HULL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Mr. Menon
Foundations Mathematics
TEXT: 1) Preparing for qualifying examinations in Mathematics (Amsco) $55.00
2) Algebra: Tools for a Changing World (Prentice Hall) $52.97
COURSE OVERVIEW:
In this course, students will learn and review the concepts and skills of algebra and Geometry. Course work will include solving equations, inequalities, operations with polynomials, working with rational and radical numbers/ expressions, linear equations, graphing, and problem solving. Critical thinking will be continuously emphasized. Throughout the course, students are offered supplemental preparation for the mathematics section of the MCAS and SATs.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
·Students will understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.
·Students will understand meanings of operations and how they relate to one another.
·Students will compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.
·Students will understand patterns, relations, and functions.
·Students will represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols.
·Students will use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships.
·Students will analyze change in various contexts.
·Students will formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them.
·Students will select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data.
·Students will develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data.
·Students will understand and apply basic concepts of probability.
Course Content:
·Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers and polynomials
·Add and subtract matrices
·Interpret data using mean, median, mode, and range
·Solve one-variable equations, matrix equations, and inequalities.
·Analyze data using scatter plots, and box-and-whisker plots.
·Analyze and graph functions.
·Use probability to make predictions.
·Simplify expressions using various properties.
·Explore percent problems, including percent of change.
·Graph, interpret and write linear equations.
·Find the slope, x-intercept, and y-intercept of graphs and equations.
·Explore equations of parallel and perpendicular lines.
·Manipulate equations in slope-intercept and standard forms.
·Explore and solve systems of equations using various methods.
·Graph and solve quadratic equations both geometrically and algebraically.
·Simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide square roots.
·Simplify exponential and scientific notation expressions.
·Factor polynomial expressions.
Special requirements for my class:
·Pencils
·One 5 subject notebooks
·Calculator (with sin, cos, tan buttons)
·Folder for keeping assignments
·A positive attitude and a willingness to learn
Rules and Regulations:
·Students will comply with all rules and regulations found in the student handbook.
·Students will come to class on time prepared with their notebooks, pencils, and assignments.
·Students will behave in a respectful, courteous manner towards their teacher and other classmates.
·Students will be expected to work hard throughout the entire period. Laziness will not be tolerated.
Consequences:
·Breaking a rule found in the student handbook will result in the consequences outlined in the book.
·Coming to class unprepared will equate in a failing grade for that day. Students can purchase pencils from me for $1 and pens for $5 dollars.
·Students acting in a disrespectful manner will be immediately disciplined by me.
·Students who are lazy and disruptive will stay with me after school till I say so to review material from the lesson. Parents please make preparations to pick up your child if this is the case.
Rewards:
Humor and fun will be added to class each day. If we all work as a team we can celebrate as a team. Games like team problem solving, jeopardy, and various competitions will be offered depending on how well I feel students understand the subject matter.
Procedures and Routines:
Being prepared for class means:
·Having a pen or pencil
·Notebook to take notes
·Having a folder to keep assignments
·Homework will be checked at the beginning of each class period.
·Remain in your seat at all times unless otherwise specified. Going to the bathroom or the nurse should be done before class begins. There will be exceptions in the case of an emergency.
·Hands will be raised if questions or comments arise.
·No drinks except for water will be allowed in my class.
·Cell phones will be confiscated if I ever see them in my class.
Course Evaluation Criteria:
Student’s grades will be based on the following:
Tests 30%
Quizzes 25%
Homework 20%
Class participation 25%
Class work and participation:
Students are expected to be prepared for all my classes. This means having all necessary materials to participate in class for that day. Class work will be assigned and handed in everyday.
Homework:
Homework will be given every night. Homework is an opportunity to practice and review the concepts presented in class. Homework is graded and is considered 20% of your grade. Missing homework without excuse will be dropped down to a zero grade. If you still decide to do the assignment you will only receive 30% credit for it. After one full day, the assignment will not be accepted anymore. If you miss a day that homework is assigned, it is your responsibility to check the school website or approach me about the missing assignment.
Make-ups for test:
Students can make up a test if they have a valid reason for missing that day. Advanced notice for missing a day will be considered, as we will reschedule your test date. If you miss a test date, it is your responsibility to approach me to reschedule a new time to take your test. If this is not done, you will receive a zero as a test grade.
Make-ups for quizzes:
I give many pop quizzes in a quarter. I have been known for giving a quiz every day. I want to make sure students have been keeping up with the course load so this keeps them on their toes. For every eight I give (in a quarter), I will drop two of your lowest quiz grades. If you are legitimately absent for a quiz, it will be your responsibility to approach me in order to make it up. You have two days from your date of absence to do so. If not you will receive a zero for that quiz. If you missed a quiz because you skipped class you will automatically get a zero.
Writing:
Writing is an essential key to achievement in school, in the workplace, and in the larger world. By incorporating writing in math, you will develop higher-order thinking skills and it will enable you to learn content across all subject areas. In this class you will be required to make and defend an argument as to why a problem should be solved in a certain way. This will not only help you to process your thoughts but will also allow you to really understand the math concepts in which you are learning. It also preps you up for the writing portion of MCAS.
21st Century School-Wide Academic Expectations Addressed:
Through coursework, students in this class will be assessed on the following academic expectations:
1. A Hull High School student will be a competent problem solver
2. A Hull High School student will write effectively for a variety of purposes
Cheating:
Do not cheat; not just in my class but in everything that you do. If you keep up with the material, there will be no reason for you not to do well. You do not want me to ever catch you cheating. You will find out what will happen to you if you so choose to pursue that route.
Extra Help:
Extra help will be available after school Monday through Friday, except when faculty commitments conflict, or by appointment for other times. Since much of this course builds on that which the student has learned earlier, it is important that students seek help as soon as he or she encounters difficulty with the material. Students need to take responsibility for their education. If students receive an F (60%) or below on any test, they will be required to stay after school with me to practice problems. I want students to learn from their mistakes so they don’t keep repeating them. This practice is really to benefit you as a student. I want to be there to help you to do well and to encourage you to keep striving to be your best not only in math but also in everything that you do.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit will be offered from time to time. Please approach me for assignments.
If you work hard, we can play hard. Under no circumstance do I tolerate laziness. If you come to learn, I will teach you. It is your responsibility to do well in this course. I will help you any which way I can. Please approach me if you have any questions or concerns.
Student/Parent Acknowledgement:
Your signature indicates that you understand the terms of these expectation sheets and know what is expected of you for the successful completion of the course. Please keep these sheets in your notebook and refer to them whenever you have any questions concerning the course.
Student Signature: _________________________________________
Date: _____/_____/_____
Your signature indicates that you have had the opportunity to read these expectation sheets and discuss the expectations with your son or daughter. I thank you for your cooperation, and please do not hesitate to call me at the high school 781-925-3001 should you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress or if you would like to make an appointment with me.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ____/____/___
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