Mrs. Julie Ianno jianno@gcasd.

org
GAHS Room 104 website: mrsianno.weebly.com
(717)597-3226 ext. 10104

Elements of Algebra I / Algebra I Syllabus

Mission Statement:
To create and provide opportunities for all students to become lifelong learners and productive
citizens.

Prerequisite/Course Description:
Elements of Algebra I / Algebra I
Students taking this course will have a full year of Algebra, earning two credits. The first
semester course will cover the concepts of order of operations, integers, equation and inequality
solving and rules of exponents. Students must pass the first semester course in order to move on
to the second semester of Algebra I. Here, they will focus on factoring polynomials, lines,
systems of equations and inequalities and solving quadratic equations.

List of Topics:
• Order of Operations • Solving First Degree Inequalities
• Integer Operations • Lines
• Fractional Computations • Rules of Exponents
• Evaluating Algebraic Expressions • Polynomials
• Simplifying Algebraic Expressions • Factoring
• Literal Equations • Rational Expressions
• Solving First Degree Equations

Textbook:
Glencoe Algebra I: Common Core Edition (2014)

Materials:
 a binder OR a notebook and a folder with pockets
 a composition notebook (provided in class)
 pencils – it is best to do math in pencil
 a calculator

Class Expectations:
1. Arrive on time and prepared to work.
2. Respect yourself and others.

Procedures:
Typical Class Routine:
1. Daily warm-up – Review or preview of course content completed in warm-up folder.
2. Go over homework – Always do your homework! And check your homework! That’s when
you find out whether or not you know how to do the math!!
3. Learn new material – Listen, pay attention, take notes, and ask questions!
4. Practice – Practice is typically done in student-selected small groups. Ask questions if you
need help! Assignments not completed during class usually become homework.
5. Closure – Summary, wrap-up, reminders, etc.
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 65-69
F Below 65

PowerSchool:
PowerSchool can be accessed through the GASD website and provides parents and students with
24/7 access to the student’s grades. If you do not know your username/password or are having
trouble with PowerSchool, please contact the high school office at 717-597-3226 ext. 10501. I
typically update grades on Wednesdays.

Homework:
Homework will count as 10% of your course grade. It is graded for completeness, not accuracy.
It is worth 3 points and you may receive partial credit (3 complete, 2 more than half, 1 less than
half, 0 none). Homework will be checked and gone over every time it is assigned. There will be
no homework on Fridays.

Quizzes/Tests:
The remaining 90% of your grade will be comprised of quizzes, tests, warm-up checks, notebook
checks, classwork practice, etc. Quizzes and tests will always be announced. Students can
expect at least one quiz during each chapter and a test at the end of the chapter.

Quizzes will be returned and may be kept to review for the test. Tests will be returned and
discussed during class and then handed back in to maintain test integrity. Chapter assessments
are also used by the teacher for data analysis to guide/direct instruction.

Keystone Exam / Final Exam:

All yearlong Algebra I students will take the Algebra I Keystone Exam in May. Proficiency on
the Algebra I Keystone Exam is a graduation requirement.

There will still be a final exam at the end of the course that will count as 1/7 of the students’
semester grade [2(M1) + 2(M2) + 2(M3) + F].

Absences:
Students are responsible for making up all assignments missed during an absence from school.
You will have the same number of days you were absent to make up the missing work. Please
refer to your class work/homework calendar for details.

Extra Help:
 Arrangements can be made to stay after school during the activity period for extra help
from the teacher.
 Peer tutoring is available through Student Services.
 www.khanacademy.com is an excellent online resource