Algebra 2 with Mr. Ferrante

Cupertino High School, August 2008

 

Course Description

Welcome to Algebra 2!  Algebra 2 is an intermediate algebra course designed to prepare students for UC/CSU college entrance.  First semester will primarily be an in-depth review of Algebra 1 topics such as factoring, solving systems of equations, working with polynomials, etc.  During this time it’s crucial to work very hard to cover any Algebra 1 learning gaps, learn how to study like a college student, and approach math as a problem-solver and not a memorizer.  Be advised.  You will need a solid C or better first semester in order to pass second semester.

 

Grades

Your grade is weighted as follows:     Tests/Quizzes  65%     Homework  30%     Classwork 5%

A ³ 90%            B ³ 80%            C ³ 70%            D ³ 60%            F < 60%

Grades are semester-cumulative.    I do not average quarter grades.  Final grades are rounded to the nearest whole percentage.  For example, a grade of 89.4% is a B and will not be raised to an A.  Unlike final grades, progress reports include plusses and minuses for grades within 2 percentage points of the respective boundary.  Progress reports are calculated to the nearest tenth.  For example, an A+ is 98.0% and up.  An A- is 90.0% to 92.0%.

Most tests will be multiple-choice with a separate written component.  If you have an officially excused absence on the day of a test, you will be required take a written makeup test.  Unexcused absences have no protection whatsoever.  I can freely give you a zero.  If you get a low score on a test but you are a hard worker, I believe in giving you another chance.  You can makeup two tests each semester.  To qualify, you must have 70% or better HW for that chapter, and you must study/complete test corrections for your old test.  Quiz scores cannot be made up.

Homework

Homework will be assigned daily and graded out of ten points based on effort, completion, and neatness.  Excused absence homework is ok to make up but other late homework is not accepted.  Homework takes dedication every day and is a major key to your success in this class.  If you don’t do homework or you try to slip by copying other people’s homework, there’s almost no chance you’ll pass the class.  It will catch up to you.  I expect you to work hard and do your own work.

 

Required Supplies

composition notebook

For warm-ups, notes, classwork.

3-ring binder

For handouts, worksheets, binder paper, etc.  You can share this with other classes.

graph paper

      You can buy a pad at a store or print your own at http://www.printfreegraphpaper.com

graphing calculator or internet access

For classwork and tests you will have access to TI-82 calculators.  (For tests, you’ll have to use the school calculators).  At home you can use online graphers or download free graphing software.  Visit www.MrFerrante.com for my calculator recommendations.

 

Help

There are online tutorials posted on my webpage, there are study groups, there is a free tutoring program after school, there is a list of paid after-school tutors and a list of local homework/tutoring centers in the Guidance Office, there is a 40-minute tutorial class twice each week, there are friends, parents, etc, and I’m available for help during lunch and after school.  Just ask.  Remember, you are the reason I teach!
Tardy Policy and Classroom Rules

Tardies

Tardies are renewed each quarter.  You are allowed three tardies.  A fourth tardy and every second tardy thereafter earns a 30-minute administrative detention which will impact your grade if not served.  On the other hand, your faithful attendance will earn extra points:

                                    No tardies:        10 extra credit points

                                    1 tardy:             5 extra credit points

                                    2 or more:         0 extra credit points

Attendance

Students who attend school with perfect attendance do much better than those who don’t.  It happens every year.  If you cut class, it will hurt your grade.  Always try.  If you miss school for an excused absence then you have as many days as you were absent to make up homework while keeping up with the current homework.  If your absence is unexcused you are not allowed to makeup work.

Bathroom Passes

You are allowed two bathroom passes each quarter.  If you require a pass to use the restroom, or for any other reason that is not office/teacher directed, you must use one of your passes.   Extra passes at the end of each quarter are worth 3 extra credit points each.

Cell Phones, CD-Players, etc.

If you carry them in your backpack and the sound is turned off, that’s fine.   However, if I see or hear anything, it’s my job to turn them in to the office.  I hold the school record for cell phone confiscations.

Music Devices

Keep them put away.  If I see one (even at the beginning of the period), I’ll take it away.  There is one exception:  You may listen to music during individual classwork as long as it doesn’t distract you from getting your work done.   No sharing headphones and don’t spend time looking for songs.  Always ask me first if it’s ok to listen to music.  The answer is always my call.

Food

Save it for outside at brunch and lunch.  If I see it in class, I’ll throw it away.  Water is ok.

Parents

Please contact me whenever you have questions or concerns.  E-mail is the best way to reach me:  eric_ferrante@fuhsd.org.  You can also leave me a voice message at school:  366-7388 x4845.  If you have Internet access, please register for School Loop.  Most of your student’s teachers will be using it for communication.  Register at http://cupertino.schoolloop.com.

 

We have read and understand the information on this sheet.

 

Student Signature ____________________              Parent Signature ____________________

Student Name _______________________              Parent Name _______________________
                                    (Print)                                                                           (Print)

Visit

http://www.MrFerrante.com
 
Graphing Calculator Recommendations
Algebra 2

 

 

Model

Comments

Price

TI-82

This is what I use in class.  It’s an old model that’s out of production but it’s all you need through AP Calculus.  If you’ll be taking more math courses, you should really get a TI-83 or TI-84 because they have statistical features your courses might require.

< $30 used

TI-83 Plus

This is the most popular model.  They’re everywhere and have the best games.

> $95 new

< $60 used

TI-83 Plus Silver

Same as TI-83 Plus but with a faster processor and more Flash applications (software) built-in.

> $95 new

< $60 used

TI-84 Plus

Same as TI-83 Plus but with more memory and a Geometry application.

> $110 new

< $90 used

TI-84 Plus Silver

Same as TI-84 Plus but with more memory and even more software such as SAT/ACT flash cards.

> $120 new

< $100 used

TI-89

Not recommended unless you’re going to take Calculus.  If you get one of these, beware that the buttons and menus are completely different.  I will not help you during class.

> $150 new

< $90 used

HP 39GS

This is roughly equivalent to the TI-83/84, easy to use, and costs less.  The only disadvantage is that you’ll be the only person in class with one.  Not recommended for that reason, but it’s a good buy if you don’t mind reading the manual and figuring out how to use it on your own.

> $65 new

HP 50G/48G

These are roughly equivalent to the TI-89.  As with the HP 39GS, they are easy to use and excellent buys.  The only problem is that you’ll be the only student in your class with this calculator.  You’re on your own.

> $100 new

Casio / Sharp

Not recommended.  Research them yourself.