West High School

Algebra 1
2014-2015
Teachers:
Contact:

Ms. Penning
Room 226
penninh1@live.siouxcityschools.com

Required Materials
You will need a computer, note paper, 3 ring binder, calculator (scientific) and pencil daily. Do
NOT expect the teacher to furnish the materials for which you are responsible.
Extra Help
Before school (7:15- 7:55) and after school (2:55 3:15); I will be in my room during these hours,
if you let me know that you are coming in. I am more than happy to help you one-on-one with
your questions and homework. I want you to be successful, and one way you can do this is by
taking the responsibility to come and see me if you do not fully understand any concept taught in
my class. This is also time when you can go over an assessment that you received below 80% and
fix your missed problems.
Attendance
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get the missing notes and assignments. Remember
that with the block schedule you will have a day between classes to come in and get missing
assignments.
Grading Policy
Grades will be posted/updated online on a weekly basis. Please check your grade weekly to make
sure you know your current grade. Let me know if you see any errors. Grades will be based on the
standards that are required for you to learn. Practice problems will be given to help you to
prepare for the standards based assessments. We want you to be successful, so you may do
corrections and retake any assessment that was not mastered the first time assessed. It is
important for you to achieve mastery of each standard. Reported grades will be based on your
overall percentage in the class.
Assessments
Assessments will be given periodically throughout the year in order for you to be able to prove
mastery of the standards. Assessments will be announced in advance. You will have an
opportunity to retake assessments, but they must be done on your own time, before or after
school. Retakes also will only be available to students who have all of their homework completed.
Practice
Practice problems will be given nearly every day and should be completed to the best of your
ability before the next class. You are expected to convincingly show me you know how to find the
answer on every problem. We will go over the practice after the bell ringer each day and you will
then have the opportunity to fix any missed problems and ask questions.
Standards to be Mastered

1. Evaluates and estimates squares and square roots

2. Translates grammatical sentences into variable expressions and/or
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

equations
Simplifies algebraic expressions
Solves Equations and everyday problems
Solves Inequalities and everyday problems
Solve problems using percents and proportions
Solves equations for given variable
Recognizes dependent and independent variables

9. Determines if a relation is a function

10.Evaluates a function at a given value
11.Determines if a relation is linear or non-linear
12.Represents functions in multiple ways (symbolically, graphically,
numerically, and verbally)
13.Graphs linear equations/inequalities on a coordinate plane
14.Writes linear equations using slope/rate of change and y-intercept
15.
Solves systems of equations with two variables
16.
Solves systems of inequalities with two variables
17.
Applies the laws of exponents to monomials
18.
Adds and subtracts polynomials
19.
Multiplies polynomials
20.
Determines the perimeter and area using algebraic expressions
21.
Employs factoring using the Greatest Common Factor
22.
Employs factoring of a trinomial with a leading coefficient of one
23.
Understands the zero product property
24.
Solves Quadratics by factoring and the zero product property
25.
Solves quadratic equations by the quadratic formula or by
completing the square
26.
Simplifies rational expressions
27.Simplifies irrational square roots
Expectations
All electronic devices that are not approved by the teacher will be confiscated and given to the
office until the end of the day and school consequences will be followed from there.
You are responsible for the condition of your textbook. Please take care of it!! Your text book is also
available online, directions will be given in class.
A student involved in any form of cheating will automatically receive zero credit for his/her work. That
work will then need to be made up on your own time.
Please come to class prepared and on time. If you need to return to you locker to get something during
class it will be counted as a tardy.
Parents and students please sign indicating that you have read this syllabus and
understand my classroom expectations.

Student Name Printed

Student Name Signed

Date

Parent Name Printed

Parent Name Signed

Date

Parents Contact Information

Phone Number:

___________________

Email Address:

____________________