Algebra I Syllabus-Algebra That Works

Text: Algebra I Common Core Pearson and other supplemental materials

Materials Needed Daily: Pencils, notebook paper, Algebra folder and scientific calculator (TI-30)

Course Description: Algebra I is required for High School graduation in the state of Indiana.
Students must successfully complete this course prior to taking Geometry or Algebra II. Research has
shown that students who have completed Algebra I and Geometry are more successful in post-
secondary education. The WHS math faculty is committed to raising expectations for all students.
Algebra That Works is a program that is divided into 4 sections rather than 2 semesters. The program
is considered a mastery program. Students will not pass or move on in the program based on the
typical passing rate of 60%. This means that a student must score 80% or higher (4 or 5 out of 5
questions on each test to achieve mastery work) on EVERY test to continue forward in the curriculum.
In order to receive Algebra I A credit, students must master all topics tested in sections 1 and
2. In order to receive Algebra I B credit, students must master all topics tested in sections 3
and 4.


Rotation: A team of teachers will be working with students in Algebra That Works. Because
progressing through the course is based upon demonstrating 80% mastery of topics, students will
have an opportunity to spend additional time on concepts if needed. To provide this opportunity,
the team of teachers has committed to rearranging students every 9 weeks based on section
completion. This means a student may be assigned to a different group with another teacher on the
team. All teachers are using the same materials and maintaining the same rules, so moving from one
group to another should create little disruption.

Standardized Testing: Students that complete all 4 sections will take the Indiana End of Course
Assessment (ECA) in Algebra I upon course completion (end of 2nd semester). Students must
receive a passing score on this test in order to earn a diploma.

Opportunities for Extra Help: Tutoring will be available during homeroom three days a week. Each
individual teacher may also provide tutoring at other times.

Instructional Activities: Instruction for the course will be provided through some lecture, group work
individual work, demonstration, in-class group activities, and the use of technology. Lessons and
homework assignments will be posted weekly in each classroom.

Mastery tests: Students will have 3 opportunities per topic to master the material as outlined below:

The ORIGINAL TEST will be taken in class if the student is present on the day the test is
given.

RETAKE TESTS : Students that do not master the test at 80% or higher will be able take Test
B for each topic and then Test C if necessary.

Teacher Goal: ***Success in the workplace today is not achieved by mediocrity; therefore, we
will challenge all students to give their best daily and not settle for anything less.




Student Responsibilities: EFFORT is the most important component. Research has shown that
those who do the work are the ones learning. Therefore, all students are expected to take an active
role, assuming responsibility for their own learning by doing each of the following:
participate fully on a daily basis
complete all assignments on time, attempting every problem assigned
never turn in work that isnt their own
keep materials organized in their notebook and bring it to class daily
be in class regularly if you are out for any reason: you will be allowed one day for every day
missed plus one day to make up any work
contribute to class, cooperate in small group activities, and treat others with respect
take care of all supplies and leave the work area clean
be in your seat ready to work when the bell rings
seek extra help during tutoring time

Consequences: Students will be held to the above requirements and all other expectations in
accordance with WHS policy. Each teacher will apply individual consequences including removal from
the class if necessary.

Grading Policies:
Late work will NOT be accepted for credit.
Cheating or failing to turn in an assignment will result in a grade of zero.
Grades will be determined using total points on the following:
Homework
Mastery Tests
Cumulative Tests


Promotion Explanation:
Section 1: Student must receive and 80% or better on all tests to move to section 2. This consists of 9 topic
tests taken individually or in grouped together. Each topic test is graded as a separate grade of 50 points, 10
points per question. They are graded as correct or incorrect. No partial points are given. (This is true for all 32
topic tests in the entire year.) **Remember: Each student has 3 chances if needed to master each topic at 80%
or better. If they master all tests, they move on to section 2. If not, they will repeat section 1 immediately in
the second 9 week period.
Section 2: Students will be covering topics 10-17. Again they must master all topic tests at 80% or better as
stated above to move on to section 3, otherwise they will repeat section 2. They will again have 3 chances for
each test.
Section 3 and 4: Section 3 covers topics 18-26 and Section 4 covers topics 27-32. The same process for the first
2 sections apply with sections 3 and 4.
**By the third 9 weeks (second semester), students will continue to the next section regardless of tests
mastered. However, their status for the sophomore year is still determined by mastery work for each separate
section. Only students who have mastered all 4 sections will move to Geometry. Students who have mastered
at least sections 1 and 2 will move on to section 3 in the fall and all other students will repeat the entire
curriculum for Algebra.
**If you have any questions concerning the above information, please contact your students teacher.