Course Policy: Algebra II
1. I will generally give about five tests per quarter, each lasting 30 minutes. Your grade will be based almost entirely on these tests. In at least half of the tests (probably more), you will not be allowed to use a calculator.
2. At one time I had a policy that scores less than 55 would count as 55. But now scores less than 55 count as they are. For example, a score of 43 will count as 43 towards your average.
3. In tests where calculators are allowed, you will not be allowed any helpful programs or other such devices. Everything that could be considered to be in this category should be deleted from your calculator before you enter the room for the test.
4. Make sure that you show all your work in the tests so that if your answer is wrong you can gain partial credit. Enough work must be shown for me to know that a valid method has been used. In particular, a correct answer with no work could get zero.
5. If you give multiple solutions to a problem, I am supposed to grade the least good solution. So put a line through the version(s) of the solution that you do not want to be graded.
6. In each test, I shall award some notation points for the way you write your mathematics. During the first few days of the course, I shall explain what I expect in this regard.
7. Numerical, non-exact, answers should be given correct to 3 decimal places. Be careful not to use rounded versions of previous answers – an answer that is not correct to three decimal places will lose you points.
8. As with every math class in grades 9-11, we will have a mental arithmetic test four times each quarter, and your combined score for these tests will account for 5% of your grade.
9. We have a new math department policy that every student must pass a written arithmetic test each year. It will be a ten question test (no calculator) lasting 10 minutes. Anyone getting less than 8/10 will have to do a retake.
10. In the unlikely event that I give a graded assignment, it is essential that you do not exchange any information specific to that question with any person or source other than a Brunswick math teacher.
11. Doing your homework properly is a key to success in this course. This means clearly written-out solutions, and thought and time devoted to your work. Homework will not be graded, but will always be checked.
12. If it seems that there is some slackness arising in the class’s approach to homework, we will move to a system for all students in the class whereby a point is taken off your quarter average for every lapsed homework beyond the first two lapses in that quarter.
13. Going through homework in class is of limited use and wastes time for the majority who don’t need it. So if you have difficulty with any question, come to me well before class for help.
Enjoy the course!
Mr. Allwood