Algebra 1
Mrs. Jensen
2008-2009
About
Our Class
Welcome to Algebra! This
required class will help prepare you for higher-level math and science
classes in
high school. It will also help improve your organizational,
problem-solving,
and writing skills. I have high expectations for my students, and I
look
forward to getting to know you this year.
This year, we will study
numerical and variable expressions, linear equations, inequalities,
exponents
and scientific notation, polynomials, quadratic functions, rational
(fractional) functions, radical expressions, and linear systems.
Materials:
What do I bring to class every day?
- Algebra 1 textbook
- Three-Ring Binder and Paper
- Lots of Pencils and Erasers
- Colored Pencils or Highlighters (optional)
- Calculator* (scientific or TI-83/TI-84
graphing calculator)
*On many activities
(including many quizzes and tests), you will NOT be allowed to use a
calculator. A calculator might be used in class to explore new concepts
and
look for patterns, to do longer computations quickly, or to check our
work. In
many cases when a calculator is not allowed on a quiz or test, students
may be
allowed to use a number line and/or multiplication table.
Grading
(total points)
A: 90-100% B:
80-89% C:
70-79%
D:
60-69%
F:
0-59%
- Daily
Assignments (effort grade): 100 points
Write out the problem. Then, show
all solution steps clearly and fully! Use pencil.
Homework
is graded as follows:
E = excellent effort, full credit
P = partial credit (about 80% or more
complete, but not excellent)
H = half credit
(about 50% – 80%
complete, or not done in pencil)
0 = no credit
(missing, less than 50%
complete, or poorly
done)
- Unit
Tests (approximately 5): 100 points each
- Quizzes
and Other Assignments: Points will vary, generally from 5 to 30 points.
- Final Exam: The exam is REQUIRED of ALL
students. The semester final exam is 15% of your
overall grade.
Late
work is not
accepted. Credit is only given for work that is shown
neatly and
fully.
Cheating is not tolerated and results in a
zero for
that activity.
Use pencil on assignments, quizzes, and
tests.
You
will be given approximately one-week’s
notice of
test dates to help you plan your study schedule.
Make-up
Work Policy
It is up to each
student to attend class regularly. In-class activities are designed to
increase
your understanding of the material. You are responsible for all make-up
work! I
will not re-teach the lesson. You may see me after school for extra
help if you
have been absent, but you must show me that you have copied notes from
a
classmate and attempted your makeup work.
If you are absent, you must:
Check
the “absent folder” on
Mrs. Jensen’s desk for any missed handouts
Ask a classmate what we did
in class AND copy notes from a classmate
Complete
your missed assignments
and remember to turn them in
Arrange to make up missed
tests and quizzes
This class follows
the make-up policy listed in the UHS student handbook with two
clarifications:
1. If
you miss class on the day of a quiz or test, you will take the
quiz/test the
day you return. Assessments should be
made up in advance in the case of pre-arranged absences.
2. If
you miss class on just a review day, you are expected to take the
quiz/test as
scheduled with the rest of the class if you return for test day.
About
Mrs.
Jensen
I began teaching math in 1999
in Minnesota. This is my third year teaching at Unity High School. I
love
teaching, and I love math. I graduated from Harvard University and from
the
University of Minnesota. My husband is a biomedical engineer. We live
in
Champaign, and we love to travel and attend events at Krannert Center.
I also
love to watch my soap opera (All My Children) and Minnesota Vikings
football. I
consider eating chocolate to be one of my hobbies too!