The Brinzer Platz

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Algebra Readiness is a course designed primarily for 8th graders at Sutter Middle School. Placement in Algebra Readiness is dependent on 1) the student’s
performance in Pre-Algebra Skills or Pre Algebra as a 7th grader and 2) teacher recommendation.

Students enrolled in Pre-Algebra will utilize the SCUSD approved textbook, with strategically designed classroom lessons. This year we will be piloting the Holt
and McDougal-Littel textbook. This course will reinforce basic concepts for those students who need to strengthen their Pre-Algebra skills.
This course prepares students to transition into Algebra with confidence. Students will study an array of principles including; operations and properties, solving
one-step equations and inequalities, working with ratios, proportions and percents, solving linear functions, graphing, analyzing data, and probability.
Additionally, students will take the General Math California Standards Test in the spring as part of the statewide STAR testing program.

After completion of Algebra Readiness, students will do one of the following:
8th graders who have completed Algebra Readiness with a grade of “C” or better will move onto Algebra P in high school.
8th graders who finished the course with a “D” or “F” will be advised to enter an intervention class or slower paced Algebra class at the high school level to
become more prepared for Algebra P.

CLASS POLICIES AND MATERIALS:

Behavioral Expectations All school rules will be enforced. You must be in your seat when the bell rings or you will be considered tardy. I understand
socializing is a big part of your middle school experience but it should not interfere with your number one priority to learn. I expect that you will respect your
fellow classmates by helping to create a comfortable learning environment for everyone.

Homework This will be given daily. There are three places that you can access your homework assignments and they are: the agenda that is on the board
when you come into class, the webpage and the whiteboard in class. It is important that you attempt all of your homework and show all of your work. You must
put your work on paper so that I know that you understand how to get the answer. There is more in the manner to solving problems then actually having the
correct answer. All work must be done in pencil.

Make-up work I do not accept late work and if you are absent from school, it is your responsibility to make up the work missed. The website is a great place
to find out what we did in class if you are gone so check it out at www.thebrinzerplatz.com.

Quizzes We will have a quiz every Friday on the material from that week. It is worth 15-25 points and may include questions pertaining to homework
assignments, warm up problems, and notes. If you miss this quiz, it is your responsibility to see me to make it up. If your quiz has not been made up after a
week, it will remain a zero in the gradebook. Homework passes will be given for an "A" on 3 consecutive quizzes.

Extra Credit Do not depend on this to pull your grade up. There are several opportunities for you to earn extra points that will be discussed further in class.
Extra credit does not exceed 2% of your overall grade.

Restroom passes I expect you to be ready to learn when you come into class. If you are making trips to the restroom everyday during class time you may
miss something. Use the restroom and take care of any other business during your passing period or before school. I will give you two emergency restroom
passes per quarter that you may use at any time.

Materials I recommend a spiral binder that you can keep your workbook in and papers that have been passed back in class. I will discuss some organization
methods in class since this year your textbook will have your notes and homework all in one.

What you need to bring to class everyday
*math textbook
*3 ring binder to put workbook in and class papers
*several #2 pencils
*1 or 2 dry erase pens for whiteboards

GRADING POLICY:

All grading is based on points accumulated by the student. Points for homework, projects, quizzes and tests will be averaged together for your final grade each
quarter. You will have a fresh start at the beginning of each semester. The breakdown of your grade is as follows:

Tests 35% (100 points per chapter)
Quizzes 30% (15-25 points per week)
Projects 15% (1 per quarter)
Homework 20% (10 points per week)

I will use participation as a way to increase your grade at the end of the quarter if you are on the border of a grade. Participation is a vital component of the
learning process and I do my best to make this a comfortable environment for you to participate in.

100-97% A+
96-93 % A
92-90 % A-
89-87 % B+
86-83 % B
82-80 % B-
79-77 % C+
76-73 % C
72-70 % C-
69-6 7% D+
66-63 % D
62-60 % D-

60% or less is an F! An F is unacceptable in my class. It tells me that you are just not trying. There is a lot of help available from me, from other teachers, from
classmates, friends and parents. If you are having trouble, do not give up. I understand math is harder for some students than others, but try to eliminate any
preconceptions that you might have. I have high expectations for you, and you should too. Remember, how well you do now will determine your success later
on.

TUTORING:
I will hold tutoring after school every Wednesday for those students who need additional help or a place to work on homework. I encourage you all to take
advantage of this extra help especially when you do not understand something in class. It may just take a quick explanation for you to be on your way again.
You do not want to get behind in this class or you will be more likely to get frustrated.

SYLLABUS CONTRACT
ALGEBRA READINESS
BRINZER
2008-2009

For parents/guardians:

I believe that everyone can have a positive experience with math and I will do my best this year to make math as exciting and fun for your child as possible but I
need your help. Your support, encouragement and participation in your child's learning experience will aide in their success. Even if they don't ask for your help,
check on them to make sure they are organized and understanding simple problems. This year I have tried to make keeping track of what's going on even
easier with my webpage. Go to www.thebrinzerplatz.com to find out about assignments, due dates, homework and even current grades. Please feel free to
contact me through email at jennifer-brinzer@sac-city.k12.ca.us. Since I divide my time between math and PE, email is the best way to get a hold of me. I look
forward to the coming year and I hope that this class will be a successful and positive experience for your child as well as for you. Thank you!

Please print parent name(s):_________________________________________________

Parent signature___________________________________________________________
Day phone_________________________________

For student:
I have read the class policies and understand the expectations set forth for me this coming school year in Algebra Readiness.

______________________________
student (print)

______________________________
student signature