Algebra 2: 2 fast 2 furious

Williamsburg Preparatory High School: 2010-2011

Mr. Hitt, esq.
Room 431
email: ghitt@williamsburgprep.org
class blog: mrhittmath.wordpress.com

So here’s the deal: Math can be the coolest thing that you’ve ever done. For realz, yo. My
goal this year is to show you the beauty in math and how it is evident in our everyday lives.
For this to happen, though, I will need you to be just as invested in the class as I am. This
means that the following should be happening without me having to say anything:
-For God’s sakes, show up to class on time. It is not that hard.
-Bring a pencil and a pen every single day. Yes, you must have both.
-Have a notebook that is only for this class. It should be big, because notes are
essential in this class. Have it every single day. We will use it fo sho’.
-At this point in your mathematical career, you should be thinking about having your
own calculator. You will need it in college, so you might as well get it now.
TI-84 is preferred.
-Be prepared to participate every day.

This is the year that the reins are coming off. You are not mathematical pansies anymore.
You are full-fledged mathematicians. That means that I will not be spoon-feeding you
formulas. There will be times that you will say, “You aren’t helping me,” or, “You are being
a jerk.” Let it be known that your incessant whining and complaining will not weaken me.
You will not become better at math unless you wrestle with math. This class will at times be
difficult, but DO NOT GIVE UP.

Here are some random things I need to have in writing:

1. School policy is that there is to be absolutely no food, drinks, or gum in classrooms. I am a
strict enforcer of school policies. The only liquid allowed is water, and Vitamin Water® is
not water. No vitamins allowed. If you have food, I will eat it. If it has tomatoes on it, I will
remove the tomatoes and then eat it, because I really, really hate tomatoes.
2. Cheating is super-duper seriously bad. Here is a true rumor: anytime you cheat, a gnome
will stab you in the kidney with a rusty harpoon. Then, you will have to serve detention with
a bleeding kidney. Don’t say I haven’t warned you.
3. Be safe. Great harm has become those who have divided by zero. I don’t want that on my
conscience. Otherwise, act in a way that keeps yourself safe and those around you safe and
happy.

You need to take ownership of your own learning. Sometimes, this class will be frustrating.
If you are struggling with some aspect of the class, you need to come in for assistance. I am
free almost every day during lunch and am at school very early every day and stay late every
day. YOU need to schedule a time to come by and get help. I have crappy meetings a lot, so
make sure and ask ahead of time if I will be available.
Grading is going to be different from what you are used to.
I will be giving many short quizzes. These will be assessing your understanding of specific
standards of the class. You will receive a score between 0 and 5 based on the following rubric.
Score Meaning
0 Student has not demonstrated any evidence of learning.
1 Student has demonstrated partial knowledge of the topic but cannot complete a
problem independently.
2 Student is almost proficient in the topic but makes occasional conceptual errors.
3 Student is proficient in the topic but makes occasional computational errors.
4 Student has demonstrated mastery of the topic in basic applications.
5 Student has demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the topic and can apply it to
novel situations.

Your grade will not be computed by assignment, but by your understanding of each topic.
This is a big change. Instead of having a grade for completing HW 2, getting a 78 on the
Chapter 3 test, or whatever, you will instead have a score on the 0-5 scale for each concept,
such as: “Student can graph quadratic functions” or “Student can use the quadratic formula
to solve for the roots of quadratics.”

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, but mostly through quizzes that allow you to show
your work. Homework is PRACTICE and will be treated as such. Furthermore, there will be
no extra credit. Do not ask. Here is how you will make your grade better: If, for instance you
have a score of a 2 on “student can graph quadratic functions,” you will schedule a time to
come in and show me that you can actually graph quadratic functions. If you then score a 3,
but think you can get better, you may come in again and reassess. Uno try per day por favor.

This will be confusing for a while, and I will continue to explain the system as the year
progresses. If you have questions about Standards Based Grading, you can meet with me
during lunch or after school.

If you do not have internet access at home, please let me know. I will be using the internet
more, both in posting assignments and in contacting you and your parents. Class notes will
be posted on the school website (www.williamsburgprep.com), as will homework. I will also
make occasional use of a blog, listed at the top of the first page. If you do not have internet
access, you should make appointments with me so that you can use a school laptop, either
during lunch or after school.

Student Name:_______________________________ Student Email:_______________________________

Parent Name:_________________________________ Parent Email:________________________________

Parent Phone Number:_______________________ Parent Signature:____________________________