Course Syllabus

Welcome to Algebra 2 Semester 2 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: Vale Crain
E-mail: crainv@issaquah.wednet.edu

Course Description:

Algebra 2 Lab provides a support structure for struggling students to achieve success in a Algebra 2 course. It will strive to accomplish this by providing further explanation, extra practice and review of previously learned concepts, as well as previews of upcoming material and preparation for tests and quizzes. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a Algebra 2 course.

Course Goal:

To support students to find success in their Algebra 2 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 2, practice skills, retake mastery checks, recovery work, and use work time to start or finish Algebra 2 assignments.

Course Outline (First Semester):  

• Topic 1: Linear Functions and Systems
• Topic 2: Quadratic Functions
• Topic 3: Polynomial Functions
• Midterm Exam
• Topic 4: Rational Functions
• Finals Review

Materials: Bring to class daily

• Folder for Lab work will be PROVIDED and stored in the rom
• Algebra 2 materials, including any notes or worksheet
• Pencils and eraser
• Graphing Calculator (TI-84 required)
• 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:

Assignments 90% - Graded daily, inputted weekly

• • Complete warm-up (1 point per day)
  • Complete anchor, practice, lesson or activity (3 points per day)
  • Working on Algebra 2 assignment(s) (1 point per day)

Any missed classes, will be excused. While students will not be expected to make-up work in Algebra 2 Lab, the additional materials and practice are designed to improve understanding and academic success.

Goal Setting 10% - Graded periodically, based on Topics

• • Complete Goal Setting Form (6 points per)

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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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.

 

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. Crain