Secondary Math 1
Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement
Welcome to Secondary Math 1! In this syllabus, you will find:
- What we’ll learn
- How you’ll be assessed
- How your grade is calculated
- What you need for class
- Class procedures
- How to find out when things are due
- How you’ll check your grade
- What you can do at home
Learning Expectations
These are the major units of study each term for this class.
Term 1
- Solving Linear Equations
- Solving Linear Inequalities
- Functions
Term 2
- Graphing Linear Functions
- Writing Linear Functions
- Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Term 3
- Exponential Functions and Sequences
- Data Analysis and Displays
- Basics of Geometry
Term 4
- Constructions
- Transformations
- Congruent Triangles
Assessment of Progress
Student grades will be calculated as follows:
Units Tests – 55%
Mastery Quizzes – 20%
Assignments – 15%
Participation/notes – 10%
Description of grading categories:
Unit tests are traditional paper math tests which will be taken during class.
Mastery quizzes are short quizzes to be taken frequently during class to check for knowledge before the unit test.
Assignments are daily math practice assignments that should be worked on during class and finished at home. Most assignments will be online on BigIdeasMath.com, but some assignments will be paper and pencil worksheets.
Participation scores will be evaluated collaboratively between the student and teacher on a weekly basis based on a given set of expectations.
Retake policy:
Unit tests: 1 retake allowed within 2 weeks (10 school days) of student receiving the graded test back, to be taken in class or with the teacher after school. In order to retake the test, you must bring in a completed study guide or show completion of all unit assignments.
Mastery quizzes: 1 retake allowed before the unit test, to be taken in class or with the teacher after school (not at home).
Assignments: 1 retake allowed per assignment before the unit test available on request.
Participation: Participation in class is integral to the learning experience and cannot be made up by alternate means.
Absent for test policy:
Unexcused absence: You will score a 0. See retake policy for how to make this up.
Excused absence: You must arrange an alternate test date with your teacher, on or before the day of the absence (in person or through email).
Notes policy:
Notes are not allowed on assessments (mastery quizzes and unit tests).
Credit Recovery for term failure:
Should you fail this course with more than 30%, you may apply with your school counselor for a credit recovery course. If you do not meet that minimum standard you will not have an option for credit recovery. You must arrange with your school counselor an opportunity for a course that offers “original credit” to meet that graduation requirement. Refer to the student handbook for the full credit recovery policy.
Course Materials
Materials needed for class:
- Binder with paper or section of binder
- Chromebook (charged or bring charger)
- Pencil
- Extra eraser
- Whiteboard marker
- Optional: calculator
If you would like to purchase a calculator for home that is just like the ones we have in class, they are TI-30 XS Multiview calculators. Calculators are sold online, in big box stores like Walmart and Target, and at office supply stores like Office Depot or Staples.
All assignments will be available on Canvas. Students have access to their math book (Big Ideas Math) through Canvas but are also welcome to check out a physical textbook to take home.
Classroom Procedures
Class rules:
- Be respectful (to yourself, to others, and to property)
- Be prepared (have your supplies, be ready when class starts)
- Be involved (join in activities, complete work, try your best)
- Be responsible (know how you are doing in class, seek help when needed)
Tardy policy (per term):
Tardiness causes disruption to the class and causes students to miss out on valuable instructional time. If you are tardy and do not have an excused note, your attendance will be marked as follows:
T (tardy 1-15 minutes) = 15 min.
2 (tardy 16-45 minutes) = 30 min.
SK (skipping or missing more than half of instruction) = 45 min.
A (unexcused absence = 90 min.
When students reach 4 hours (240 minutes) or more of tardies (school wide), unexcused absences or skipping class, they will be put on the No Participation List. Students on the PHS No Participation List are NOT eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities. A student moves off the PHS No Participation List by attending ARC (Academic Recovery Class), recovering the instructional time missed to be below 4 hours (240 minutes).
Absence policy:
Regardless of whether an absence is excused or unexcused, missed work must be made up in order for grades to be unaffected.
To excuse an absence, parents/guardians must call (801-373-6550) or email the attendance secretary (phsattendance@provo.edu) within 72 hours of the absence. When leaving a message to excuse an absence, parents/guardians must include the student’s first and last name, date, time of day, and phone number where a parent/guardian may be reached.
Parents have the option to excuse tardies (0-15 min.) for the first period only. If students are planning to miss more than three days of school, students need to fill out an Extended Absence Form (available in the attendance office).
Students are required to communicate with the teacher to make up missed work.
Cell phone/personal electronics policy (per term):
Personal electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, and earphones are not to be used during class except when the teacher directs it. If you are using a personal electronic device without teacher approval, you will complete a personal electronics device violation slip and…
1st Violation: Warning from teacher or assigned substitute.
2nd Violation: Taken by a teacher or assigned substitute, returned at the end of class.
3rd Violation: Taken by a teacher or authorized adult, given to the main office, returned at the end of the day.
4th Violation: Taken by a teacher or authorized adult, given to administration, parent must come pick up the phone and meet with administration to get it back.
5th+ Violation: Any further violations: Administrative Consequence(s)
Hall pass policy:
One student may use the hall pass at a time and must sign it out and back in. Hall passes may not be used the first or last 10 minutes of class. Please use the bathroom between class periods and bring a water bottle to help minimize time spent out of class. Hall pass privileges may be revoked in case of abuse (excessive use, long absences, failure to return, etc.)
Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments
Due dates for assignments will be listed on Canvas with each assignment. However, for planning purposes, the following document shows my plan for the year. Please note that this calendar is a “living document” and may change as needs arise to adjust instruction.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Grades will be updated at least weekly on PowerSchool. If you suspect your grade is incorrect, please email or talk to me.
Report cards will be issued by the school at the end of each term.
Connecting Home to School
Best practice at home is to log in to Canvas, check current (and past assignments), and make sure they are complete.
To check grades, look on PowerSchool.
Personal Statement and other items (optional)
Please email me at heatherwil@provo.edu if you have any questions. I am also available after school Mon-Wed 2:15-2:45 and Thu 2:15-3:00 to help students or meet with parents.