Algebra I Parents' Corner

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The first-year algebra course is a foundational course which prepares the student for future study of both mathematics and science.  The course stresses the development of good problem-solving skills and the application of algebra to real-world problems.   Students are required to work out solutions to problems in an organized, logical manner, employing proper mathematical notation.   Calculators and computers are considered essential tools for the course.

Goals

My goals for the year include the following.  Each student will:

• learn the algebraic skills necessary to succeed in future courses in mathematics and science.
  
• be able to apply the skills learned to real-world situations.
  
• learn to use a calculator or computer to assist in problem solving, when appropriate.
  
• learn to communicate mathematical ideas in an organized, logical manner, employing correct use of mathematical symbols.
  
• grow in his/her appreciation for the God whose wisdom, power, and love created and sustains the mathematical structures of the universe.
  
• grow in his/her appreciation for the discipline of mathematics: its historical development, its relationship to other disciplines, and its structural beauty.

Calculator

All Algebra I students are required to have a TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator.

Equipment

Click on the Class Policy-doc or Class Policy-pdf links below to see a detailed listing of equipment needed for the course.

Class Policy

Click on Class Policy-doc to get a detailed listing of class policies (in MSWord format) dealing with grading, late assignments, missed tests, notebook organization, required tools, etc.  Click on Class Policy-pdf to get the same information in PDF format.

Assignments and Tests

Click on Homework and Test to find a chart for your student's section listing the homework problems that are due for each day of the current unit and the date of the next test.  The chart will also indicate any upcoming notebook collection date.

Parental Help

Parents can help their student in algebra in several ways.  When your student is absent from school, remind him/her to borrow class notes from a classmate and copy them into the notebook.  If your student complains at home that he/she is "lost" in class, encourage the student to ask a classmate for help or to come to me.  I am usually available during DC time.  No appointment is necessary at this time; students may just stop in to my classroom H104.  Students may also ask for an appointment to see me during a study hall or after school.  If you wish to sit down and work with the student at home, that too can be helpful.  However, you should take a few minutes to look at the notes from class so that you can explain the problems using the same terminology and procedures shown in class.  Parents can confuse a student when they try to explain the mathematics in ways that are very different from what is being done in class.

Finally, parents can help by making sure that students are not neglecting the homework.   At the start of each chapter, the student will receive an Assignment Chart that lists every assignment for the chapter being studied and the date on which it is due.   The date on which the test will be administered is also listed.  Click on Homework and Test to see the current Assignment Chart.  If your student has had a pattern in the past of neglecting some assignments, you should make a habit of asking to see the Assignment Chart and the completed work each evening.  Certainly, this will not be necessary for many students at this age, but it will be very profitable for some.

Parent-Teacher Communication