Don Callejon School
 Math 8
Mrs. Darknell

I. Course Description:
        The text we will use in class is Algebra Structure and Method Book 1, published by McDougal Littell Houghton Mifflin. This course provides students with basic algebraic concepts as well as assists students in understanding how these concepts relate to one another and our world.

    A.  Essential Knowledge
        i.Simplify numerical expressions and evaluate algebraic expressions using the order of operations.
        ii.Translate phrases into variable expressions and word sentences into equations.
        iii.Graph and compare integers on a number line.
        iv.Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers.
        v.Simplify and evaluate expressions with integers and absolute values.
        vi.Transform and solve equations.
        vii.Use charts to organize and solve problems.
        viii.Write and simplify expressions involving exponents.
        ix.Multiply, divide, add and subtract monomials and polynomials.
        x.Factor integers, monomials and polynomials.

    B.Essential Lifelong Learning Standards
        i.Students will be contributing citizens who:
            a)demonstrate integrity, responsibility and perseverance as productive members of society.
            b)respect cultural, physical, economic, intellectual, age, and gender diversity.
        ii.Students will be effective communicators who:
            a)speak with clarity of meaning and  listen to understand.
            b)read and comprehend a variety of materials.
            c)convey information and ideas in written and visual form.
        iii.Students will be informed, productive thinkers who:
            a)use creative and critical thinking skills.
            b)use diverse strategies in solving problems, making decisions and evaluating results and applying them in real life situations.
        iv.Students will be self-directed learners who:
            a)set priorities, plan and take action to accomplish goals.
            b)manage time and resources efficiently and independently.
            c)take on challenges and accept responsibility for making choices.
        v.Students will be collaborative workers who:
            a)perform a variety of roles within a team.
            b)evaluate effectiveness and apply results to improve performance.
        vi.Students will be information processors who:
            a)choose the most effective tools to organize, evaluate and apply information.
            b)select a variety of resources, including technology, to research and access information.

II. Student Expectations
    A.Attend class regularly and on time.
    B.Be an active participant in class.
    C.Complete in-class and homework assignments.
    D.Do your best.
    F.Follow instructions.

III. Classroom Behavior Rules
        1.Show Respect.
        2.Make Good Decisions.
        3.Be a Problem Solver.

4.Follow all school rules.

IV. Behavior Consequences
        1.If you break a rule, you will be disciplined as follows:
            Step 1:  Request by teacher to cease of alter behavior.
            Step 2:  Detention of 15 minutes.
            Step 3:  Detention of 30 minutes, a phone call home, and a referral.
        2.Any defiant or severe behavior problems will result in immediate removal from class at teacher's discretion.

V. Tardies and unexcused Absences
        1.The first three unexcused tardies will be assigned a 15 minute detention.
        2.Excessive tardies will be disciplined according to the school rules.
        3.Each unexcused absence will be disciplined according to the school rules. Work or tests assigned that day may not be made up.

VI. Assignments
        1.There will be homework and/or classwork in this course daily.  (Yes, that includes Fridays!)  It is not possible to pass this class without completing the assignments and turning them in on time.
        2.Homework will be collected or checked at the beginning of each class.  Incomplete homework will not be given full credit.  Homework will not be accepted after the day it is due.
        3.For all assignments students should:

Use PENCIL
             Use 8.5 " X 11"  lined paper.
             Follow directions carefully!
             Write neatly and show all work.
        4.If you forget what your assignment is you should check the class web site for details:  http://everyschool.org/u/global/darknell.

VII. Tests and Quizzes
       1.All tests will be announced.  Quizzes may or may not be announced.
        2.Students should study.
        3.Students should expect a quiz or test each week.
VIII. Make Ups
        1.Work may only be made up for excused absences.
        2.Homework should be made up as soon as possible (by the next class) after the absence.  It should be placed in the appropriate make up box. Check with the teacher for more time for an extended absence.
        3.It is the student's responsibility to ask for or check the web site for missed work and make it up on time.  This includes tests or quizzes.
        4.Students have ONE WEEK to make up a test or a quiz.  After one week, the student will receive a zero for the missed test or quiz.
        5.Students may make up a test or quiz by making arrangements with Mrs. Darknell to do so after school.

IX. Grading
    Students will be graded as follows:
          10% Participation and attendance.
          40% Homework, 5-minute checks, classwork, etc.
          50% Tests, quizzes, projects, notebooks, etc.

X. Extra Help
    A.I will gladly provide extra help to any student who asks. Please speak to Mrs. Darknell to arrange a time.

XI. Binders and Textbooks
    A.All students should have a 3-ring binder or folder to keep handouts and/homework assignments.
    B.Students should have a spiral or bound notebook for their Algebra notes.
    C.Each student will be issued an appropriate textbook by the Callejon library.  It should be kept covered and free from excess papers. Students will be charged for damaged or written in books. Students need to bring their books to class every day.
 
 

To contact Mrs. Darknell:  Callejon voicemail: 423-3429
    or email: jdarknell@scusd.net

For information on current homework assignments check Mrs. Darknell's web site: http://everyschool.org/u/global/darknell. The web site is also available from the school site: http://doncallejon.org