I have written a course syllabus for geometry and math models in the past. However, when I turned in my school laptop and transferred schools, those course syllabi seem to be the only documents that I did not transfer. I have rewritten my course syllabus and am looking for some feedback. This might also give some insight into the 'method of my madness.'
Writing has always been a tough area for me. Writing even an email takes me up to 30 minutes. It can take me days to complete a blog post. Whenever I have to write a letter or something, I tend to look for a template or similar document for guiding structure and format.
Some of the information in my course syllabus is pulled and adapted from websites such as TEKS (Texas teaching standards) and academic integrity. I really like the wording of these sights and couldn't come up with a better way. I tried my best to document so that I do not plagiarize. Definitely lend support and advice here.
Please post feedback. Am I missing something critical? Could something be better written?
The syllabus given to each student will be course specific.
Course Syllabi: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
Course Description:
The course of Algebra 1 relies on the prior knowledge presented in K-8. A student is expected to have a basic understanding of number, operation, and quantitative reasoning; patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking; geometry; measurement; and probability and statistics prior to this course. Throughout this course a student is expected to use algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning; represent and model functions in order to analyze and interpret relationships; use a variety of methods to set up and solve equations and inequalities in relation to functional relationships; use a variety of representations, tools, and technology to model mathematical situations to solve meaningful problems; and implement the underlying mathematical processes. (Description is an adaptation and summarization of the TEKS for Algebra 1.)
Course Description:
The course of Geometry relies on the prior knowledge presented in K-8. A student is expected to have a basic understanding of number, operation, and quantitative reasoning; patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking; geometry; measurement; and probability and statistics. A student is expected to acquire geometric thinking and spatial reasoning; knowledge of geometric figures and their properties; understand the relationship between geometry, other mathematics, and other disciplines; use and apply tools for geometric thinking; and implement the underlying mathematical processes. (Description is an adaptation and summarization of the TEKS for Geometry.)
Course Description:
The course of Algebra 2 relies on the prior knowledge presented in K-8. A student is expected to have a basic understanding of number, operation, and quantitative reasoning; patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking; geometry; measurement; and probability and statistics. Throughout the course of Algebra 2, a student is expected to use algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning to study algebraic concepts and relationships; analyze and understand the relationship between functions and equations; perceive connections between algebra and geometry; use a variety of representations, tools, and technology to model mathematical situations; and implement underlying mathematical processes.
(Description is an adaptation and summarization of the TEKS for Algebra 2.)
Contact Info:
Tiffany Haley thaley@baird.esc14.net Rm: 24
- Reminder 101 - Algebra 1 text @eab1 to (325) 480-3682 (I plan to use reminder 101 to inform students of events and major grades such as exams and journal grades.)
- Reminder 101 - Geometry text @b288d to (325) 480-3682 (I plan to use reminder 101 to inform students of events and major grades such as exams and journal grades.)
- Reminder 101 - Algebra 2 text @81a64 to (325) 480-3682 (I plan to use reminder 101 to inform students of events and major grades such as exams and journal grades.)
Classroom Hours:
Tutorials: 7:30 am to 8:00 am
1st Period: TBA
2nd Period: TBA
3rd Period: TBA
4th Period: TBA
5th Period: TBA
Lunch: TBA
6th Period: TBA
7th Period: TBA
8th Period: TBA
Tutorials: 3:35 pm to 4:00 pm
Classroom Expectations:
The student is expected to:
- be prepared for class by having the appropriate supplies.
- be on time.
- be dismissed when the teacher dismisses class not the bell.
- be respectful and supportive of others. Mrs. Haley's classroom is a safe environment for you to learn and explore the world of mathematics. This is a NO BULLYING ZONE!.
- clean up after oneself and put up classroom supplies.
- do the best that he or she can to become an independent lifetime learner.
- and, above all, adhere and follow the student code of conduct.
Academic Integrity:
A student is expected to follow the Code of Academic Integrity. Academic integrity requires a commitment of five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. The following behaviors violate the principles of academic integrity and are thus prohibited. These behaviors include: plagiarism; cheating; duplication of submission of the same work; collusion; false information and lying; falsifying academic documentation and forgery; theft, abuse, and destruction of academic property; unauthorized use of information technologies; and aiding and abetting academic dishonesty. Ignorance of the Code is not a valid reason for committing an act of academic dishonesty. (Adapted from the Statement of Academic Integrity of Canisius College.)
