GPS Advanced Algebra Course Syllabus 

Ms. Marguerite Pettay		Pettaym@fultonschools.org     		Room G111

Text: Georgia High School Mathematics 3;  McDougal Littell  Cost:$74.00
Online Textbook Access: http://www.classzone.com/cz/validate.htm
			       The activation code for the Math 3 Textbook is 3585759-10
			       You will have to create a user name and password, but the access is free. 

Materials:
•	3-Ring Binder - split into 4 sections: Class work, Homework, Tasks, Graded Papers
•	Calculator - We suggest that you purchase a graphing calculator for this course.  You may use a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, TI-84 Plus, or TI-Nspire(non-CAS).  You may not use the TI-89, TI-92, or 
TI-Voyage.  We will have 4 function calculators available for you to use in class when needed.
•	Pencils, Paper, Rulers, and Graph Paper - graded work must be done in pencil.  Work in pen will not be graded. 

Topics Covered:  In this course, students will: analyze polynomial functions of higher degree; explore logarithmic functions as inverses of exponential functions; solve a variety of equations and inequalities numerically, algebraically, and graphically; use matrices and linear programming to represent and solve problems; use matrices to represent and solve problems involving vertex-edge graphs; investigate the relationships between lines and circles; recognize, analyze, and graph the equations of conic sections; investigate planes and spheres; solve problems by interpreting a normal distribution as a probability distribution; and design and conduct experimental and observational studies. 

Homework: Homework will be assigned every day and checked the next day, either for completeness or accuracy.  ANSWERS BY MAGIC (no work shown or steps skipped) WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT.   You also WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT if your work does not represent the material on the assignment.

Quizzes, Tests: There will be at least one quiz and one test in each unit.  Preparation for these assessments includes doing your homework assignments and practicing problems from the unit and previous units.

Final Exam: This is a comprehensive test for this semester only.  It will contain problems similar to those found on your quizzes and tests.  A good recommendation would be to keep all graded papers in your notebook so you have a good review for the exam.  

Make-up work: MAKE-UP WORK IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!!!! 
Any missed handouts can be found in the “I was absent!” bin in the front of the room. Any additional missed assignments or notes can be obtained from a classmate. For an excused absence, you will have the same amount of time as you missed to complete makeup work. If a test or quiz is missed, you will need to arrange a time to take the test or quiz. An unexcused absence will result in a 10% reduction for any work graded that day. 

Tag, Field Trips, TDE, etc.:  The student is responsible for work missed.  Since these are prearranged, you must have your assignment on the normal due date.
Tardies: Students late to class are required to sign in.  The following disciplinary consequences will result:
•	1 to 2 tardies – teacher warning
•	3rd tardy – teacher detention
•	More than 3 tardies – office referral

Recovery:  According to Fulton County’s policy, opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade (below 74) will be allowed when all work to date has been completed and the student has shown a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements (completion of ALL homework, good attendance, seeking extra help from the teacher, etc.). You should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities and a time for recovery work will be established.  All recovery work will be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.

Honor Code: Please read the Honor Code of RHS in your agenda book.  Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class.
 
Extra Help:  I encourage you to come in for extra help! I am available for extra help Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:45 – 8:15 am and Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:45 – 4:15 pm.  Please consult with me for other possible options if needed.  Availability dates and times are subject to change in the event of meetings, morning duty, etc. Keeping up with the material is very important.  When you need help, don’t wait until it is too late to ask for help! 

NOTE:  If you need help in this class, please come for extra help!  Keeping up with the material is very important.  Don’t wait until it is too late to ask for help!

Average:  Your grade will be averaged by the following:
Homework, Daily Classwork = 15%
Quizzes/Tasks = 20%
Chapter Tests/ Projects = 50%
Semester Exam = 15%

Student Expectations:  The student is expected to adhere to the following rules:
•	Good manners are to be used at all times.
•	Respect the teacher and other students.
•	Be seated and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
•	No cell phone or i-pod use in the classroom.
•	No food or drink in class EXCEPT bottled water.

Discipline Policy:  The policy for disruptive or inappropriate behavior in class is:
1st Offense – Warning
2nd Offense – Detention
3rd Offense – Office Referral

Roswell Web Page: http://www.roswellhigh.org

Teacher Web Page: http://pettaym.tripod.com