Algebra I

Hello,

Welcome to Algebra I.  This is my first year teaching Algebra I.  I have taught Algebra I Interventions for several years, so am familiar with the curriculum for the class.  We will be using Engage NY curriculum to support the content of the textbook, Algebra I, published by Holt. I selected the Engage NY material to support the textbook because in provides many hands-on opportunities to learn Algebra.  This supports my philosophy that students learn best by 'doing'. I understand the need to practice Algebra concepts, so we will use the textbook for this. We may use other on-line resources as appropriate.

Students will maintain a composition book for daily classroom work and practice that is done beyond the classroom. Students will be able to use their notebook as a resource for most informal and formative assessments as well as quizzes. Students will not be able to use their notebooks during unit assessments. Student evaluation will be based on demonstrating knowledge through daily work and completion of practice sets, as well as full participation in class activities and discussion and quality of work on informal and formal assessments.

Scoring:
40% - full participation in daily classroom activities and discussions.
40% - performance on assessments, quizzes and tests.
20% - notebook checks for completion of daily work.

The benefit of completing daily work is that students can use their notebooks as a tool during formative and informal assessments. If the daily work is complete and easy to follow, it will be very easy to do well!

Likewise, the benefit of completing daily practice is that students can use their notebooks during quizzes. If the practice is complete and easy to follow, the quizzes will be easy. Students will be able to select the amount of practice necessary for mastery of a concept.

Remember, our goal is to gain mastery and success in Algebra I.  When possible, we will coordinate the content of Algebra I with the concepts being taught in Science I.

Here is to a great year in Algebra I!

Ms. Sherwood