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1) |
Q |
What is Algebra A/B/C/D? |
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A |
Each letter is the part of a 4 part class that all students in California must pass in order to graduate. The class is broken up so that 3 chapters are taught per semester. |
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2) |
Q |
What do I need to bring to class everyday? |
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A |
You need to bring a notebook with lined paper and a section for notes. You also need a pencil to write with. I do not allow work to be done in pen for the simple reason that it is much more difficult to erase a mistake in pen than it is to erase a mistake in pencil. Lastly, I will be checking homework almost everyday, so please have that completed and ready to be signed off when you enter class. |
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3) |
Q |
Is there homework everyday? |
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A |
I assign homework most days of the week. There are rare times when I will not assign homework, but not often. I do give students an opportunity to start homework in class. Some students get to complete most of the homework at this time. However, whatever work is not completed by the time class is out students are responsible for completing at home.
Parents interested in checking up on the progress of their child's homework may do so by viewing the blue colored homework sheet that every student has in their binders. I sign off on homework daily so any missing assignments can be viewed immediately. Most students get near perfect scores on their homework, so if your child is missing two or more assignments you should encourage them to do their homework more often.
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4) |
Q |
I was absent yesterday. What did I miss? |
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A |
Anytime you are not in class you can get the notes and work you've missed from class from another student/friend in class. You can also check to see what homework you missed by logging into Homelink and checking under class assignments. |
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5) |
Q |
What's my grade in this class? |
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A |
I will update and post grades at the end of each testing cycle (approximately every two weeks). However, any student can log onto Homelink and print out a grade report at any time. This report breaks down your total grade for my class and tells you exactly how many points you've earned for every assignment. All test, quizzes, homework, classwork, participation, etc... will be listed on this report.
Parents: It's a good idea to ask your child to see a grade report from time to time. You can do so by logging onto Homelink and viewing this information under the student grades section.
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6) |
Q |
Can I retake a test that I did poorly on? |
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A |
Yes! You can retest any test so long as you meet my retest requirements. Those include completing any missing homework you have not completed for that unit, doing the pretest for that section, and making an appointment to come take the retest during break or lunch in class. I do not offer retests during class time. You must make an appointment and come in on your own. |
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7) |
Q |
I'm having trouble in class. Where can I get extra help? |
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A |
There are several options to get extra help if you need it. First, there is an after school math lab in the library. Talk to any math teacher to verify what days this is offered. I am also available during Wednesday at lunch for tutoring. Additional math teachers are available during lunch Monday through Thursday every week to help tutor students as well. Students can also make appointments to meet with me before school or after school so long as I'm available to meet. Additionally, you can get a tutor to help you. Sometimes students learn better in one-on-one environments. Getting a tutor that has already taken the class you are currently enrolled in may be a solution. Your last option is to set up an appointment to come in and see me outside of normal class times. I am in my room most lunch periods and would be more than happy to help any student with their work. |
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8) |
Q |
My grade isn't what I want it to be for your class. How can I raise my grade with only a few short weeks remaining in the year? |
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A |
After we finish the our last standard chapter test we will be completing a 2-3 week review of all chapters that have been covered since the semester began. For Algebra B students that means chapters 4, 5, and 6. For Algebra D students that means chapters 10, 11, and 12. At the end of this review we will have another series of tests that students will take that can help increase your overall grades. After these tests, we will have one take home final and one in-class final. In all, there is approximately 500 points that can be earned over the last 5 weeks of class. Good luck to everyone!!! |
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9) |
Q |
I need help with my test. Do you have any suggestions? |
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A |
Your pretest is always a good place to start. You can reveiw that and know that the upcoming test will look very similar to it. Also, remember everyone is allowed one page of self-written notes for each test. You can put as much on that paper as possible so feel free to be creative. You can also come to a reveiw session during lunch just prior to test day in my class. Another idea is to get assistance at our after school math lab. |
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10) |
Q |
After I finish Algebra D what math class should I consider taking next? |
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A |
I would recommend taking Geometry Concepts for any students coming from the two year algebra series of classes. Geometry Concepts gives students a great introduction to Geometry and spends more time covering the most important concepts of Geometry. You will find understanding Geometry easier if you first take Geo Concepts. But if you wish to just jump right into Geometry be ready to move fast. Most Geometry classes are taught with the idea of covering 3 sections per week minimum. The pace of Geometry classes will be much faster than most two year algebra students are used to, so be ready to work hard! But I have no doubt that any student really willing to put forth the time will do just fine in either class. |
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11) |
Q |
What does a grade of "D" mean in math? |
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A |
A "D" is a grade a student earns if they have not yet understood the material to the point of mastery. A student with a "D" will repeat the course and receive a 1.0 for their GPA. A “D” will require the student to repeat the course. |
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12) |
Q |
Are you available to help / tutor outside of class? |
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A |
Yes, special arrangements can be made to get additional assistance. I would first suggest that all students try the after school math lab and lunch tutoring sessions made available every week. |
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