Algebra I
Course Syllabus
2007-2008


Instructor:                                                        Lab Days: _____________
E-mail:                                                    
Phone: (209) 830-6363                                    Lab Time: _____________

On-line practice / self-guided work:  ALEKS (www.aleks.com)

Username:______________________________

Password:______________________________

ALEKS is a self-explanatory learning system and includes on-line instructions, feedback, and assessment.  ALEKS constantly challenges you and supplies extensive feedback on what you have accomplished. ALEKS will always help you select the ideal topic to work on, to ensure you learn concepts in the order that is best for you.

Course Description:
Algebra 1 is designed to emphasize the development of concepts, skills, and techniques to work with variables, formulas, the real number system, linear equations, inequalities, probability, and the graphs of relations and functions in order to solve mathematical problems.

Expectations:
            Students will be expected to:

  • Be on time for class with all required materials. (Notebook/math folder; pencil; scratch paper; etc.).
  • Obey all DCS rules while in Algebra 1 lab
  • Complete all written assignments assigned by lab instructor (approximately 1 hour of work per week)

Grading:
There are two types of grades for Algebra 1 classes at DCS. The first is given by your EC and is based on the following criteria.

The 5 credit Algebra 1 grade is based on three components:

  • Your individual work and percentage of mastery that you complete on the ALEKS system (see further description below)
  • Participation based on how well you have satisfied all of the requirements set forth in your PLP and subsequent meetings with your EC.
  • Your score on the comprehensive final examination.

Algebra 1 has 281 total lessons that need to be mastered. Algebra 1 “A” is the first half of Algebra 1, needing 140 lessons to complete. Algebra 1 “B” is the second half of the 281 lessons. Students in either class (“A” or “B”) are able to work on all of the same lessons. ALEKS has no delineation between the “A” and “B” portions of Algebra 1. Therefore, when looking at your progress towards completion of the entire course, the following grading scales will be used to assign the individual work portion of your semester grade.

Grade is based on the completion of mastered lessons verified by assessment. Algebra 1 “A” grading scale:


Grade

A

B

C

D

F

% Mastered

45-50%

40-44%

35-39%

30-34%

0-29%

# Lessons

126-140

111-125

96-110

81-95

0-80

Algebra 1 “B” grading scale:


Grade

A

B

C

D

F

% Mastered

90-100%

80-89%

70-79%

60-69%

0-59%

# Lessons

252-281

223-251

194-222

165-193

0-164

The second type of grade available is the 3 credits given for taking the onsite Algebra 1 lab class.  This grade is determined by your lab instructor and is based on the following criteria:

  • Attendance/Participation as determined by your attendance in lab WITH the materials required to participate in class as well as working in lab as requested (includes a minimum of 1 hour time logged on to ALEKS showing progress towards mastery of course content each week)
  • Completion of all written assignments assigned by lab instructor (approximately 1 hour of work per week)
  • Periodic assessments based on your individual learning history.

In order to be a more effective learner I suggest that you try to complete the seven pieces of your pie in the following order. It would be best to complete all the available lessons in each individual piece before progressing to the next piece. In other words, try to fill your pie one piece at a time.