Honor Pledge:
I pledge to maintain a high level of respect and integrity as a student representing Baird High School. I understand and will uphold the Honor Code in letter and spirit to help our school advance authentic learning. I will not lie, cheat, plagiarize or be complicit with those who do. I will encourage fellow students who commit honor offenses to acknowledge such offenses to their teacher or the Honor Council. I make this pledge in the spirit of honor and trust. (Adapted from the International Center for Academic Integrity.)
Bathroom Pass Policy:
Two bathroom passes will be provided at the beginning of each six weeks. Here are the multiple purposes of a bathroom pass. (On occasion additional bathroom passes may be awarded.)
1.With permission of the teacher, a student may use a bathroom pass to exit class to go to the restroom, get a drink, go to the office, or go to a locker. When a student chooses to use a bathroom pass and miss the notes, the student is responsible for making notes up on their own time. The lesson will not stop to allow a student to catch up.
2. At the end of each six weeks, a bathroom pass has a value of 5 points that will be added first to the six weeks exam then to the lowest major grade. A maximum of two bathroom passes may be used for bonus points on major grades.
Supplies:
There are two supplies required for my classroom. These supplies need to be ready and with the student when attending class on day one. Supplies will be available for purchase before class.
1. Composition Book (not spiral) (Available for $1)
2. No.2 Pencil (Available for $0.25)
**Optional supplies needed for the classroom this year are dry erase markers. A bathroom pass will be given in exchange for a donation of dry erase markers.
Journal Policy:
- Composition Book must be used.
- All pages must remain in your journal; do not tear them out. (I plan to use all pages.)
- If notes are missed due to an absence, then the student is to attend tutorials the following day to make them up. Notes are not to be made up during class time while a new lesson is being taught.
"Must Have a Pencil" Policy:
A student must have a pencil for class. If a pen is needed, it will be provided by the teacher.
If a student does not have a pencil, then here are a student's options.
1. Borrow from a classmate.
2. Bargain with a bathroom pass.
3. Purchase one for $0.25.
4. Detention!
Attendance Policy:
- A student must attend a minimum of 78 days in the fall and 82 days in the spring. Excused, unexcused, medical, and religious absents count against the students attendance.
- If a student is absent, then the student is expected to attend tutorials the following day.
- If a student is not in their seat when the bell rings, then the student is tardy. Three tardies accumulate to an absence.
- If a student is absent from class for more then fifteen minutes, then the student is considered absent for that period.
Extracurricular Activities:
- Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right (Student Handbook).
- When an absence due to extracurriculars occurs, the students is expected to attend tutorials the following day to make up notes, assignments, quizzes, etc.
Grading Policy:
- Grade reports are provided at the beginning of each week.
- If there are missing assignments from the previous week, then a student has until the end of the current week to turn it in before it will no longer be available or accepted.
- These assignments, turned in a week later, are considered late and the resulting grade will be reduced by 10%.
- For the last week of the six weeks, assignments and late work from the previous week and current week are due by the end of day Thursday.
Major Grades60%
Quizzes 25%
Daily Work 15%
Course Outline:
First Day of School: 08/26/2013
1st Six Wks Exam: 10/02/2013
Grades Due:10/03/2013
Fall Midterm: 10/16/2013
2nd Six Wks Exam:11/13/2013
Grades Due: 11/14/2013
Fall Semester Finals:12/16/2013 - 12/20/2013
3rd Six Wks Exam: 01/08/2014
Grades Due: 01/09/2014
4th Six Wks Exam: 02/19/2014
Grades Due: 02/20/2014
Spring Midterm: 03/19/2014
5th Six Wks Exam:04/09/2014
Grades Due: 04/10/2014
6th Six Wks Exam: 05/21/2014
Grades Due: 05/22/2014
Spring Semester Finals: 05/27/2014 - 05/30/2013
Course syllabus is subject to change. Adequate notification will be provided.
REVISED: 8/10/2013
Please detach and return the signed portion.
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I have carefully read and hereby agree to the conditions set forth in the course syllabus.
Student Signature: ___________________________________Date: __________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________Date: __________
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