Northwest Rankin High School

Algebra I Course Outline

 

I. Course Description 

The Algebra I course will provide opportunities for students to develop and communicate and understanding of algebraic representation as a prerequisite to all higher mathematics courses.  Concepts covered in this course include real numbers and their properties, functions, algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, graphing, polynomials, formulas, slope, data analysis and probability.  The use of graphing calculators will be and integral part of this course.  This course is designed to prepare students for Geometry and/or Algebra II.  This is a one-credit course.

 

II. Course Competencies

  1. Recognize, classify and use real numbers and their properties.
  2. Recognize, create, extend, and apply patterns, relations and functions and their applications.
  3. Simplify algebraic expressions, solve and graph equations, inequalities and systems in one and two variables.
  4. Explore and communicate the characteristics and operations of polynomials.
  5. Utilize various formulas in problem-solving situations.
  6. Communicate using the language of algebra.
  7. Interpret and apply slope as a rate of change.
  8. Analyze data and apply concepts of probability.

 

      III. Course Procedures

 

 All Algebra students will be required to keep a notebook that contains all materials distributed and any notes, quizzes or homework that is assigned.  You will be required to turn in homework at the beginning of each class.  You will be required to turn in all work in pencil.

 

IV. Major Projects and Assignments

 

  1. Bell ringers- each class period will start with a bell ringer which will contain both review and current material.  These will count as one daily grade at the end of a quarter.
  2. Quizzes- quizzes will be taken from time to time on material that is covered in class.
  3. Homework- a homework grade will be given at the end of each quarter.  It will be a daily grade based on the percentage of homework turned in.  Work must be shown to receive credit.
  4. Tests - tests will be divided up by chapters.  Nine weeks and semester exams will be given and will count 20% of your overall grade as indicated in the RCSD Student Handbook.
  5. Projects- each student will be assigned an oral presentation once per semester.  The presentation itself will be graded according to the rubric used for Senior Project.  The actual project will follow a rubric that will be given to you at the time the assignment is due.

 

V. Assessment Plan

 

Grades will be determined using the following percentages:

 

60% Tests and major projects

40% Daily grades

 

The following grading scale is used:

 

A:  95-100

B:  85-94

C:  75-84

D:  70-74

F:  below 70

 

VI. Extra Help 

 

Teachers are available each morning before school, except on designated duty days, and after school, by request, to help you with any problems you may be having in this course.  In addition, occasionally there will be a time set aside during Activity Period that you may come in for missed assignments and help.  Free tutors are also available from organizations such as Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Honor Society.  Teachers will have a copy of this information should you be interested.  You also need to check with your teacher on which morning she may have duty.