Intensive Algebra 1A Syllabus

2506.2 / 2508.2 Intensive Algebra 1A

2024 - 2025 SPRING Semester

Instructor: E. Opena

Online 

Please review the CWCS Master Class Syllabus that will be used in the Parent/Student Orientation course. 

Instructor          Elizabeth Opena

Email                 eopena@cwcharter.org

Office Hours:   Thursdays  9:30 am - 10:30 AM (By Appointment Only)

 

Class Information

Class Time

Online Sessions:   2506.2: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 9:00 am  - 10:00 am 2508.2: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 10:00 am - 11:00 am

 

• Semester 1 - First Class Meeting 08/19/24

Last Day to Add or Drop is 09/01/24 (Students will be charged the full price of the course if dropping the class after this deadline.)

• Semester 2 - First Online Class Meeting 01/07/25     

Last Day to Add or Drop is 01/21/25 (Students will be charged the full price of the course if dropping the class after this deadline.)

Course Overview

This Algebra course was developed as part of the CWCS High School Intensive (HSI) Program.  The course meets three times a week online, with an additional two hours of one-on-one online tutoring each week built into the course.  This year-long course (Algebra 1A) covers the first half of Algebra 1.  Students will earn 5 credits each semester.  Students must also complete Algebra 1B to fulfill the Algebra Graduation Requirement. 

As an Intensive course, there are several specific scaffolds and supports in place to help students successfully master the Algebra 1 standards:

• • Students will receive two hours per week of one-on-one tutoring in addition to three hours of instruction

  • Content is spread out over two years

  • Students will use individualized interventions to close learning gaps

These supports built into the course are part of the student’s grade, and ARE NOT optional.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Math 8 or Pre-Algebra.

 

Curriculum

This course will be based on Units 1A - 2A (Modules 1 - 9) of the following text: 

Algebra 1 Analyze, Connect, Explore, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 9780544206991

Materials

• • Scientific Calculator (no specific calculator is needed; a cell phone or computer calculator will be sufficient)

  • Graphing Calculator (www.desmos.com - no handheld graphing calculator will be needed)

  • Working external headset with mic (computer speakers do not work successfully with the Canvas setup). Plug-in headsets (rather than Bluetooth) work best with Jigsaw. After the third week of class and no headset, students may begin to lose participation points for the class. Class is much more engaging if all students can talk in class using their mic. Suggested:  Office Depot Logitech Clear-Chat

  • Graph Paper

  • Notebook Paper

  • Writing Utensils and erasers

  • Ruler

  • Optional: Spiral Notebook or Composition Book

Requirements

• • Class textbook/workbook

  • School Google Account - you will use this to log in to various learning platforms such as Jigsaw, Desmos and Khan Academy, and to complete Google Apps for Education-based assignments

  • Reliable Internet access

  • Canvas Login link: https://cwcs.instructure.com/login/canvas

  • HRW Login (Please see Pacing Guide for instructions)

  • Desmos account 

Math Department Webpage

Grading

The EE will determine the overall course grade and enter it in SIS by the report card deadline. The overall grade will be determined according to these categories and weights:

          Class Attendance and Participation.          15%

          Tutoring Attendance and Participation.    10%

          Module Quizzes.                                             30%

          Final Exam.                                                      10%

          RtI Intervention Usage.                                 10%

          Homework/Classwork                                  25%

 

          Grading Scale:

          90-100%        A

          80-89%          B

          70-89%          C

          60-69%          D

          0-59%            F

 

Class Attendance and Participation (10%):

The class will meet three times per week online via JigSaw or another online meeting platform.  The link can be found on the class Canvas website.

Attendance is required.   The Truancy Policy applies to Canvas courses. An unexcused absence may be counted as a truancy.  Full attendance credit will not be given for unexcused absences.

• • Excused Absence is defined as:
    The parent shall notify the teacher by phone of the absence at least 24 hours* prior to the time the class meets.

  • Unexcused Absence is defined as:
    An absence that does not accompany a parent phone call to the instructor at least 24 hours* prior to the time the class meets.

*If there are extenuating circumstances that do not allow for at least 24 hours, then the teacher must still be notified prior to the start of class; allowances may be made depending on the circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances: car accident, sudden illness, etc. Students should arrange a "back up plan" in case of unexpected computer problems the day of the class (i.e. make pre-arrangements to go to a neighbor, friend, relative, library, etc.)   

Not only will the students receive instruction during these sessions, but they will participate in answering questions and working out problems.  Students may be asked to enter a response to an “Attendance Quiz” (called the Learning Log) or other attendance activities to earn attendance credit for that day’s class.  This gives the instructor an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses of the students and identify concepts that need more instruction.  Points will be earned for each class session, depending on promptness and participation in the class session.  

