Teacher’s Daily Schedule:
Early bird: Java/AP Computer Science A
1ST block: HSAP
2ND block: Honors Pre-Calculus
3RD block: Planning
4TH block: Algebra II Honors
Why study Algebra II?
In the new millennium, no one can deny that mathematics is an integral part of everyday life. This semester you have the opportunity to learn algebra 2, a math that introduces you to functions and will be a bridge to lead you into some really cool “upper-level” mathematics. But perhaps, more importantly, after you have learned about functions, linear programming, matrices, logarithms, asymptotes, etc. you will have learned something far more valuable: a new way to think. Honors Algebra 2 has a way of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your brain to think in a different way than you may have in the past. Your problem solving and reasoning skills will improve. You will organize information more effectively and communicate your ideas more clearly.
What is expected of you, the student?
Materials to be supplied by the student:
You will need to bring these things to class on Monday, 25 January 2010. You are expected to have these things in every class thereafter.
Classroom Expectations/Rules:
Disclaimer: All other guidelines set forth in the Student Agenda apply in this classroom.
Consequences if you break the rules: (I do not expect this from an Honors class)
1st Infraction: Warning
2nd Infraction: 15 minute lunch detention
3rd Infraction: 30 minute after or before school detention and parent notification
4th Infraction: Administrator Referral
Severe Clause: Immediate Administrator Referral
Homework: Just like any musical instrument or sport or skill, math must be practiced. You will not succeed at math by watching someone else do it. Homework gives you the opportunity to practice and refine new skills in math and is therefore crucial. Homework will be assigned every night and it will be checked every day, and graded approximately 15 times each quarter. Group projects and problems will also be done with each chapter as an opportunity for students to work with, and learn from, peers.
Notebooks: Notebooks are essential to success in math. You will find it helpful to keep an up-to-date notebook with bell-work, class examples, notes, handouts, old tests/quizzes, and homework/class-work problems. Notebooks should be a cumulative reflection of your progress in this class. You SHOULD keep your notebook throughout the whole course so that you can refer to old problems as needed.
Quizzes and Tests: All major tests will be announced. There will be approximately 4 tests per quarter. You will need to show your work on a test in order to receive full credit. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and will assess student understanding on a particular concept. You will have approximately 2-4 quizzes between every test. Don’t sweat it! If you are keeping up in class, you should be in great shape.
Extended Learning is one of the components of this class, which defines it as HONORS level. Extended learning is meant to require exploration of related topics covered in class, critical and creative thinking and technical reading and writing of math. Extended learning could include writing assignments about a mathematical idea, group projects, or the exploration of a single complex problem.
Make-Up Work: Of course no one ever wants to miss an algebra class, but it does sometimes happen. If you miss a class for any reason, you are responsible for getting the notes from a reliable student in the class or viewing them on the Internet. When you return to class, check with Mr. Crosswell for worksheets, quizzes, or handouts. Quizzes are not made up – your next test grade will replace the missed quiz. If you know in advance that you will be absent, ask the teacher for assignments before you are absent. If you have an excused absence, any graded work must be made up within 5 days.
Grade Averaging
| Tests | 50% |
| Quizzes | 35% |
| Homework, Classwork, Labs, Projects | 15% |
What can you expect of your teacher?
I will provide you with examples and notes. I will answer your questions and I will be available 3:35-4:00 on Mondays and Thursdays to provide extra help and instruction. If you are not a strong math student, you should plan to attend these help sessions BEFORE you become confused or lost in the material. I want everyone to succeed in honors algebra 2, and perhaps, even have a little bit of fun!
Parents/ Guardians, I hope that this will be a positive and productive semester for your young adult. Please feel free to contact me by calling the school (849-2830 ext. 23990) or contact me by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or concerns.
The District Grading Scale is as follows:
A 93 – 100
B 85 – 92
C 77 – 84
D 70 – 76
F 69 or below