III student! In addition, the assignments will be written on my website--check there!
• You will often be asked to work cooperatively with other memebers of the class. However, there are also times when you must perform on your own. Please don't ever feel you need to cheat! Talk to me if you are having problems with the class.
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• I will enforce all of the policies of the Saline High School handbook. Please make yourself familiar with those policies, especially those involving tardies, absences, electronic equipment and dress code. My belief is that our classroom is all about having you be as successful as possible in mathematics--let's not allow distractions to interfere with that process!

Guidelines for Assessing Work

On time

Complete

High quality

Homework Policy

Notebook Policy

Guidelines for Classroom Conduct

Shows respect for self and others
Demonstrates teamwork and cooperation
Is trustworthy
Has a genuine commitment to excellence
Arrives for class on time
Works during the hour on task
Asks questions/answers questions
Provides critical input about the class
Uses self-evaluation to assist in assessment

Takes ownership for own learning

Grading Policies

Your marking period grade is composed of:

TESTS 75%

includes pop-quizzes, quizzes, exams
and projects

HOMEWORK 25%

collected assignments, in-class checks
and notebooks


Your semester grade is computed as follows:

MARKING PERIOD GRADES 80%

average of the first and second quarters

FINAL EXAM 20%

To assign letter grades, I use the scale of

A = 90% -100%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% - 69%

E = 59% or less

Supplies

• three-ring binder

• graphing calculator

(I can provide the calculator to some extent, but you will benefit more from having your own.)

I recommend a TI-83 Plus or a TI-83 graphing calculator!

Other

• Your input is extremely valuable to me. You know best what types of learning situations work. Be sure to express your ideas!

• There should always be time at the end of the class for help, but you may also come in to get help from

7:20 - 7:44 AM or from 2:35 - 3:15 PM.

• Keep a positive attitude!

Remember

Quality in education is a commitment to excellence by each individual.

It is achieved through teamwork and a process of continuous improvement!