San Marin High School Math Department

2019 - 2020

APPLIED ALGEBRA (1)

SYLLABUS 2019-202
Mrs. Taggard Room 504
mrstaggard.weebly.com
staggard@nusd.org

In this course, students will learn about functions, linear relationships, simplifying and solving equations,
systems of equations, sequences, modeling two-variable data, exponential functions, quadratic functions, solving
quadratics and inequalities, solving complex equations, and functions and data. For this course, multiple textbooks
and on line resources will be used for meeting the Common Core Standards for Algebra 1.
The teaching strategies will include problem-based lessons structured around a core idea, students
interacting in groups to foster mathematical discourse, and practice with concepts and procedures spaced over time,
that is, mastery over time. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice are deeply interwoven into
the fabric of the daily lessons. Students will use problem solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing
critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments to justify their thinking.
Supplies Needed For Success In This Course:
Spiral Graphing Notebook
1 inch 3 ring binder
Pencils, erasers, pens
Grading Policy:
80% Learning Target Assessments, Classwork, projects and participation
10% Midterm Exam
10% Final Exam
Students will be assessed on their mastery of each Learning Target with a rubric scale of 0 to 4 (scale
below). The Learning Targets are student-friendly “I can” statements aligned with the Algebra 1 state standards.
Learning Targets clearly detail exactly what the students will be learning in that unit and, in turn, exactly what they
will be assessed on. With the focused Learning Targets, students, parents and teachers can specifically see what
topics have been mastered and what areas need more practice.
These Learning Target assessments will come in many forms, such as team projects, team problems, and
individual tests, but will all demonstrate where the student is in terms of mastery of that Learning Target. Students
will be able to re-assess to demonstrate mastery of the Learning Targets. Students need to talk to their teacher to get
more details on the re-assessment process.
The Rubric Scoring:
4: Student was able to complete the problem with no errors. Student was able to clearly and concisely
justify/explain his or her mathematical thinking and procedures.
3: Student made a small procedural error; however, overall, he or she conceptually and procedurally knew how to
complete the problem. His or her justification/explanation was lacking persuasion, clarity, or specificity.
2: Student made a large conceptual error. He or she made progress into the problem but demonstrates
conceptual misunderstandings. His or her justification/explanation has some conceptual misunderstandings and was
lacking persuasion, clarity, or specificity.
1: Student did not make progress into the problem. His or her justification/explanation has many conceptual
misunderstandings and was severely lacking persuasion, clarity, or specificity.
0: Blank 0 effort
• Midterm Exam ( 10% )
• Final Exam ( 10% )
➢ Grades will be posted in Aeries, which can be accessed through the San Marin Home Page,
sanmarinmustang.org. To the best of the Teacher’s ability, grades will be updated every two weeks. Per Board
Policy: Grades shall be reported at the end of each progress reporting period for all students. Progress reports will be
mailed home and/or accessible to parents online approximately every five/six weeks. Whenever a student falls
below a C- after the second Progress Report for either semester, the teacher shall arrange a conference with the
student’s parent/guardian and/or send a written report. (Board Policy 5121)
A= 3.4 to 4.0
B=2.8 to 3.39
C=1.8 to 2.79
D= .9 to 1.79

F=0 to .89