THE NEWMAN SCHOOL
BOSTON, MA
ALGEBRA II
2011-2012
Mr. Naimi, Room 43
Course Description
Algebra II will help students develop new concepts based on their previous experience in Algebra I. This course will cover first-degree equations to quadratic functions, higher-degree polynomial functions and factoring, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, verbal problems, and graphing. This course will require significant study time by the student and it is expected that students will do Algebra homework on their own everyday.
Class time will be devoted to doing one or two lessons per day. New skills will be discussed and students will be asked to use old skills to formulate the basis for new skills. Homework will be done on a daily basis and students will be given time in class to ask questions regarding the assignment. Quizzes will cover all material through the previous class.
Old skills and new skills will be utilized constantly and students are expected to look for connections between old and new concepts.
Course Requirements and Required Materials
TEXT:
Algebra 2: Applications, Equations, Graphs. Larson, Boswell, Kanold, Stiff. McDougal Littell, 2001.
MATERIALS:
Every student is required to have the textbook at all times, a 3-ring binder, sheet paper, graph paper, a pen, and a sharpened pencil with an eraser. A calculator will be needed at times. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is strongly recommended.
Goals and Objectives
The class will be devoted to covering material in a combination of the lecture format and cooperative learning. Students will learn to connect new concepts to old ones. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate mathematical expressions, solve word problems, graph equations, and multiply, divide, factor, and solve higher-degree equations and inequalities.
Course Policies
• Students are required to be in class on time everyday.
• Tardy students are expected to pick up a late slip before coming to class. Students must be in class before the bell rings.
• Repetition is an essential component in learning and retaining math skills. Homework assignments must be completed everyday to succeed in this class.
• Homework must be done in pencil in order to receive credit for the assignment. Homework will be corrected in class in pen.
• If a student misses class, the homework assignment is due at the start of class the day the student returns.
• Students will not be penalized for an incorrect answer on their homework if they have tried to work out the problem and can show their work. Students will not be given credit for any homework assignment without showing their work.
• Quizzes will be frequent, roughly weekly.
• Tests will be announced 3 to 4 days prior to the test. If a student is absent on the day of a test, s/he must make it up the day s/he returns to school. Exceptions will be made for students with serious illness or lengthy absences at the teacher’s discretion. Since knowledge in Algebra II is cumulative, concepts from previous exams can be and will reappear on later exams.
• Cheating is not tolerated at Newman and especially in my class. Zeros will be given for any work that is suspect.
• Semester grades will be calculated as follows:
Homework 20%
Quizzes 35%
Tests 25%
Mid-term Exam, Mid-semester Exam, or Final Exam 20%
• I will be in my classroom most days by 7:30 AM and until 3:30 PM. Please see me if you need extra help or clarification on an assignment. If you are having problems or difficulties please make sure you talk to me before it gets overwhelming.