Welcome to Concepts of Math Jennifer Bertagni Michele Gooding Jim Schilk

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in algebra concepts to prepare students for Algebra 1 and the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam. Moving at a pace that covers a concept in 2-4 days, the main algebra topics to be studied include: problem solving, using formulas, solving linear equations/inequalities, graphing linear equations, writing linear equations, solving absolute value equations, and solving systems of linear equations. Students will learn many uses of the graphing calculator throughout the year.

MATERIALS NEEDED EACH CLASS 3-ring binder / loose leaf paper / 3 dividers Graphing Calculator – TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus Pencil / eraser Textbook may be kept at home.

GRADING CATEGORY Homework Quizzes Tests Other Midterm/Final Grades are calculated based on percentages in the following areas: Please access the parent portal for grade status. CATEGORY Homework Quizzes Tests Other Midterm/Final 25% of the overall grade in 2nd MP and 4th MP

QUIZZES and TESTS Quizzes given after several sections quizzes will be announced 2-3 quizzes per chapter worth 25-40 points Tests will be given after each chapter tests will be announced worth 100 points

HOMEWORK Homework is assigned almost every night. Homework will be checked each day. Each assignment is worth 2 points. Late assignments are accepted for half credit up until the deadline (quiz on that material) A homework grade will be assigned along with each quiz. Larger review assignments at the end of each chapter are worth 5 points each. This 10 point grade will be earned along with the chapter test score. Homework is an ESSENTIAL part of this course.

MIDTERM /FINAL EXAMS The Midterm is administered at the end of the 2nd Marking Period The Final Exam is administered at the conclusion of the year Midterm/Final exams count as 25% of 2nd and 4th Marking Period Grade.

CLINIC School designated days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20 – 2:55 pm If there is a conflict, your child may arrange a mutually convenient time to meet with us.

ABSENCE Get NOTES from classmate Get any HANDOUTS Student may attend CLINIC after above Do HOMEWORK and get it checked Make arrangements to MAKEUP quiz/test Students missing more than 20 classes may be denied credit

e-mail is your BEST bet for initial contact COMMUNICATION Parent Portal…create an account if you do not yet have one INTERIMS …approximately 4½ weeks into the MP First Interim report: September 29th E-mail jbertagni@crsd.org mgooding@crsd.org jschilk@crsd.org Call Spec Ed 215-944-1164 Math 215-944-1153 e-mail is your BEST bet for initial contact

Homework is a Process 1. Write the assignment at the top of your paper. 2. Review and use your notes from class to refresh your memory on how to do the problems 3. Work on the assignment referring back to your notes frequently. Have your notes open and next to you as you work.

Homework is a Process 4. If you get stuck, always ask yourself these questions first: Am I on the right page? Am I doing the right problem? Did I copy the problem correctly? Did I answer the question being asked? 5. Identify questions to be addressed in the classroom… circle problem, “X” them, list problem, jot down specific questions. 6. Check answers in class. Ask questions in class.

Homework is a Process 7. Really listen to the answer, make corrections, make a note of the error you made, make a change in your thought process and in your approach for success in future practice and on upcoming quizzes and tests. 8. Make a personal note of your discoveries in your class notes. 9. After this, if you are still confused, attend clinic bringing the questions with which you are struggling.