Syllabus

 

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La Cañada High School

Mathematics Department

Syllabus

 Subject: Algebra 2
Teacher:  Mr. Clausen           
email: dclausen@lcusd.net
Website:
http://www.clausentech.com/lchs/dclausen/algebra2/                                                                              

General Course Description   (from pre-registration handbook)

This course is a continuation of Algebra I and is necessary to prepare the student for advanced mathematics.  A grade of “C” or better in Algebra II is required for enrollment in the California State College and Universities system and the University of California.  This course integrates a review of Algebra I, an expansion on the content introduced in Algebra I, and an introduction to new topics.  Emphasis is placed on abstract thinking skills, the function concept, graphs, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas.  These content areas include quadratic equations, systems of equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, polynomials, rational algebraic expressions, sequences and series, the complex number system, and trigonometry.

Preparation:

A grade of “C” or better in Algebra I and Geometry, recommendation of current math teacher, and a recommending score on appropriate diagnostic test.  The use of scientific calculators is recommended for this course.

Behavior/Citizenship expectations

INDIVIDUALLY, A STUDENT WILL:

·         Not prevent the teacher from teaching nor disrupt the teaching process.

·         Not prevent a student from learning nor disrupt the learning process.

·         Not communicate with other students during a test or quiz until everyone has finished, and Mr. Clausen has announced that the last test or quiz has been turned in.

·         Be respectful of others.

·         Arrive to class on time (3 unexcused tardies per quarter will result in a citizenship grade of “N”, 4 unexcused tardies per quarter will result in a citizenship grade of “U”-see student handbook).

·         Remain in his/her seat until the bell rings.

·         Not eat food, gum, candy, nor anything to drink are allowed in the room – see student handbook.  Water in a container with a closed lid is okay.

·         Attend class unless ill or on school-sponsored activity

·         Not copy someone else’s work or have their work in your possession.

Citizenship grade

O

Makes positive contributions to the learning environment of the class or group.

 

Always has materials, book always covered (please use a paper cover).

 

No unexcused tardies per quarter

 

Always follows La Cañada High School Honor Code

 

 

S:

Makes neither negative nor positive contributions to the learning environment of the class or group

 

Nearly always has materials, book always covered (please use a paper cover)

 

One or two unexcused tardies per quarter

 

Always follows La Cañada High School Honor Code

 

 

 

N:

Often makes negative contributions to the learning environment of the class or group

 

Often does not have materials, book often not covered (please use a paper cover).

Detentions have not been served.

 

Three unexcused tardies per quarter

 

Does not follow the La Cañada High School Honor Code.

 

 

 

U:

Frequently makes negative contributions to the learning environment of the class or group

 

Frequently does not have materials, book seldom covered.

 

Four or more unexcused tardies per quarter

 

One or more truancies per quarter

 

Does not follow the La Cañada High School Honor Code.

Detentions have not been served.

 

Discipline

Students needing correction will be given detentions as needed, parent phone calls, and/or referrals as necessary.

Letter Grade Policy

90.0-100%                A

80.0-89.9%                B

70.0-79.9%                C

60.0-69.9%                D

0-59.9%                  F

Grades are not weighted in this class.  A student’s grade is calculated as the number of points they have earned in the class divided by the total number of points possible.  In this class, graded activities will include tests, quizzes, homework, class work, and the semester exams.  A list of homework assignments for each chapter can be found on my school web site listed above in addition to being announced in class.  Homework is due the next class meeting after the assignment has been assigned.  Late homework will be accepted for half credit prior to the testing of that chapter or topic.  Test dates will be posted on my school web site.

While grades are not calculated using Pinnacle’s weighted categories, here is the approximate weighting of activities:

Final Exam                         15%

Tests / Quizzes                    60%

Homework/Class work:     25%

Materials to be brought to class

·         Pencils (#2 only), eraser, pen, notebook paper, straightedge, graph paper, and highlighter.

·         Three ring notebook in which you will keep all work, notes, handouts and returned tests.

·         Scientific calculator (necessary for second semester – see Mr. Clausen’s scientific calculator restrictions.)

·         Textbook covered with a paper book cover.            

 

Homework

Homework will be used to enhance and reinforce student learning. Homework is to be completed by the next class meeting unless otherwise instructed. Late work will be accepted for half credit prior to the testing of that chapter or topic.

 

Assessment

Student assessment includes but is not limited to daily homework assignments, and Chapter Tests.  Each student is required to keep their assignments in a three ring binder / portfolio, which are regularly evaluated, and are kept by the student.  Tests are given at the end of every Chapter or Unit.  The instructor reviews these Chapter Tests with students during a class period after every student has completed or made up the test.  Information regarding what students will need to know for every test of the school year is posted on the Internet, and correlated to class lecture notes, which are also posted on the Internet in order that students may properly prepare themselves for the tests. Practice Tests are also available on Mr. Clausen’s Algebra 2 Web Site for every test starting with chapter four.  These practice tests are required assignments, which are due on the day before the Test.  Grades are calculated using the Pinnacle Grade book program in order that students and their parents may look up their grades on the Internet.  This course will comply with current Governing Board Policy regarding the sending home of tests.

 

Rules concerning late work including tests.

In the case of illness, the school handbook rule of  “one day for every day absent plus one” will apply to turning in homework and making up tests and quizzes.  The definition of “day” above for this class will mean a calendar school day using only Mondays – Fridays (not including school holidays).

Work turned in later than the number of days + 1 will be accepted only at the discretion of the teacher, and will receive less credit than work turned in on time.  Tests and other work not made up in a timeframe consistent with the school handbook will receive a grade of zero.

Mr. Clausen is available for extra help

During homeroom / SSR, lunch, after school from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM in room 304, and by appointment (teachers are required to attend several meetings throughout the year, so it always best to schedule time for help.)

 

Study tips

Take notes in class.

Keep a list of daily assignments.

If absent check the website for the handout / assignment and listen to the virtual lecture for the lesson you missed.

Do all assignments as soon as possible, finishing them the day assigned for homework. 

Spend at least 45 minutes daily on homework.

Memorize the formulas that were covered in class the same day that they were covered in class (flash cards are helpful).

If absent, get the make up work done in a timely manner.  This is your responsibility.

Get help when difficulty first arises - don’t wait until it is too late.

 

Because we use computers in this class, there is an additional list of Computer Lab Guidelines for students to follow in addition to the LCUSD Internet Use Agreement.  (See attached list: Computer Lab Guidelines)

 

 

 

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