Algebra II                              2009-2010                              Ms. Roth/P. 6   
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 Website: www.msroth.com
Email: sroth@piedmont.k12.ca.us     Voicemail: 510.594.2626 x560

**LINK TO ALGEBRA II BINDER INFO**

INTRODUCTION
Algebra II is a challenging course that builds on and expands the concepts learned in Algebra I and Geometry.  It prepares students for more advanced high school and college math and science courses.  Some of the topics we will cover are: functions; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; polynomial, radical, and rational expressions and equations; the complex number system; conic sections; logarithmic and exponential functions; sequences and series; and permutations and combinations.  Please refer to the attached PHS Algebra II course outline for additional information.

COURSE GOALS

• “To increase the mathematical power of each student.
• To improve the student’s ability to think and communicate in mathematical terms using appropriate mathematical concepts, tools, and techniques.
• To develop a solid foundation of the skills and concepts of second-year algebra in order to have success in more advanced courses.” (PHS Course Outline – Mathematics)

SEMESTER GRADES ARE BASED ON:         

Homework: 20%
Independent practice will help you master the concepts taught in class.   Homework will be assigned every class and due at the beginning of the following class.   It is to be done in pencil only.  Homework problems will be corrected and discussed in class the day the work is due.  Full credit will be given for an assignment if all problems were attempted, completed to the best of your ability, done in pencil, with all work shown, and corrected in ink in class.  Late homework will receive ¾ credit, but will not be accepted after 3 days past the due date. Be careful: each missing homework assignment you have will lower your overall semester grade by about 0.5%.
Homework will primarily be from our standards-based textbook, Algebra 2 (Glencoe, 2005).

Tests/Quizzes: 60%
Your understanding and mastery of the material taught in class will be assessed on written tests and quizzes.  All assessments are “closed-book”.  Scientific calculators are allowed on tests after Chapters 1 and 2.  Graphing calculators are not allowed.

Math Binder: 10%
Math binders will be collected at the end of each quarter. Your binder will contain your handouts, warm ups, notes, homework (which must have been corrected in ink), tests/quizzes, and binder/graph paper.  The main purpose of the math binder is to help you stay organized and succeed in class. 

Final Exam: 10%        

Grading Scale
A+           97-100%                               C             73-76.9%
A             93-96.9%                              C-            70-72.9%
A-            90-92.9%                              D+           67-69.9%
B+           87-89.9%                              D             63-66.9%
B             83-86.9%                              D-            55-62.9%
B-            80-82.9%                              F              < 55%
C+           77-79.9%

Grading Program: Easy Grade Pro.  All assignments and grades (homework, test/quiz, binder, final) will be available online using a student password that you will create.  I update and upload grades on an almost daily basis.  Due to space limitations, assignments are sometimes abbreviated, therefore not 100% reliable.  Be sure to always write the assignment down in class.   It will be posted on the board.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

• Be prepared to learn.  Bring your math binder (3-ring binder with 5 dividers, loose-leaf binder paper, and graph paper), supplies (pencil, eraser, pen, ruler, scientific calculator), and textbook to EVERY class.  There will be checks for credit.  If you have your math binder, supplies, and textbook every time I check, 1% will be added to your semester grade as extra credit.  Graphing calculators are not allowed in this class. (Heads up: no calculators of any kind will be allowed for Chapters 1 and 2, which are review.)
• You will be issued 4 hall passes per quarter.  If you choose not to use them all, you can apply 2 of the 4 passes to replace 1 missing homework assignment per quarter.  Using 4 passes this way boosts your overall semester grade by approximately 1%.

• Please be on time every day (5 tardies per quarter = U in citizenship).  After the 5th tardy in a quarter, you will have to surrender one hall pass each time you are tardy.

• NO food or drinks (except bottled water) are allowed in class.  Please eat before class.
• Leave the classroom as clean as you found it.  Be respectful of school property and others.
• Follow all PHS school rules and adhere to PHS academic integrity policy (do your own work).  Cheating will result in a zero grade on the assignment and parent notification.  The incident will also be recorded in your school discipline file. 
• Raise your hand when volunteering answers or asking questions, listen attentively when others are speaking, and always ask if you don’t understand!  Help others whenever you can.

ABSENCES
Avoid these at all costs!  It is very hard to catch up after missing a math lesson.  Please schedule appointments after school whenever possible.  In the event of absence, it is your responsibility to get notes, handouts, and assignments from a homework buddy, me, and/or the website before the next class.  If you missed a test or quiz, you must see me immediately upon returning to school.
If you are absent due to illness, you will be given a grace period equal to the length of absence to make up and turn in assignments.  There is no grace period for pre-planned excused absences (appointments, field trips, sports, etc.).  The assignment must be turned in on or before the due date.

Unexcused absences: make-up work will not be accepted and you will receive a ZERO on any missed tests or quizzes.  2 unexcused absences per quarter = U in citizenship.  Be sure to clear absences within 3 days at the attendance office,before they turn into cuts.

EXTRA HELP

• Students, please speak to me if you are struggling.  I will do my best to support you!  I am available for questions after school most days.
• I strongly encourage you to come to Tutorial from 2:15-3:15 on G days if you need help.
• If homework is a problem, I recommend using the hotmath.com website for assistance on textbook assignments (PHS password: ca35203ac).  Hotmath.com offers hints and step-by-step solutions with explanations for all odd-numbered textbook problems.

• Study with a classmate.  Just make sure what you turn in truly represents your own work.  Please write down a couple of study buddies now:

ONLINE TEXTBOOK: View actual pages of the textbook and study suggestions at www.glencoe.com/sec/math/ose/index.html (username: ALG2CA05; password: KuP3eqEn)

HOW PARENTS/GUARDIANS CAN CONTACT ME
Email is my preferred method of communication.   I care about my students and their success and respond quickly.  If you need to meet with me personally, please schedule an appointment in advance.  I am available during Classes 5 and 6.

I look forward to a productive year together!                   

Stephanie Roth