algebraiii Mrs. Kent
Statesboro High, Mathematics Department Mathematics Teacher
http://www.bulloch.k12.ga.us/shs/
 
Hello,
Welcome to Algebra III.  My name is Mrs. Bernice Kent.  I am very happy to have you in my Algebra III class for the 2001-2002 school year.  I want you to have a wonderful year.  I will initiate contact with parents by note, telephone, or email as I deem it necessary.  If your guardian(s) needs to talk to me about your progress, they may contact me by calling the school or by email.  My email address is bkent@bulloch.k12.ga.us. 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Here are a few of the things that you, as a parent, can do to aid your child:

1.  Provide study time
Mathematics is a course that builds from day-to-day.  Your child will need to spend at least thirty minutes each night studying, doing homework, or study problems.  Also, with few exceptions, your child will have homework every night.  This homework should involve CONCENTRATION, and your child should make notes of questions that he/she needs help with.

2.  Monitor grades
Your child is responsible for recording his/her grades.  This document should be kept in the your child's notebook.

3.  Encourage your child to seek help at the first sign of confusion.  I am AVAILABLE AFTER SCHOOL UNTIL 4:30 for help sessions.

It is my hope that together, you and I can help your child make this a successful year.  Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.  I will be glad to return your call.  I look forward to meeting you. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Algebra III is a college-prep course for students who have passed Algebra II and Geometry but have not taken Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry.  Realistic problems solving in concrete situations is emphasized.  Algebraic and geometric topics are approached using numerical methods and appropriate technology.

The class is not intended to replace Advanced Algebra and trigonometry, but should build confidence and skills for the student who will attend college.  The class is not recommended for students pursuing a career that requires extensive mathematical or scientific background.  Algebra III provides opportunities to compare and contract problem solving strategies using available technology and topics from Algebra I, Algebra II,Geometry, Statistics, and Trigonometry.  Upon successful completion the student may choose to take Advanced Algebra and Trigonomety, Discrete Mathematics, or Statistics.  Prerequisite:  Algebra II

PROCEDURES/ACTIVITIES:
The objectives of this course will be achieved by
1. Presentation of NEW material by the teacher and/or student(s).
2. Explanation by teacher with note-taking & guided practice by the students.
3. Chalkboard, computer and/or overhead projector demonstrations by teacher   
   and/or students.
4.  Homework Review and Question/answer Sessions -- group discussion.
5.  Team-work (cooperative learning groups)
6.  Completion of written assignments by students

COURSE OUTLINE - BY CHAPTERS OF INSTRUCTIONS
1st SEMESTER - SAT Prep, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Chapter 1  Models, Functions, and Permutations
    Chapter 2  Linear Relationships and Functions
    Chapter 3  Matrices
    Chapter 4  Linear Systems
    Chapter 5  Quadratic Equations and Functions
   
2nd SEMESTER - Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1l, 12
    Chapter 6  Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
    Chapter 7  Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
    Chapter 8  Rational Functions
    Chapter 11 More Probability and Statistics
    Chapter 12 Sequences and Series
    Chapter 10 Quadratic Relations
    Chapter 9  Periodic Functions and Trigonometry
   
EVALUATION METHODS:
The student will be evaluated using the following guidelines
1.  Homework checks
2.  Frequent daily quizzes, both announced and unannounced (Approximately 5 or 6 per nine-weeks)
3.  Sub-chapter and chapter tests (A minimum of 5 per 9 weeks)
4.  Projects

All evaluations are based on a 70% accuracy for acceptance of mastery of objectives.

TEST SCHEDULE:
Students will have test on any Friday during the 1st semester and any Monday during the second semester.  A second day for testing will be on Tuesday (4 & 7), Wednesday (3 & 6), or Thursday (2 & 5.

There will be at least one on each unit of study.  Students will be given plenty of notice as to when a test will be given and tests will be administered only on math test days.  If a student is absent on the day before a test he/she will be expected to take the test on the scheduled day.

GRADING PROCEDURE:
The student's grade at the end of each nine weeks grading period will be a composite score consisting of the following sources:

SOURCE / PERCENT
Test (a minimum of 5 major test grades) -  70%
Quizzes/Projects/Daily/Other - 30%

Homework will be checked sparingly for accuracy and/or completion.

ABSENCES: If your absence is approve/excused, it is your responsibility to see me before or after school for make-up work.  If you are out for more than one day, it would be wise to call a friend to find out your assignments, or you may reach me during the school day by calling the front office.  Each student will be given the opportunity to make-up homework, quizzes or tests missed for an EXCUSED absence(s).  However, it is the total responsibility of the student to make arrangements to take care of all work missed within a 3-day period after returning to school.  REMINDER: NO STUDENT WILL BE EXCUSED FROM A TEST WHEN S/HE WAS PRESENT FOR ITS ANNOUNCEMENT BUT WAS OUT THE DAY BEFORE.

REPORT ON STUDENT PROGRESS:
Each student will be asked to develop an assignment/grade sheet in order to keep up with his/her progress throughout the course.  The procedure for designing and completing the grade sheet will be explained in class.  Also, mid-term progress reports will be sent home for each of the four grading periods.

SEMESTER EXAM AT THE END OF EACH SEMESTER

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1.  Loose-leaf paper

2.  Writing Utensil:  preferably PENCIL - ABSOLUTELY NO RED INK WILL BE Other ALLOWED.  Other colors include pink, neon, silver/gray, or any hard to read colors.  Papers done in red ink will receive a grade of 0.

3.  3 ring binder:  Study habits are very important and must be developed.  It is strongly recommended for each student to purchase a three-ring notebook.

4.  Textbook:  Advanced Algebra, An Algebra 2 Course, Prentice Hall, 2001.  When issued a textbook, the student becomes responsible for assuring that the book does not become lost or damaged.  Loss or damage to textbooks will result in the student paying for the book or damages. 
Replacement Cost - $49.97
Rebinding Fee - $10.00

5.  Scientific or TI-83 Calculator:  optional but STRONGLY recommended.

It is my hope that together, you and I can help your child make this a successful year.  Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to call me - I will be glad to return your call.  I look forward to meeting you.  Please email me or send a note signifying that you have read the material on this page. 

I understand that my child is responsible for understanding these items and for asking for clarification of any part he/she does not understand.  I also understand that my child is responsible for following these procedures while in Mrs. Kent's class.

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Last updated  2008/09/28 11:17:27 EDTHits  416