1. DO NOW Pick up an index card and a construction paper at the back of the class and sit down quietly Make a name tent and place it on your desk The name tent should have your name (middle), class period (top left corner), favorite subject (top right corner), today’s date (bottom left corner), and one word that best describes you (bottom right corner) 1

2. Index Card Name Parent/Guardian name Home phone number My goal this year is to ……… My role model is ………….., because ………. 2

3. Who’s Ms. Rogers 11 questions about me!!! The questions MUST be appropriate 3

4. Who are you? Your turn!!!!! 4

5. 5 What is Algebra? Algebra is a type of mathematics that uses letters to represent numbers. 4 + 7 = Arithmetic 4 + x = 11 Algebra Juan had 4 dollars. His friend had 7 dollars. How much did they have altogether? Juan has 4 dollars. He wants to buy a CD for 11 dollars. How much more money does he need? x = the amount of money he needs

6. 6 Why is Algebra useful? More importantly, it allows us to understand the world we live in.

7. 7 Why is Algebra Universal? Math is referred to as a universal language. How many people in here already speak more than one language?

8. 8 Ok, fine. But there are lots of people out there to solve problems. What’s in it for me?

9. 9 What’s in it for you? You have to pass Pre-Algebra to graduate. You have to be GOOD at Algebra I to succeed in college. Why does Algebra matter?

10. 10 Education and Annual Earnings

11. 11 What’s the Challenge? Algebra is often called the gatekeeper subject. Because it is SO important and can be quite challenging, Algebra often acts as the gate, keeping people from their goals.

12. 12 What’s the Challenge, at Sam Houston MSTC? The Bad News Where we start... The Good News Where we end... Below Grade LevelSTAAR Scores #1 in TX – Math

13. 13 What do we have to say about that? AS AN ENTIRE CLASS, WE WILL BUST THROUGH THE GATE!

14. Exit Ticket Why are restroom and tardy policies so important? Why should we follow directions in the classroom? Why should we take Pre-Algebra seriously? What can Ms. Rogers do to help you succeed this year?