 

Making Up a Missed Class

Attendance credit for excused absences will be granted by the instructor based on the quality of the make-up work. To make up for a missed class session, the student must view the recording of the session (which will be posted as a link on the Canvas website shortly after the session ends) and complete a make-up attendance assignment as posted on Canvas.  

The student must then email the instructor with responses to the following:

• • • Write a summary of what was discussed during this session.

    • Write a paragraph explaining the concept(s) that was discussed in the session.

    • What section are you currently working on in the textbook?

    • List any questions you have regarding the day’s lessons

    • Submit your response to the above 4 points via the class CANVAS inbox within 1 week of the missed class session. 

Attendance credit will not be given for unexcused absences.

 

Tutoring Attendance and Participation (10%):

Tutoring sessions will be held two times per week online via FEV’s online meeting platform.  The link can be found on the class Canvas website. Attendance is required.  Not only will the students receive targeted instruction during these sessions, but they will participate in answering questions and working out problems. Points will be earned for each class session, based on the tutor’s regular progress report of the student’s promptness and participation in the tutoring session.  

This course requires you to go to tutoring for two (2) hours each week. You may use the time to work on your assignments. Make it a priority to keep your tutoring appointments.

Making up a Missed Tutoring Session:

Missed tutoring sessions must be rescheduled and made up within 48 hours. 

Your tutor reserves the time and days for YOU. If for some important reason(s) you are unable to make it to your appointment, please let your tutor know at least 24 hours in advance, if possible and make arrangement to complete your tutoring hours for each week. 

Module Tests (30%)

Tests will be given at the end of each Module.  The instructions will be posted in Canvas will be assigned online in HRW.  Specific instructions for the quizzes and tests will be given in class, including procedures for submission and due dates.  Due dates will be posted for each test on the Canvas assignment page.  Late submissions will not be accepted without a request for extension BEFORE the due date. For test scores less than 70%, students may retake tests to earn a grade up to 70%.

 

Final Exam (10%)

Students will take a final exam each semester that will be proctored by their instructor during an online class session.

 

RTI Intervention Usage (20%)

• • Option 1: Student will work in the iReady adaptive support program for a minimum of 45 minutes per week and a total of 360 minutes in the corresponding subject until the student is at or above level. The grade will be based on the percentage of the required time that the student completed.

• • Option 2: Student will enroll in corresponding Developmental Class targeting specific skills and standards based on student’s iReady diagnostic assessment. The Developmental Class instructor will complete a progress report for the student quarterly.

 

Homework/Classwork (20%)

• • The ES does not need to submit a Quarterly Progress Report.  

• • This grade reflects the daily homework and learning activities that the student is completing according to the assignments posted on Canvas.

• • Homework activities include assignments on my.hrw.com, desmos activities, and other instructional activities posted on Canvas or given in live class sessions.

Running homework grade will be updated from my.hrw.com onto Canvas at the end of each Module.

Daily Homework

The tentative Pacing Guide outlines the lessons and topics that will be covered each week.  Weekly assignments will be posted each week in Canvas.  The assignments are given a week at a time.  Students should manage their own time to complete the assigned exercises by the end of the week and be prepared for online or in person class sessions. As students read through the lessons & view the online modules, they should take notes in a composition book or spiral notebook and complete the assigned exercises.  

The weekly textbook homework assigned in the pacing guide should be completed in a separate notebook, in an organized manner, with all necessary work shown on the paper.  This work, along with weekly notes, is shown to the ES during learning record meetings.  The student, parent, ES or tutor should check the assignments so that mistakes can be corrected.  The ES will send a homework/notes grade (Progress Report) to the instructor on a quarterly basis. The ES should give this grade based on both completion and mastery of the material.  Additionally, students are responsible to submit a text response (in Canvas) when HRW homework has been completed; as well as scan/picture of each paper assignment as assigned on Canvas in order to receive homework credit. 

Many of the assignments will involve online learning modules or assessments.  The grades earned on assigned learning modules will become part of the student's homework and classwork grade. 

All homework will be submitted through Canvas. You can submit a Word document, PDF or Google Doc (download as a PDF and upload to Canvas).  Emailed assignments will not be accepted.  All communication will be made through Canvas’ email feature.

 

Late Work

10% deduction per week will apply for any late submissions.

Math Department classes will not accept late work after the close date of the assignment.

 

Additional Resources

 

HS INTENSIVE ALGEBRA 1A PACING GUIDE

(Daily assignments subject to change - check Canvas regularly)

2506.2 / 2508.2 Intensive Algebra 1A

Instructor: E. Opena

SPRING 2024-2025 PACING GUIDE