1.     Be on time.Each student should be seated prior to the bell ringing to start class.  More than 2 days tardy will result in an after-school detention.

 2.     Come prepared.  A math notebook (3-ring binder), textbook, scientific or graphing calculator, pencils, and eraser should be brought to class daily.    In addition, Geometry students should have a compass and a protractor.  Algebra II students should have a graphing calculator—preferably a TI-84 or TI-83

 3.   Do the homework. The best way to learn high school mathematics is through practice.  Homework will be worth 15% of the 9-week grade.  Homework will be checked and reviewed daily.  If an effort has been make for every problem, and work has been shown, then a score of 2 will be given.  If at least half of the problems have been attempted with work shown, then a score of 1 will be given.  Otherwise, a score of 0 will be given.  Make-up homework will only be accepted after an absence has been excused and only within 5 days of the absence.  It should have “make-up” clearly written at the top. 

4.    Keep a good notebook.A three-ring binder with 8 dividers is required.  Notebooks will be collected and graded at the end of each chapter covered.  They will be worth 10% of the final grade.  Each day’s notes should include the date, warm-up problems (if given), topic, and any notes or examples that are written on the board.  Notebooks should be neat and in order, divided into 8 sections by chapter:  Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, etc…  Everything relation to Chapter 1 should be in the Chapter 1 section of the notebook in order by date.  (Note:  Algebra II students will be starting in Ch 5 and will go to Ch 12.)

 5.   Participate.Classwork/ Participation is worth 10% of the 9-week grade.  This includes class activities, computer and calculator lab work, and participation in class discussions. 

6.   Practice.Tests are worth 65% of the 9-week grade.  In addition, 20% of the final course grade will come from term exams (midterm and final).  The best way to study for a math test is to practice.  Redo problems from the homework and from those done in class, and try similar problems from the book. 

7.   Take responsibility for your learning.If you are absent, call a classmate to get the assignment.   Copy any notes you missed in class from a reliable classmate.  If you miss a test due to absence, see me immediately upon returning to class to schedule a make-up time.

Breakdown of 9-Week Grade