FMS 7th Grade Algebra 1 Course Syllabus and Expectations

Teacher: Kristi Rupp-Wilson                                  Room 210

Foothills Middle School                                            School Phone:  664-8961 ext: 2210

Home Phone:  886-7432                                            email: rw.kristi@mail.wsd.wednet.edu

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the Pre-Algebra Course.

Course Description: Algebra 1 is a required yearlong course for advanced middle school students.  It is the study of expressions, equations, functions and inequalities.  Students will solve linear equation, use proportional reasoning, graph relations and functions, analyze linear equations solve linear inequalities and systems of linear equations and inequalities, explore polynomials and quadratic/exponential functions.  They will also explore rational and radical expressions and equations.

Credit: Students successfully completing this course are eligible for one high school credit.

Classroom Instruction and group work:  Students will work in collaborative groups on a regular basis and approach problems conceptually.  The only way students will master the concepts is by being actively involved in their learning.  I will be responsible for guiding, supporting and summarizing at all times. 

Daily assignments will be given to practice and master the skills we have learned in class.

Student Assessments will be given at the end of each chapter and may include multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions.

This is a balanced program where skill development is based upon problem solving and understanding.   Most of the 7th grade performance expectations (formerly GLE s) are embedded in the curriculum but some are not because it is a high school curriculum.  Any 7th grade PE s not covered by the high school Algebra 1 curriculum will be included in some other manner throughout the school year.

Parent Involvement:  Parents, the following suggestions will help students be successful and have a positive experience in Algebra 1.

• Encourage and support risk taking on homework and while working in groups.
• Talk on a regular basis about the concepts being taught.
• Read and discuss student toolkit and journal entries on occasion.
• Create an atmosphere at home where there is a designated study space and study time.
• Be open to math groups working together at homes in evenings and weekends.
• When students are asked to teach new concept to parents, be enthusiastic and attentive.
• Offer help with homework and suggest that students get help at school when necessary.
• Look through the geometry binder on occasion and ask about organizational strategies.
• If your student needs help, start by asking them to read the problem out loud.

Textbook: College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra Connections.  www.cpm.org

This web site has all of the problems from the student textbook as well as solutions to the out-of-class portion of each assignment for Algebra Connections.  Any resource pages that we have used in class are also available for the students that have been sick or have missed class.

Classroom Supplies: Students will need these materials for math by Friday of the first week of school.

1.   2-inch hard cover, “Clear View” three ring binder

2.   At least 5 section dividers for the binder

3.   Pencil pouch with two pencils, one red pen for correcting, colored pencils, eraser, six-inch ruler.)

4.   A scientific calculator in pencil pouch. (TI 30xa is the least expensive and is excellent.) 

5.  A bound quad rule notebook (with holes punched in it) of graph paper.  We have asked the office supply stores to have these books available for the high school and the middle school math students.

Attendance:  Attendance is required in accordance with FMS's Policy (see FMS Handbook in the “Planner”.  A student will not be successful without regular attendance.

Classroom Management:   “Make Your Day” is a citizenship program that encourages students to “Do what is expected” and “Do their best” each period of the day.  Students have an opportunity to earn points, which enables them to “MYD” each school day.

Assessments and Evaluation:  Grades will be given at the end of each quarter.

Grades will be updated weekly on line at: http://fms.wsd.wednet.edu

Please check student grades on line regularly. 

Assessments: Team and Individual exams 65%

Daily Assignments and group presentations 25%

Performance Expectations 5%

Parent signatures and attendance at open house 5%

The only extra credit will be applied from the bathroom passes and it will not exceed 1% of total grade. 

Grading Scale:   

A          93-100               C+        76-79

A-         90-92                C          73-75

B+        86-89                C-         70-72

B          83-85                D+        66-69

B-         80-82                D          60-65

F          0-59

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Please sign and return this section of the Algebra 1 Syllabus to school with you student. 

Keep the syllabus at home for reference.  Thank you!

Student Signature:    ______________________________       _________________________________

                            (Please print and sign clearly.)

Parent signature: ______________________________ Home or Cell Phone # __________________

Please clearly print email address below.