Novato Unified School District

Curriculum and Instruction

NOVATO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
High School Course Syllabus

____Marin Oaks High School____

School
______Ms. Elizabeth Bell_______
Teacher

__Algebra 1 and Personal Finance___

Course
_________ebell@nusd.org______________
Contact Information

Personal Note / Welcome

Welcome to Algebra 1. In this class you will continue to develop the mathematical skills you
have been developing throughout your academic career. I hope to assess your educational needs
and provide you with opportunities to become great problem solvers and mathematicians.
Course Goals
Students will use and develop the eight mathematical practices.
1.Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Course Objectives
Students will interpret the structure of expressions.
Students will write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems.
Students will perform arithmetic operations on polynomials.
Students will understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials.
Students will use polynomial identities to solve problems.
Students will rewrite rational expressions.
Students will create equations that describe numbers or relationships.
Texts
Core Connections Algebra CPM textbook
Dietiker and Baldinger 2013
Progress Reporting (from 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 students parent/guardian and/or send a written
report. (Board Policy 5121)
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Novato Unified School District

Curriculum and Instruction
Classroom Policies
Students are expected to retrieve their spiral bound notebook and any other materials needed to
finish their class work at the beginning of class. Students are expected to work for the entire class
period. Students are also required to follow all class norms at all times. Students are required to
have their daily notes labeled with a date and heading. All notes the instructor writes on the
board must be recorded in the notebook and all problems must be solved correctly in order for
students to receive full credit.
Grading / Assessments
Students receive 5 points a day for participation, note taking and complete and correct solutions
to problems. (20-25 points a week) Students will also be given tests and quizzes after completing
a unit of study. These quizzes or tests will be worth anywhere from 50- 150 points.
Parent Communication
I can be contacted by email at ebell@nusd.org. Email is the best way to contact me. However,
you can leave messages for me at Marin Oaks (415) 892-8733. I will return your call or email as
soon as I am available. I appreciate communicating with families in order to ensure the success
of my students. If you are interested in scheduling a conference with me, the best times are
during my prep period (8:17 am -8:57 am) and after school.
Behavior / Consequences
Behavior and conduct are based on respect and integrity. Students who are disrespectful, defiant
or do not observe my classroom norms or school rules will be given one warning. If the behavior
continues the student will be removed from class and asked to fill out a behavior reflection (pink
sheet.) The principal will be notified and she will implement any other action she deems
necessary. Repeat offenders may face in-house suspension or restorative circle.
Classroom Tardies / Consequences
I take attendance right when the bell rings. If a student is not in their seat when the bell rings I
mark them tardy. If a student is not in the classroom when I take role I mark them absent.
Supplemental Materials / Media (See Board Policy 6161.11)