Course Syllabus

Welcome to Algebra 1 Semester 1 Lab! I am excited to be teaching this course, getting to know you, and working together to support you. We hope to build your confidence, develop new math concepts, improve your critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as give you guidance for how to ask questions to get the answers that will help you move to future levels of math.

Contact Information:
Teacher: Nicole Harrington

E-mail: harringtonn@issaquah.wednet.edu

Course Description:

Algebra 1 Lab provides a support structure for struggling students to achieve success in a Algebra 1 course. It will strive to accomplish this by providing pre-Algebra support, further explanation, extra practice and review of previously learned concepts, as well as previews of upcoming material. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a Algebra 1 course.

Course Goal:

To support students to find success in their Algebra 1 class. During Lab, this will include working on number fluency, critical thinking and problem solving (often games or puzzles), learn or re-learn by creating ‘anchors’ for the learning in Algebra 1, practice skills, retake mastery checks, recovery work, and use work time to start or finish Algebra 1 assignments.

Course Outline (Second Semester):  

  • Topic 11: Statistics
  • Topic 7: Polynomials and Factoring
  • Topic 8: Quadratic Functions
  • Topic 9: Solving Quadratic Equations
  • Semester 2 Review and Final Exam

Materials: Bring to class daily

  • Folder for Lab work will be PROVIDED and stored in the rom
  • Algebra 1 materials, including any notes or worksheet
  • Pencils and eraser
  • Laptop and charger
  • Optional: Textbook (digital copy is accessible through laptop)

Grading Scale:

  A

93% or above

  A-

90-92.9%

  B+

87-89.9%

  B

83-86.9%

  B-

80-82.9%

  C+

77-79.9%

  C

73-76.9%

  C-

70-72.8%

  D+

67-69.9%

  D

60-66.9%

  F

Below 60%

Grading Categories and Weights:

  • Participation 90% - Graded daily
    • Algebra 1 Lab folder and assignments
      • In-class warm-up, notes, mastery check retakes, activities (2 point per day)
      • Work on Algebra 1 Assignments (1 point per day)
    • IXL work (1-2 points per day)
  • Goal Setting 10% - one goal-setting activity per unit (6 points each)

Recovery Plan:

As there is no work that is considered 'significant,' students are able to recover all daily work from a unit before the unit test for full points. Students can also follow the expectations and recovery opportunities in their Algebra 1 class on assignments for full recovery points.

Homework:

There is no outside work expected or required in this class.

SEL:
Self-awareness is a core competency of social-emotional learning. It is the ability for students to understand their emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviors in the classroom and in the learning process. This includes students being able to recognize their strengths and limitations in Algebra 1 Lab.

Self-management is the ability for students to harness their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different classroom and learning situations and to achieve goals and aspirations in the course. This includes students' capacities to cope with delayed gratification, stress management, and formulate motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals in Algebra 1 Lab.

Social awareness is the ability for students to understand and empathize with peers. This includes students abilities to take other's perspectives, and demonstrate empathy & compassion toward others in Algebra 1 lab.

Social management is the ability for students to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships in the classroom. This includes communicating effectively, showing leadership, and developing positive relationships in Algebra 1 Lab.

Academic Integrity:
We follow the ISD and IHS academic integrity policies.

Any written/submitted work that contributes to the calculation of your grade in the class MUST be your own, unless specifically designed for groups. Students are expected to work alone unless otherwise indicated, and the teacher will report any and all indications of academic dishonesty to administration and assign ZERO points for all parts of the assignment or assessment.

 

Attendance Policy:
Attendance will be taken in accordance with the policies at IHS. Students are expected and encouraged to attend class daily.

Any missed classes, will be excused. While students will not be expected to make-up work in Algebra 1 Lab, the additional materials and practice are designed to improve understanding and academic success.

Participation Policy:
You are expected to demonstrate engagement in our class by regularly and thoughtfully participating in activities and completing practice work, assignments, and assessments. Although you are not graded on participation, a lack of involvement will likely impact your grade.

 

Behavior Expectations:
For all classroom activities you are expected to follow the Issaquah code of conduct.

  • Listen when someone is speaking.
  • Be respectful of others, including their questions and work.
  • Be prepared for class.
  • Per the technology agreement and student handbook, students are required to have their phones away during class time (bell to bell). Students may choose to turn their phones off and put them in their backpacks or they may utilize the cell phone caddy at the front of the class. 
  • For all assessments, however, students will be REQUIRED to put their cell phone in the caddy at the front of the room for the entirety of the class period.
  • Laptops will be accessed only during appropriate work times and students only use it to access materials and complete work.

 

Class Expectations:

For all classroom activities your are expected to follow the Issaquah Code of Conduct.  You are expected to behave in a manner that will allow you and others to learn mathematics and communicate mathematics.

  • Please be prepared for class at the beginning of each period. This means being in your seat on time with all materials prepared.
  • I will treat you with respect. Please be respectful of me, other students and the contributions that they bring to our class.
  • Some ways that you will show respect are: keeping language appropriate, putting electronic devices away, helping those who seek your assistance, assuming good intentions of your teacher and classmates and being timely.
  • Stay on task and only talk when appropriate.
  • Do not be afraid to ask questions.
  • You will be expected to participate every day.

 

I’m looking forward to this new school year, and know we can tackle anything that comes our way! Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns (either about this syllabus or at any point during the year).

 

Best,

Ms. Harrington