This course is designed to establish a strong foundation in the language of mathematics. Algebra serves as a prerequisite for all secondary mathematics courses. A spiral approach will be given to solving equations. Students will solve equations involving fractions, decimals, and irrational numbers.

Special emphasis will be placed on real-world applications. Students will thoroughly investigate linear and nonlinear equations, graphs and properties. Emphasis will be placed on practical application involving other disciplines and industry.

In addition, this course introduces the study of polynomials, factoring, and special products. Properties of positive exponents are developed with a brief introduction to negative and rational exponents. Rational expressions are explored and are applied to solving fractional equations. This course concludes with the presentation and application of the quadratic formula.

Text: Algebra 1, McDougal Littell

·         You will be issued a book at the beginning of the year

·         The book should be COVERED to help you protect it. 

·         You are also responsible for returning the book at the end of the year in the condition you received it—you pay for any damage you cause.

Preparedness for Class

·         You are to use a 3-ring binder for this class so that you can keep your notes, homework and handouts in an orderly fashion. 

·         DATE ALL MATERIAL!! 

·         You MUST use PENCIL to do math work.  I WILL NOT accept work in PEN!!

·         You cannot go to your locker once you are in class (even to pick up homework!)  BRING EVERYTHING YOU NEED!!!!

Homework Policy

·         Homework will be given every other day, for the most part.  (See calendar for actual assignments)  It will be checked at the start of each period. Your grade will be based on completeness, not accuracy, so it is better to try than to leave answers blank.  However, your work must look like you actually tried!

·         There will be NO trips to lockers to retrieve homework.  It is your job to remember to bring it with you to class.  You will receive a zero even if it’s done, but in your locker.

·         If you have an unexcused absence, your homework for that day is an automatic 0.

·         If you have an excused absence and would like credit for the homework that was due while you were absent, please show it to me when you return to class the next day.

·         Upon returning from an excused absence, it is your responsibility to find out the assignment you missed and have it done in a timely manner.

·         If you are going to miss class for a field trip or school activity you are to show me any work that is due for that period before you miss it (even if that means coming in before school).  And if you miss class for an activity and homework is assigned, it is up to you to find out the assignment as it is still due the next day.

Tests & Quizzes

·         Tests will be given either at the end of each chapter or halfway through for long chapters. 

·         Quizzes will be given approximately once a week (about 2 or 3 sections)

·         Partial credit will be given if I can follow your train of thought and your work is correct for what you did

·         If you miss a test or quiz you will take a different version than the rest of the class.  You have 5 days to make up a missed test or quiz on your own time (NOT IN CLASS!)

·         There will be a midterm in January and a final in June.  They will be averaged to give you a 5^th marking period grade.

·          NOTE:  If you have completed all of you homework throughout the marking period, I will drop your lowest quiz score.

Grading System

·         I will be using a point system for your marking period grade.  You and I will both keep a running tally of your grades that we always know where you stand in my class. 

·         The total amount of points will vary by marking period but the items will always be worth the following:

                  Test:    100 points          Quiz: 50 points          Homework: 10 points                

Extra Credit:  Extra credit will be available on some quizzes and tests.  Also, coming to extra help                     will count as extra credit.

Extra Help: I am available for extra help most days after school between 2:25 – 2:45 PM.

Contact Information

Phone: 732-222-9300 x4380 (voicemail)      Email: acocco@shoreregional.org

   School Rules:  Review school handbook for school rules.

   Ways to Be Successful

1.     Be on time                                                        2. Never laugh at a classmate

3.    Raise hand to ask or answer questions               4. Watch your language

Please sign below acknowledging that you have read and are aware of the information on the syllabus.

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                  STUDENT                                                  PARENT(S)/ GUARDIAN(S)