• Oak Park High School

    899 N. Kanan Rd, Oak Park, CA 91377

    (818) 735 – 3300 – www.oakparkusd.org/ophs

     

    Course: Algebra 1A

    Teacher: Mrs. Jacquelyn Lac

    Phone: (818) 735 – 3300 x 9128

    Email: jlac@opusd.org

    Room: I-02

     

    Course Description:

    This class covers the first half of Algebra I with the focus on solving and graphing linear equations and linear inequalities.  Students need to perform proficiently the order of operations and basic computations of real numbers.

    Course Objective:

    • Develop mastery of linear equations and inequalities as stated by the California Math Standards

    • Get proper preparation for the next level of math as well as for the state test, SAT, and other standardized tests.

    • Train the mind in clear, organized, and rigorous thinking.

    Course Suggested Materials:

    • Pencils, erasers, highlighters, and dry-erase marker

    • One three-ring binder (can be used concurrently with other classes but must have a separate section for Math), note-paper

    • Extra materials (straightedge, scissors, and color pencils) will be announced when needed.

    Classroom Expectations:

    The following expectations and procedures have been devised so that each student has the opportunity to learn and manage his/her success in the classroom.

    • Be impeccable with your WORD.

    • Don’t take anything personally.

    • Don’t make assumptions.

    • Always DO your best.

    Procedures:

    • Be in your seat when the bell rings, excited to learn.

    • Be PREPARED for class

    • Participate courageously.

    • Respect your class, your peers, your teacher, and yourself.

    It is important for students to be aware of their responsibility to conduct themselves appropriately.  In situations where students misbehave or disrupt the teacher's teaching or students’ learning, there will be a consistent enforcement of progressive discipline.  Infractions may include but are not limited to tardiness, not bringing materials to class, and/or talking during instructional time.  Every effort will be made to redirect the student to return to the instructional task. 

    ANY FORM OF ELECTRICAL DEVICE THAT IS NOT PERTAINING TO EDUCATION IS PROHIBITED IN CLASS.

    Discipline Steps:

    • 1st infraction: Warning

    • 2nd infraction: Calling home

    • 3rd infraction: Office Referral

    Grading Scale:

    • Homework: 5%

    • Classwork: 10%

    • Quizzes and Tests: 65%

    • Semester Final: 20%

    ACADEMIC HONESTY 

    There is ZERO tolerance for copying, stealing, or giving homework, tests, and/or other assignment answers.  Do not allow others to copy your work, because you are enabling them to fail.  If you copy or allow someone to copy your work, expect a ZERO for that assignment.

    Homework Policy

    Homework serves to reinforce “that which is to be learned” and prepares students for unit assessments.  It will be assigned daily and checked daily. It will include reading, writing assignments, problems, and reviews. Credit will only be given if work is shown and follows a specific format.  Most problems require multiple steps, including recall of formulas, diagrams, and/or algebra steps.  If work is not shown, mistakes cannot be found and corrected. Understanding homework problems will lead to better quiz and exam grades.  Homework will only be accepted late with an excused absence and is due the next scheduled class.  Homework assigned during your absence should be completed immediately.  Seventh period on the day of your return is an excellent opportunity to do makeup work and receive instruction.  If homework is not completed at the start of class, it will receive a zero.  

    10 points: Problems have been attempted and work is shown.  All work must be legible and done in pencil.

    5 points: Students don’t show a lot of effort in attempting the problems or only finish half of the problems.

    0 points: Students show minimum effort in attempting the problems (i.e. copying down answers) or no homework.

    Classwork:  

    There will be short, 10-minute daily quizzes based on lecture examples and/or in-class assignments.

    A daily quiz is given out at the end of every lecture to assess the understanding of concepts covered that day.  Open-notes is allowed; however, points will be taken off for misbehaving during the period or not bringing learning supplies.

    Quizzes and Test:

    There are approximately 2-3 quizzes per chapter.  Studying daily will help in doing well on these quizzes and result in better test scores.

    Tests are given at the end of each chapter.  A specific test format is required and will be discussed later in class.  Failure to follow this format will result in 10% of the grade of that test.  Tests must be made-up within a week and pre-arranged with the teacher.  A 10% penalty will be deducted from any missed test due to an unexcused absence.  If a test is not made-up within a week, it will be counted as zero. 

    You are responsible for making up any missing work, including homework, class work, quizzes, and tests.

    Effect of Absence on Grades/Credits

    If a student’s absence is excused under Education Code 48205, he/she shall be allowed to complete any missed assignment or test that can be reasonably given, as determined by the teacher of that class.  The student shall be given full credit for the assignment or test if he/she satisfactorily completes the assignment or test within a reasonable period of time. (Education Code 48205)

     A student's grades may be affected by excessive unexcused absences in accordance with Board policy. 

    If you know that you will be absent due to school activity, you have to follow the Math department policy on absence:

    1)  The student should notify the teacher in advance.   

    2)  It is the student’s responsibility to get class notes from another student or copy teacher notes if available.

    3)  Students should read the missed section and attempt homework before attending extra help.

    4)  Students should attend extra help the day after the class they miss to help with understanding missed materials.

     

    If you are absent ONLY for the review day, you are still expected to take the test as scheduled.

     

    Do your best to get to class on time.  If your FULL body is not within the classroom after the bell stops ringing, you will be marked tardy.  Excessive tardies will result in consequences from the administrator.



    Grade:

    90% - 100% A

    80% - 89% B

    70% - 79% C

    60% - 69% D

    Below 60% F

     

    Algebra 1A is an important course that introduces students to the basic computation of algebra and success is dependent on staying organized, having self-discipline, and reinforcement from parents/guardians and teachers.  It is my responsibility to make the material as understandable as possible, to encourage students to do their best, and to be caring and patient.  I will be available during 7th period  for tutoring.  Remember when you are in my room, it is just you, me, and Math.  I look forward to having a great year with you.