Timber Ridge Algebra 2, 2000/2001

Class Expectations/Policies

 

1.                  Be ready to work when the bell rings. This means in your desk, paper/pencils out, pencils sharpened, ready to take notes or do the “Bell Exercise” (there will usually be a “Bell Exercise” – sometimes called a “Warm Up” posted on the board or overhead).

2.                  Be prepared for each class. This means you brought your pencils, paper, math notebook, *calculators, textbook, and anything special you may be asked to bring for some classes such as rulers, graph paper, etc. *TI-83 or Plus is recommended for this course at PHS, the “Plus” has a little more memory and is $89 at Office Max, you may use the classroom TI-83’s but if so, you need to be early enough to check it out and still be at your desk & ready when the bell rings.

3.                  Neat, organized, and legible work. This applies to EVERYTHING! Homework, quizzes, exams, and notes. I will provide some techniques to help you in this area.

4.                  All work is done in pencil unless otherwise directed.

5.                  Show your work. You will be asked to exercise some judgment here since very simple “mental math” steps are not expected to be written down – BUT - it is expected that you will err on the side of showing your work. In other words, if you have to ask, don’t. Just show your work! Be aware that if you make a mistake solving a problem but I can see where you made it, you will almost always get some partial credit. But if you did not show your work and have the wrong answer, you will almost certainly not get any partial credit.

6.                  Always include units for any problem with units. There are even cases where you may not be given units but you should still indicate the correct type of unit. For example, if you are asked for the area of an 8x8 square, I expect the answer to be written as 64 sq. units (or units2).

7.                  If absent, YOU are responsible for proactively finding out what assignments you are missing and catching up as much as possible. And upon returning, YOU are responsible for proactively making arrangements to makeup all missed work. I will help in any way possible but you have the responsibility and will be held accountable for missed work. See also your Timber Ridge Agenda Book.

8.                  Grades: This “mix” may be adjusted during the year, but if so you will have plenty of warning and will know why it is changing and the effect on your grade. We will cover what each of these categories entails and how each category is graded in class. The grading scale is in your Timber Ridge Agenda Book.

Exams

Quizzes

Homework

Projects

Preparation & Participation

40 %

25 %

15 %

15 %

5 %

 

9.                  Do not worry about making mistakes in class! You can’t learn to ski without falling down and you can’t learn math without making mistakes. The key is to learn from your mistakes, not to quit trying. Spectators can’t make mistakes; only those people who are actually doing something can make mistakes. Math requires doers!

 

Mr. Cantlin