Algebra 1A is a required class that will enhance students' mathematical and critical thinking skills to prepare them for future math classes and the Algebra End of Course Assessment. Students will review numbers, operations, and learn to solve equations and inequalities, as well as write and graph linear equations. To progress to Algebra 1B, students must achieve at least 70% mastery on each unit test and the final exam, as well as earn an overall grade of at least 70% in Algebra 1A. The class aims for all students to achieve 80% mastery of math standards and maintain 90% attendance.

1. Algebra 1A
Ms. Amanda Waszczuk
awaszczuk@excelcenter.org
(317)524-3828
Course Description:
Algebra 1A is a required class for the Core 40 diploma. This class will allow you to enhance
your mathematical knowledge and critical thinking skills, which will enable your success in
future math classes with the Excel Center as well as begin to prepare you for the Algebra
End of Course Assessment. We will be reviewing numbers and operations as well as
enhance our knowledge of solving equations and inequalities in one variable. We will
discover how to write and graph linear equations in different formats.
Credits:
 1 Math Credit
 1 General Elective Credit
Classroom Goals:
 Every student will achieve 80% mastery or higher of all Math standards.
 Every student will attain 90% attendance or higher.
In order to move onto algebra 1b…
 Individual students shall achieve 70% mastery or higher on each Unit Test
 Individual students shall achieve 70% mastery or higher on the Final Exam
 Individual students shall achieve 70% or higher grade in Algebra 1A
Test Retake Policy
 If a student scores less than 70% overall on a unit test, they must retake portions of
the test which they scored less than 80% on. In order to progress to Algebra 1b,
students must score 70% or higher overall on each unit test given in class.
 If a student scores less than 80% on given portion(s) of the test, they are allowed to
retake those portions.
 Retake tests will indicate newfound mastery of material, but a maximum score of
80% will be given for each portion retested to promote test equity.
 Students who must or wish to retake portions of the test must complete a review
sheet over the objective covered prior to retesting.
 Retesting must be done outside of class hours either before school from 8:30-9 a.m.,
after school from 4-4:30 p.m., or on Friday between 10 and noon.
 The teacher will not aid in retesting. Students are allowed one retest.

2. Attendance:
 Every day in algebra is important! If 1 day is missed, 3 days of instruction have been
lost. Students must come in from 8:30-9 a.m. or from 4-4:30 p.m. to make up any
missed assessments or on Friday during tutoring hours. Homework can be made up
outside of class. The instructor will not aid students on quizzes or tests before or
after school or during tutoring hours. It is the student’s responsibility to find time to
work with the instructor prior to making up any missed assessments.
 If an absence is unavoidable, please call Ms. Brittany at (317) 524-3641 and email
teacher and designated coach.
 Schedule personal appointments for Fridays!
Materials:
 Pencil/Eraser
 Algebra Binder (Take care of it because they will be returned)
 Algebra Notebook
Course Outline:
1.) Diagnostic Pre-Test
2.) Number Sense & Operations
3.) Linear Equations & Inequalities
4.) Functions
5.) Writing Equations
6.) Review
Class Norms:
1.) Be respectful of all staff, peers, school, and yourself
2.) Be professional with language and clothing
3.) Be on time and prepared for class
Electronic Device Policy:
 Silenced cell phones are for emergency use only and must be clarified with teacher
at beginning of class. If there is an emergency, take the phone call in the hallway and
return to class promptly.
 Cell phones may NOT be used during class to text, browse, or calculate! If it becomes
an issue, I will have to take it until the end of class.
 Music devices are allowed during independent work time, but should be turned off
during all over times. Headphones must be worn and the volume, quiet.
Academic Honesty:
 Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.
 The first occurrence will result in a 0% for the assignment, quiz, or exam.
 Any additional cheating could result in removal from a class.

3. Grading Scale:
Grade Breakdown:
Assignment Descriptions:
Exit Slips
 10 point mini quiz to assess individual learning, given at the end of each class period
 Students MUST work individually because this is to track individual progress &
cheating will NOT be permitted
Quizzes
 Every 1-2 weeks, students will be given a short quiz over material covered
 Students MUST work individually because this is to track individual progress &
cheating will NOT be permitted
Homework
 Assignment over new material given during class
 Students should have adequate time to complete assignment during class
 Instructor will check completion of homework with adequate showing of work
during the next day’s do now.
 If absent, make sure to show completion of absent work to instructor.
Unit Tests
 Multiple-section tests in order to access cumulative learning over the course of a
given unit
 Student MUST work individually & cheating will NOT be permitted
A+ 97.1-100% C+ 77-79%
A 93-97% C 73-76%
A- 90-92% C- 70-72%
B+ 87-89% D+ 67-69%
B 83-86% D 63-66%
B- 80-82% D- 60-62%
F 59% or lower
Mastery
Exit Tickets
Quizzes
Unit Tests
Final Exam
80%
Participation
Active Participation
Character
Homework
20%

4. Final Exam
 Cumulative test assessing skills covered in algebra 1a and algebra 1b
 This exam will indicate student readiness to take the algebra E.C.A.
 Students MUST work individually & cheating will NOT be permitted
Active Participation
 Daily participation grade
 In order to earn full participation points a student must be engaged in all classroom
activities for the day including; taking notes, working diligently on assignments, and
attempting problems when called upon
 Cell phones, inappropriate behavior, or disrespectfulness towards anyone can
jeopardize one’s participation grade
Character Traits
 5 point weekly character grade based upon the character trait of the week and all
previously covered character traits