GAINESVILLE CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM

GAINESVILLE CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM

TRANSITION ACADEMY

MATH SYLLABUS

FALL SEMESTER 2005-2006

Instructor: Mr. Kenneth Jones

Office: Transition Academy/Phoenix Academy Room # 106

Phone Number: 770-536-4290

E-Mail: kenneth.jones@gcssk12.net

Planning: 2^nd Block, 10:00-11:40

CLASS TEXT

Pre Algebra: Chapin, Illingsworth, Landau, Masingila, McCracken: Prentice Hall

Algebra I, Smith, Charles, Dossey, Bittinger: Prentice Hall

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

By the end of grade eight, students will understand various numerical representations, including square roots, exponents and scientific notation; use symbolic algebra to represent situations and solve problems, especially those that involve linear relationships; solve linear equations, systems of linear equations and inequalities; use equations, tables and graphs to analyze and interpret linear functions; use and understand set theory and simple counting techniques.

Instruction and assessment should include the appropriate use of manipulatives and technology. Topics should be represented in multiple ways, such as concrete/pictorial, verbal/written, numeric/data-based, graphical, and symbolic. Concepts should be

introduced and used, where appropriate, in the context of realistic phenomena.

INTRODUCTION:

This course is a preview of 9th grade algebra, critical thinking, problem solving, conventions, listening, speaking, and viewing skills for students who fail in one of the following categories:

a. The student did not achieve grade level on the CRCT in reading and Math (State of Georgia mandated for 2005-2006).

b. The student did not meet the criteria set by the local board.

Students must pass 3 out of 5 academic classes (math, reading, science, social studies and language arts).
Students must pass reading.
Students must pass math.
The third class may be science, language arts or social studies.

OBJECTIVES:

The middle school curriculum has been reviewed and revised to ensure that students completing the eighth grade will have had the content necessary for success in Algebra I. The content of the high school pre-algebra course is now incorporated throughout the middle school curriculum, with major emphasis in the eighth grade.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Attendance Policy: Excused absences include student illness, death in the immediate family, Page at the General Assembly, natural disaster, religious holidays, instance where student attendance would be hazardous, or when mandated by a government agency. Parents or guardians are requested to make appointments during non-school hours when at all possible. When students are absent, they should bring a note when returning to school stating the reason for the absence. Excessive absences may result in failure for the quarter or semester.

B. Unexcused Absences: Students will be allowed to make up missed assignments. Students absent only one day are expected to turn in or take any pre-assigned work or tests the day they return. Students will have two days, per consecutive day absent, to complete assignments. The highest grade that can be earned for make up work is 70. The grade or zero (0) will be recorded for assignments or tests not made up by the specified time. Work must be made up before or after school, not during the regular class period. Students who receive an Incomplete (I) for a final grade will have ten (10) school days by which to make up missing assignments or tests. Students will not be allowed to make up work after the tenth day.

C. Tardiness to Class: Students arriving to class late will receive one warning per semester for unexcused tardies. After one unexcused tardy students will be assigned a Teacher Detention. The second unexcused tardy will result in an Administrative Detention. Numerous tardies may result in assignments to ISS, OSS, Academic Saturday School, and a referral to a disciplinary tribunal. Excessive tardies to class may result in students losing school privileges such as field trips. Teachers should refrain from detaining students, if at all possible. If the need arises, it is necessary for the teacher to give the student a pass to the next class. Late Bus: If a bus is late, students should first check in at the Student Services office and report quickly to homeroom.

D. Academic Requirements/Supplies:

1. A 3-ring binder with three sections

· Daily ‘Warm-Up’

· Math Workbook

· Notes

2. Two sharpened pencils. Math is written with pencils, not pens.

GCSS Grading System:

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

Below 70-Failure

Conduct will be graded as follows:

S—Satisfactory

N—Needs Improvement

U—Unsatisfactory

E. Homework: Home study is a necessary part of each student’s educational program. Each student must be expected to spend some time studying and reading at home, in addition to class instruction, to achieve success. Some assignments are long-range in nature and require planned study time for completion. Planned study eliminates the necessity of spending too much time in completing an assignment the day before it is due. Parents can expect to find homework assignments in the student agenda.

F. Discipline Policy: Disciplinary rules are outlined in your student agenda.

Students will be verbally warned the first time a rule is broken.
The parent(s) will be notified if the behavior persists.
A referral will be written as a last resort or for any major infraction.

G. Student Uniform Dress Code: Students who arrive at school wearing inappropriate clothing will be referred to an administrator and parents/guardian will be contacted.

First Offense—Warning and parent notification for a change of clothing

Second Offense—Administrative Detention and parent notification for change of clothing

Third Offense—3 Days ISS

Fourth Offense—5 Days OSS

Fifth Offense—10 Days OSS and a referral to a disciplinary tribunal

H. Classroom Behavior Rules:

a. Follow directions, be prepared and pay attention.

b. Enter the room in an orderly fashion and be seated.

c. Do not leave the room after you enter.

d. Do not disturb or distract other students, especially during a test.

e. Respect school property, i.e. keep all equipment/furniture in good condition.

f. No swearing in class.

g. Bring necessary materials with you every day.

h. Make-up work is your responsibility.

i. Stay in your seat until you are dismissed.

j. Try to show respect for yourself and others by putting others first and by listening when someone else, teacher or student, is speaking.

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

The teacher reserves the right to modify and adjust the schedule of events as she feels is most appropriate for the students at the time.

Intensive Math: Correlation with Prentice Hall Pre-Algebra

Chapter Topics

1 Algebra Expressions and Integers

1-1 Variables and Expressions

1-2 Order of Operations

1-3 Evaluating Expressions

1-4 Integers and Absolute Value

1-5 Adding Integers

1-6 Subtracting Integers

1-9 Multiplying and Dividing Integers

1-10 The Coordinate Plane

2 Solving One-Step Equations

2-2 The Distributive Property

2-3 Simplifying Variable Expressions

2-4 Variables and Equations

2-5 Solving Equations by Adding or Subtracting

2-6 Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing

7. Solving Equations

7-1 Solving Two-Step Equations

7-2 Solving Multi-Step Equations

7-3 Multi-Step Equations with Fractions and Decimals

7-5 Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

5 Operations with Fractions

5-1       Comparing and Ordering Fractions

4-4       Simplifying Fractions

5-3       Adding and Subtracting Fractions

5-4       Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

5-7       Solving Equations by Adding or Subtracting Fractions (Multiply to omit denominator)

5-8       Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing Fractions

If time permits:

4 Factors, Fractions, and Exponents

4-1 Divisibility and Factors

4-2 Exponents

4-3 Prime Factorization and Greatest Common Factor

4-6 Rational Numbers

4-7 Exponents and Multiplication

4-8 Exponents and Division