Algebra 1
Algebra 1 (312011 & 312012)
Number of Credits: 1
Prerequisites
Successful completion of grade 8 prealgebra
Course Description
This course includes the study of rational number properties, variables,
polynomials, and factoring. Students learn to write, solve, and graph linear and
quadratic equations and to solve systems of equations. They also learn to model
real-world applications, including statistics and probability investigations.
Relevance
This course will provide a solid foundation for further study in mathematics by
helping students develop computational, procedural, and problem-solving skills.
To be good at mathematics, students must learn to translate real-life situations
to mathematical models and obtain solutions; and Algebra 1 will help students
develop this skill.
Course Standards
A. Mathematical processes
B. Number relationships
C. Geometry
D. Measurement
E. Statistics and probability
F .Algebraic relationships
Lifelong Learning Standards
•Knowledgeable person
•Complex thinker
•Effective communicator
•Self-directed learner
•Quality producer
•Contributing citizen
Course Outline
SEMESTER 1
•Expressions, Equations, Functions: Evaluate expressions; apply order of
operations; write equations and inequalities; Problem-solving plan
•Properties of Real Numbers: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide real numbers;
square roots
•Solving Linear Equations: Solve various equations; write ratios and
proportions; solve percent problems.
•Graphing Linear Equations and Functions: Coordinate plane; graph linear
equations; slope and rate of change
•Writing Linear Equations: Write linear equations in various forms; write
equations of parallel and perpendicular lines
SEMESTER 2
•Probability: Finding probabilities and using measures of central tendency
•Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities: Solve and graph inequalities; solve
absolute value equations
•Systems of Equations and Inequalities: Solve linear systems by graphing,
substitution, and elimination; solve systems of linear inequalities
•Exponents and Exponential Functions: Exponent properties, scientific notation
•Polynomials and Factoring: Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials; factoring,
solving polynomial equations
•Quadratic Equations and Functions: Using square roots and quadratic formula to
solve quadratic equations
•Radicals and Geometry Connections: Radicals and Pythagorean Theorem
Board-Approved Instructional Materials
•Larson, Boswell, et al., Algebra 1, McDougal Littell, 2007 (ISBN 0-618-59402-7)
•Online Resources (Choose Algebra 1, 2007)
Parents as Partners
Family involvement is an essential element for a student’s success in
mathematics. Be positive and support homework, don’t do it for them. Think of
yourself as a guide rather than your child’s teacher. You can help by asking
questions and listening. You may also help by visiting the online resources and
encouraging your child to take advantage of the tutorials, interactive
activities, and other online resources listed above.
Methods of Assessment
Final exams should be cumulative in nature, emphasizing the most essential
benchmarks for the course. Results of the final exam represent 20 percent of the
final grade, but this single measure may not drop a student’s grade by more than
one letter grade. In courses that rely heavily on a major project, performance
exhibition, etc., the project should be divided into stages or compo-nents and
each of those should be graded separately, providing students with frequent and
specific feedback.
Board-Approved Grading Scale
Excerpts taken from School Board Rule 6452
GRADING SCALE
A+=98-100 percent
A=93-97 percent
A-=90-92 percent
B+=86-89 percent
B=83-85 percent
B-=80-82 percent
C+=76-79 percent
C=73-75 percent
C-=70-72 percent
D+=66-69 percent
D=63-65 percent
D-=60-62 percent
F=0-59 percent
MAKE-UP WORK
Students submitting work up to ten school days late without prior approval may
receive up to two grades lower on the work than they would have received if the
work had been submitted on time (i.e., B+ lowered to a D+). Student work
submitted after ten school days without prior approval shall not be accepted for
credit and shall be recorded with a score of zero.
Upon returning to school after an absence, a student has the responsibility
within the number of days equal to the length of the absence or suspension to
meet with the teacher to develop a plan for making up missed work, quizzes, and
examinations. A truant student has the responsibility on the first day he or she
returns to the course/class to meet with the teacher to develop a plan for
making up missed work, quizzes, and examinations. Lower grades may not be given
for late work due to excused absences, suspension, or truancy unless the work is
submitted later than agreed upon deadlines.