Block 3 : Advanced Algebra II

ALGEBRA II ADVANCED LEVEL

Mrs. Christine Scherpa

September 2007 – June 2008

   WELCOME! Gateway Regional High School’s mathematics department continues to undergo revision in order to better meet the learning styles and needs of its students.  These curriculum changes have met with positive gains in the MCAS and SAT  testing programs. The main purpose of your being in this class is to learn – the greater the effort, the greater the reward.  Respect, cooperation, conscientiousness, and courtesy  are expected at all times.  All rules and consequences set forth in the student handbook are strictly enforced in this classroom.  A reminder that each student must be in his/her assigned seat BEFORE the bell rings prepared to work.  Anyone who is not properly seated will be marked tardy, and a consequence will result.  A student may not talk to other students in the room unless permission is given by  the teacher.  Each student must remain seated until the bell rings.  Lav passes will only be issued for emergencies.  Each student is responsible for keeping the room neat and clean.

   Students are expected to bring to class on a daily basis a covered textbook, notebook, and a writing utensil.  NO ONE will be allowed to return to a locker for forgotten  materials.  Graphing calculators will be available for in-class use and are highly recommended for at-home use.

   In  keeping with the NCTM curriculum and evaluation standards, this course encourages all  students to:

      Learn to value mathematics

      Become confident in their ability to do mathematics

      Become mathematical problem solvers

      Learn to communicate mathematically

      Learn to reason mathematically

   Algebra II Advanced is a fast-paced course that develops an understanding of equations and functions and their graphs, the complex number system, trigonometry, conic sections, and probability and statistics.  Several problem contexts will be used with these topics.  We will cover material which will serve as a foundation for more advanced math courses.

   Grading will be based on classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, and school-wide academic rubrics and indicators.  Classwork and homework will make up approximately 33% of your term grade while the other 67% will be a combination of quizzes, tests, projects, and rubrics and indicators.  Each term represents 20% of your final grade with the mid-year and final exams comprising the last 20%.  Attendance in class is critical.  Homework is an integral part of this course, and it must be completed in order for you to be successful.  If homework is not done, you will not be ready to participate in class the next day.  Homework is always due the day after it has been assigned, unless otherwise noted.  NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT.  If you are absent, previously assigned work is due upon return to school.  Work missed while being absent, must be completed within a reasonable amount of time.

   I am available for extra help in room 204 at least two afternoons a week immediately after school.  These times are an excellent opportunity to obtain small group or 1-1 assistance.

   If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at school during regular school  hours.