Course Description
To put it simply, this course will require you to
THINK.
The goal is not to just do, but to understand and learn
the topics of a second algebra course. To some, this
course may come easily, while to others it will be a
challenge. Plan to work on assignments every day. Topics
included equations and inequalities, polynomials,
functions, logrithms, systems, conic section, sequences
and series and probability.
Course Text
College Algebra, Thompson (Brooks/Cole)
- Publisher. The replacement cost of the book is $77.00.
In addition a CD which accompanies our textbook will be
issued. The replacement cost of the CD alone is $20. The
student will be expected to pay 100% of the cost if
these materials are lost or unusable.
Materials
(You will NOT be excused to go to
your locker to pick up these materials.)
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Pencils -
ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED IN PENCIL. It is your
responsibility to be prepared with a pencil. I will not
supply you with one.
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Books - You are
required to bring your book to class every day unless
told otherwise.
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Calculators –
We suggest the Texas Instruments (TI-Nspire or TI-84+ Silver Edition
or alternatively the TI-83) graphing calculators. (Please
do not purchase a TI-86 or TI-89 - they are not newer
models of the above.) We will use the calculators
throughout the year and in addition they will be used in
both pre-calc and calculus following this course.
Although the district does not require you to purchase a
graphing calculator (we have classroom sets for use in
school) - the vast majority of students do eventually
purchase their own for both home and school.
Class Expectations
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Attendance is a critical ingredient for success. For
planned absences (doctors, dentists, excursions, sports,
etc.) talk to me BEFORE you are absent.
This may be done in person, by email, or over the phone.
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Be
on time, be prepared, and be on task. You are tardy if
you are not in your seat when the bell rings. Pencil
sharpening should be done BEFORE the tardy bell unless
special permission has been granted during the classwork
time. Multiple tardies will result in an after-school
detention.
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Do
your homework! Homework also carries the expectation
that you read the textbook. It is not a punishment.
Math, unlike many subjects can and needs to be
practiced. I expect you to be prepared to ask questions
about your assignments. I can not help you if you do not
ask for it. Using one’s talents wisely also includes
contributing to the class as a whole through discussion
and aiding peers. Be prepared to do both.
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Have respect for EVERYONE and EVERYTHING in class. (i.e.
Make fun of NO ONE)
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Take care of personal business and social conversations
outside of class.
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There will be no talking at all during a test or quiz.
Any offense will result in a grade of zero for the test
or quiz.
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Excessive disruptive behavior will result in detentions,
parental contact, or referrals to the administration.
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Put all trash in the trash can.
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No
food, drinks, gum chewing, radios, electronic signaling
devices, CD or tape players will be allowed in the
classroom. Cell phones must be put away and turned off
at all times. If your phone rings, it will be
confiscated and turned into the office for parental
pickup.
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All students should feel welcomed, included, and free
from harassment based upon race, religion, gender, size,
or sexual orientation. If you feel at any time that this
is not the case either because of my behavior or that of
your classmates, I hope you will let me know. I try to
be aware of what goes on in class and of the comfort
levels of students, but especially when I am focused on
mathematics I don’t always see, hear, or understand all
that transpires. I believe it is crucial that we strive
to provide an inclusive learning environment at Guilford
and I hope you will each help me make that a reality in
this classroom. Follow all other school-wide rules.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a
serious offense that will not be tolerated. If a student
is found cheating on any written work, a grade of zero
will be given on the work. For repeated incidents
parents will be contacted, and the incident will also be
reported to an administrator.
Grading Policy: District Grading Scale:
A 90 - 100, B 80 - 89, C 70 - 79, D
60 - 69, F 59 and below
Daily Work (Weekly Homework Quizzes)
20% , Projects: 10% , Tests/Quizzes: 70%
**Students will also have a Semester Exam that
will count 20% of their final grade.**
Daily Work is the points earned on
"homework quizzes". These quizzes of about 10
questions will be administered in class for the previous
5-10 days work and should average no more than 10-15
minutes of a class period. Students will be able to use
their homework papers to complete
the quiz. Students must use THEIR OWN WORK - No
photocopies or printouts from online will be allowed.
All homework will be put in the pocket folder collected at the time the quiz is taken. Homework must
be done in pencil, it must be properly labeled as described in class, and all work (steps) must
be shown.
Class Website
My website is -
http://guilford.rps205.com/godtland
. This is the direct link - alternatively you may go to
the Guilford website at
http://guilford.rps205.com
and click on any of several choices: "teacher websites"
tab (opening page - upper right corner) , or click on
"departments", then math and then my name, or click on
"contact us", then choose staff listings then click on
my name.
Our classroom website will contain
all lesson plans and copies of completed homework from
my notes. Students are expected to check their work with
the website notes and make corrections as needed.
Classroom time will then be used to introduce new
topics, begin new homework assignments, and discuss any
problems or questions from the previous work. Only
problems which students need extra assistance or
explanation will be routinely discussed. Not EVERY
problem will be done in class as it is the student’s
responsibility to check the posted notes online.
