COURSE+COVER+SHEET

** Pre-AP/MYP ALGEBRA 2 and TRIGONOMETRY **
 * COURSE COVER SHEET **** MR. MORRISON **

** Consider this: The big issues of the day are complex and full of dilemmas. ** ** In dealing with these, the world needs people that are top problem-solvers, ** ** who have a willingness to attack these problems and who will not quit or give up. **

Truly, you are not in this room for job training. This is your education. There is a difference between education and training. Training is the knowledge and skills required to perform a specific job or task. Education is the knowledge and skills that __go beyond__ training. The trained person can do the job for which he or she is trained. The educated person can take what they have discovered to do the job better or even do a completely different job. Being educated opens far more options than does merely being trained. Many important jobs that will be necessary five or ten years from now do not even exist today.

In today’s technological society, mathematics provides a foundation. A strong foundation in mathematics creates opportunities for future successes. Mathematics is a universal language that is understood in all countries, and mathematics skills are highly transferable. Some characteristics of those who have succeeded in higher math:
 * Deeper levels of understanding in all content areas.
 * Skill at finding and building connections.
 * Ability to interpret data and think logically through multiple steps
 * Power to use abstraction when problem solving.


 * PREREQUISITE: ** Grade of “B” or better in Geometry and a strong desire to apply your best thinking skills! If you received a “C” or lower in Geometry, we should probably discuss what your plans are to make this a successful year for you.


 * GRADES: ** Your scores in the following areas will determine your grade in this class: Homework/Daily Participation (15%), Projects (20%), and Exams (65%). Each of these areas should be taken seriously.


 * HOMEWORK **** AND **** DAILY PARTICIPATION ** (15%) are essential. I plan to give every person a chance to speak in class nearly every day. This is a way for me to tell how well you are thinking along with the lesson. A homework assignment will be given nearly every day, usually with time allowed in class to work with the people around you. Homework will be collected and returned to you on a regular basis.


 * QUIZZES **** AND **** EXAMS: ** Quizzes may be pre-announced or they may be a surprise. Quizzes are my way of knowing if you comprehend the material we have recently covered. Any group quiz will usually count toward your homework grade, while any individual quiz will count toward your exam grade. Exams (65%) will always be pre-announced and will be challenging. Because exams are the primary basis of your grade, I encourage you to practice and prepare for them diligently.


 * PROJECTS ** (20%) will occur approximately once per quarter and will give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in creative situations.


 * ATTENDANCE: ** This is a class that meets daily – most weeks we will have over seven hours of class time. We will discuss quite a bit of material each day, therefore, in order for you to have the best chance to succeed, __I strongly discourage you from missing class__. The progression I use for handling absences and tardies is as follows:

__Absences:__ __Tardies:__ 4th occurrence: Parent discussion 2nd occurrence: Detention (30min) 5th occurrence: Conference/student contract 3rd occurrence: Detention (60min) 6th+ occurrence: Referral or drop from course 4th+occurrence: Detention/Referral

When you miss class, you are still responsible for everything we did that day. This applies to both excused and unexcused absences.


 * CLASSROOM POLICIES **
 * Come prepared to class. This means arriving on time, with your book, paper, pencil, homework assignment, and anything else you might need.
 * No eating in class. Beverages are permitted.
 * Cell phones – keep your phone put away and turned off, otherwise it may be taken and turned over to the school office.
 * You are expected to be polite to others in this room, and to keep your behavior classroom-appropriate at all times.
 * You are not allowed to sit idly during the time given for work in class – that is, not working is not an option. If in my opinion you are not working productively, I will take action to remedy this.


 * HARASSMENT ** : Harassment, in any form is a serious matter, and it is illegal (consult your student handbook for a complete definition of harassment). It will not be tolerated in my classroom or at Loveland High School. I will take appropriate action in handling any harassment that I observe. If you are being harassed, or are aware of any harassment, please report it to me privately. I will always make time to listen to you and hear your concerns.


 * MY AVAILABILITY ** : I am usually at school from 7:00 am to 3:45 pm. Find me in room 409 or the math office (room 402). You may e-mail me at morrisong@thompson.k12.co.us or you can call my voice mail at 613-5281.