Text: Pre-Algebra, (Prentice Hall, 2001)
 Supplemental Material from Mathematics, Unlimited (Hot, Rinehart & Winston)

Course Overview: Pre-Algebra 1.1 is a course which covers the first 6 chapters of the book. This course covers such topics as (a) algebraic expressions, (b) equations and inequalities, (c) operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions, (d) ratios, proportions, and percent, and (e) geometry, probability, and statistics.  Pre-Algebra provides comprehensive coverage of all California Mathematics Standards with a focus on problem solving, critical thinking, and teaching students to think mathematically.

Grading Policy:  Grades are based upon tests, quizzes, assignments, notebooks, and behavior points.

A) Tests - There is one test per unit.  A  study hall is usually offered prior to a test.  Students need to check the notice board or web page for the date and time of the study hall.  If  a student is absent on the day of a test or quiz, he/she is responsible for arranging a makeup as soon as possible.  *Tests are not sent home.  If parents wish to view a test, please contact me. Tests count 50% of the quarter grade.

B) Quizzes - There is, at least, one quiz per unit.  Some of these may be unannounced.  Quizzes are posted on the notice board and web page.  Quizzes are  25 % of  a quarter grade.

C) Notebooks: - Notebooks (a three ring binder) are collected at the end of each quarter.  They are worth 50 points and must be arranged by separate sections with dividers:

 Assignment page (fully completed with # of assignment, date, assignment description, # of     problems, and percentage)
  Course requirement sheet/policies (This is called the “green sheet.”)
 Assignments (in order)   Should how corrections in class and in red.
 Warmups  (in order, all work should be shown and completely filled out)
  Information sheets (usually green)
  Notes  and/or practice sheet from lessons
  Practice Workbook
  Quizzes
  Friday Progress Reports
  Investigations and fun sheets

D) Assignments - Homework is assigned at least four days a week and is due at the beginning of the next class meeting.  Assignments are graded on completeness (4 points).  Work must be done in pencil, with problems copied, and with all work shown. Showing work is considered an important skill. All assignments must have a heading.  Late work, excluding absences, is accepted for partial credit up to the day of the unit test. Late work is  not  accepted after the end of a unit.  HOMEWORK MUST BE CORRECTED RED.

E)  Behavior Points: All students begin with 50 behavior points each quarter.  Students lose points for failure to follow the student conduct  expectations.
 

STUDENT CONDUCT:  I expect all students to:

 Come prepared with:  organized binder, binder paper, calculator, pencils  and correcting red pencil every day.  Pens, colored pencils, or geometric tools may be helpful at times.   Bring a scientific calculator everyday.  Students must bring their own calculator to tests and quizzes.  Calculators may not be borrowed from other students during tests or quizzes.   A Texas Instruments calculator is suggested only because it makes lessons easier when we are all using the same key sequences.

 Work diligently on math homework during the time provided in class
 Be courteous to the teacher and to the other students
 Refrain from using profane language or chewing gum
 Refrain from writing or reading notes in class
 Be attentive at all times while in class
 Be an active, contributing member of the class
 Respect school property and the property of others
 Sharpen pencils before class
 Toss trash at the end of class
 Students may leave class for emergency purposes. Please ask for permission.
 Talking out during lessons is not tolerated

Extra Credit: Extra credit is offered and is announced in class.  I do have a web page which offers extra practice. I will give bonus points to students who print these pages off the internet. The pages must be from the present unit, filled out fully, and show  all work.  Bonus points are added to the total daily work points at the END of the quarter.

Absences - Every student is responsible for acquiring a list of make-up work upon returning from an absence. Tests and quizzes can be made up at a mutually agreed time.

Retakes:  I offer retakes on most tests and quizzes.  The student is responsible for requesting a retake.  The retake percentage is averaged with the original percentage.  Retakes can only be taken within one week after the original test or quiz.

Heading - Place in the upper right corner :   First and last name
  (NO HEADING, NO CREDIT) Date
       # of assignment
       Assignment in full (page and problem numbers)

Extra help - If a student experiences difficulty, or if he/she feels the need for some extra help, I am available before school everyday except Wednesdays, plus lunch and after school on most days. An appointment isn’t necessary, but appointments are very advisable since I travel to three schools.   I also offer regular tutoring sessions almost every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 AM .  We go over the previous night’s homework and teach ahead if time allows.

Contact:  EMAIL IS MY BEST MODE OF COMMUNICATION.  Parents, please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.  Please leave daytime and evening phone numbers, and I will return your call ASAP.

Blach Junior High: 934-3800
khayden@blachschool.org      There is also an email link on my web page.
Web page:  There is a plethora of information on my web  page. Access it through Blach’s front page, find
 staff, and find hayden.

  100-90%  =  A  range  89-80%   =  B range  79-70%  =  C range