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Projects related to material covered will be assigned at
least quarterly. Some may be small group, while others
will be individual projects. The use of technology will
be emphasized in many of these projects including
graphing calculators and computers using PowerPoint,
internet websites, and other programs.
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Tests will be given over each chapter.
Sometimes longer chapters are divided up into smaller
tests so that it can be completed within the class hour.
Make-Up Work
After an absence you must make
up the missed work in a timely manner. This means both
"Homework Quizzes" and Tests. Typically "Homework
Quizzes" will be done the day you return to class. Unit
tests must be made up AFTER school and should be
arranged the first day you return, while planned absences
should already have been prearranged. Obviously if it is
not made up, then a zero will be recorded. It is YOUR
responsibility to find out what work you need to
complete. Lesson plans are posted on the classroom
website so there is no excuse for you not knowing the
work assignments/tests that you miss. Also most
worksheets are available in electronic form on the
website for you to print at home. Remember that 0’s do
not average well.
For long standing assignments such as projects it is
expected that the student will turn in the assignment on
his/her first day back at school. However, if I have
specified that no late assignments will be accepted
in that case, the assignment still must be turned in on
time, absent or not. You can turn the assignment in
early, have a parent drop the assignment off, or have
another responsible student turn the assignment in for
the student.
Communication
Email is the easiest way to
communicate with me. I will try to return all
communication within 24 hours. Please remember my
schedule limits when I can get back in touch with you,
please be patient. Email at
jeffgodtland@hotmail.com.
If you call I suggest calling the home number list
below and leaving a message there if I do not answer.
The school number should be be NOT be used for leaving
messages. My class schedule allows for calls between
8:30 and 10:00 am. at 815-654-4870 (school). At other
times you may call me at 815-540-9942 (Home)
Extra Help
Extra help is available
after school if requested by the student. Bus
transportation is available at 4:45 if students need a
ride home. Drops are at various middle and elementary
schools throughout the city. When coming in for help, be
prepared with specific questions. Show me that you put
some time, thought, and work into the problem that you
are questioning. Whether using a math tutor, a study
buddy, or seeing me for extra help, do not wait until
the last day before a major test to get extra help.
Parents
I believe every student can succeed
in math. Some may reach this success easier than others
do but all can succeed. Your child may need one-on-one
instruction outside the classroom. I ask that you
encourage your child to take advantage of after school
help when there is a need. This is a free service and
strongly recommended. Please e-mail me if you have any
concerns at: jeffgodtland@hotmail.com. I also encourage
you to check the website regularly for progress reports
which are available on the website for your convenience.
Simply click on the link, choose your child’s class, and
then enter their student number. The reports are updated
after major tests or quizzes or about every 10 days or
so depending on the time of the quarter.
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Day One PowerPoint
Day One Parent Letter - 2008-2009
[PDF]
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Algebra 2 Video Tutorials/PowerPoints
Series of "QuickTime videos" and
Powerpoint presentations used in an Algebra
II course. They do not go in the same
order as Collgege Algebra - but look for the
topic as many of them correspond to our
class. They are great review or useful
if you are absent from class.
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Summer Math Packets
Summer Math Packets are now available. Be
prepared for your math classes. Complete
these packets for your math classes
in the Fall.
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PowerPoint Lesson Previews
If you need help with a section or miss
class and are having trouble reading and
understanding our textbook. The
lessons are in the form of a PowerPoint
presentation. To view the slides:
1. Click on the topic
2. Click the small slide
3. Then use the arrows to
advance forwards or backwards.
* If you regularly use this page we
suggest that you save the link to your
"Favorites" on your browser.
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College Algebra Tutorials
If you need help with a section or miss
class and are having trouble reading and
understanding our textbook. This is a
GREAT website that give clear step by step
examples.
Another great way to use this would be to
use it prior to a test as a review.
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Video Lectures for Algebra
A great video website - this shows
applications of many of our topics in
College Algebra. (...about 30 minutes each)
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How to Capture TI Calculator Screens for
Projects
This link (Capture)
will give you the basic instructions.
If you have difficulties with the process,
be sure to ask in class.
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Graphing Calculator Simulator
Below is a FREE file to
download and install on your computer.
After installing it all you need to do is
load the program and under FILE choose NEW.
Then choose the type you
want to simulate and under the Debug menu choose GO.
Click on the keys with your mouse just as you would with a
calculator
in your hand.
GC Simulator
[4.2 meg]
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Websites for our Textbook
Go to the publisher's website and find more
info about our book. Extra study
materials are also listed at this site.
College Algebra website.
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The website for accessing our book's
tutorial program and various online
assignments can be found here.
www.ilrn.com
Be sure that you have the course access code
that was given to you in class and also the
book ISBN number found on the back or your
book to take advantage of all the content
here. And remember- it is ALL
FREE!!!
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The Texas Instruments (TI-84+ Silver
Edition) calculator is available at local
stores for approximately $120 or can be purchased online at various
websites including
1001hiteck.com .
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