Mr.

Chris Beyerle
Room B225

Welcome to Algebra I
This is going to be a great year! We are going to learn a great deal, but in order to do that, we all have responsibilities. As a teacher, I have to provide you with a learning environment and educational experiences so that learning can occur. As the student, you have a responsibility to make the most of these tools by following classroom rules, doing you work, and asking questions.

Course Description
The course offers skills in mathematical situations, generalizations, and numerical relationships. The course presents a wide range of situations for setting up equations and offers a variety of methods to solve the equations. The use of problem solving, functions, representation, reasoning and proof, language and communication, and connections both within and outside mathematics are parts of the Algebra I curriculum. This course is for students entering the 9 grade who have mastered all state-mandated eight-grade standards. Algebra I is the first course for the high school math curriculum.
th

Instructional Philosophy
Instructional Approach As the teacher, I want to provide the very best education and learning experience for the students in my class. I believe the teacher should work with the students in the classroom, not just be the lecturer. A Typical Day in the Classroom The class will begin each day with a bell-ringer assignment which will be completed in the first 5 minutes of the class. The teacher will then review homework completed the day before. The class will then learn the new material for the day. The end class will follow with a review of what was learned and the start of home work. Teaching Strategies I will be using a variety of teaching strategies in the classroom. The following strategies will be used: lecture, group work, projects, inquiry, presentations, games, computer labs, writing assignments and many more. Classroom Design The classroom design will change according to the strategy of teaching. Some designs include: u-shape, row, and cluster. Student Participation You will be expected to be take part in the class, by doing your work, paying attention, asking and answering questions. You can expect to have assignments every class period. Use your time wisely in class so that if you do have time to get started in class, you can acquire help. Homework/Classwork will be checked at random and will be graded on a completion basis. If you have it all, you receive 100, if you have half 50, if you have none, a 0. Therefore, you should at least attempt each problem. If you have no idea how to do a problem, you should copy the problem and directions that go with it and then move on to the next problem. If you leave a problem blank, you will not receive credit for it.

Expectations
Students are expected to follow school rules as laid out in the handbook. In addition, I expect the following: 1. Be on time. You must be in the room when the tardy bell rings. 2. Be fully prepared for class. a. Sharpen pencils and take care of any other business of such a manner before the tardy bell rings. Class will start immediately after the bell. b. Have your book, notebook, paper, and pencil for class everyday. c. Complete all assignments given.

3. Be kind, courteous, and respectful of others. a. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. b. Do not talk while other are talking, disrupt class, talk excessively, or make unnecessary comments. 4. Give your undivided attention to this class for the entire 50 minutes you are in class. a. Put all other materials away. b. No food, drinks, or gum allowed (with the exception of water in a closed container). c. You may be excused to use the restroom only during classwork activity time. Otherwise you should stay in your seat, especially during instruction.

Consequences
The tardy policy is outlined in the handbook. Other disruptive actions will result in the following: st 1 offenseTeacher warning nd 2 offenseParent contact rd th 3 4 offenseDetention th 5 offense or more - Dealt with by administration Any severe disruption will result in immediate referral to Assistant Principal or Counselor.

Course Goals/Power Standards

Statistical Applications Solving Equations in One Variable Using Algebra and Graphs to Describe Relationships Graphing and Analyzing Linear Functions Linear Inequalities Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities Exponents and Exponential Functions Polynomials and Factoring Quadratic Equations and Functions Using a Handheld Graphing Calculator Writing Assignments

Major Assignments/Projects
Students will be given a project to complete in each quarter of the school year. The teacher will provide instructions for each project when it is given.

Assessment and Grading

Students will be graded on the basis of classroom participation, homework, quizzes, tests, and projects. Tests and projects will count as 60%, quizzes as 30%, and homework and participation as 10%. There will generally be one to two tests per chapter, some cumulative and some not. Formats will vary, including multiple choice, short answer, and/or free response. You are responsible to keep up with your grade on a day-to-day basis. I will keep you aware of your class average as I see fit. Please do not ask daily to get your grade, I will be glad to show it to you before or after school or during any other non-instructional time.

Exams
Each semester grade is 80% the grade before the exam and 20% the exam itself. The final grade is 40% the first semester, 40% the second semester, and 20% the state administered final exam.

Make-up Work
Make-up work is your responsibility. Make-up work is outlined in the student handbook. Tests and work should be made up within 5 school days and not during class. Any work not made up within this time will receive a 0. You should talk to me as soon as you return from an absence in order to stay up with the class. If you are absent from class the day before a test, you will be required to take the test with the rest of the class if no new material has been covered. Field trips do not count as absences; therefore, you are responsible for being up with the class when you return. I do not accept any late work.

Help
Extra help is always available. Please ask for help! However, let me know when you plan to come in so I can be sure to be here. Do not wait until after you have done poorly on a test to get extra help. I do not give retests. Get help from the beginning. Also be sure to take advantage of the Freshmen Academy Tutoring that is offered.

Parental Information
As we begin each unit, I will give students an overview of what we will be covering and a general timeline. Students should know when their tests will be. Homework will be assigned everyday with very few exceptions, so your student should be able to give you updates on what and how he or she is doing.

Textbook Information
Holt McDougal Algebra I, Common Core Edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. 2012. Online Textbook: http://my.hrw.com/

Please assist me in encouraging your child to do his or her work and keep up with class. Let me know if you have any questions concerning your child or see any problems arising with your childs performance. My email address is cbeyerle@greenville.k12.sc.us and the telephone number of the school is 355-6631. I, too, will be in touch with you if problems or concerns arise. Thank you for your involvement.