06/02/10  p.679 (4-9 and 30-31)

05/27/10  p. 703 (13-19)

05/18/10  p. 725 (15-39, mult. of 3)

05/14/10  p. 712-713 (21-60, mult. of 3)

05/07/10  p.673 (12-33, mult. of 3)

05/06/10  p. 667-668 (15-30, mult. of 3)

05/05/10  p.653 (12-39, mult. of 3)

05/04/10  p.646-647 (1-47)

" "

email me at:

 nesslerr@middletwp.k12.nj.us

HonorsAlgebra I

Dr. R.Nessler

Algebra I is the foundation that is necessary for all future mathematics classes students may take at the high school level and beyond. A clear understanding of the concepts and skills intertwined throughout the Algebra I curriculum is essential for success in the future. You may hear from time to time someone say that they did very well in Geometry but struggled with Algebra II or the opposite; they may say they struggled with Geometry but had no difficulties with Algebra II.Geometry and Algebra II are very different ways to think about mathematics but both are built upon the foundation created in Algebra I. It is very rare to hear someone say that they struggled with Algebra I and did well in any future mathematics classes. With this idea in mind, we set out to build the firmest of foundations possible in Algebra I to provide the best opportunities for future mathematics success.

There are two types of assessment used in Algebra I: formative and summative.Formative assessment is a tool teachers use to gauge student understanding and learning on individual topics and concepts. Formative assessments may include classwork, homework, group work, etc. and are used to guide instruction. Summative assessments are where students demonstrate what they know and what they can do and usually take the form of quizzes and tests. With the goal of the Honors Algebra I class to build a solid foundation of algebraic understanding and skills to allow for future success in honors mathematics classes at the high school and beyond, students will be graded primarily through their summative assessments. Classwork, homework, group work, etc. will be recorded but will make up only a very small percentage of the student’s grade. The grade students get each marking period and at the end of the year will reflect what the students know and can do, measured primarily through tests and quizzes.

There will be between 7 and 9 quizzes and 2 to 4 unit tests each marking period. Tests will count twice as much as quizzes in value. During the last week of the marking period, students may elect to retake 1 test or 1 or 2 quizzes if they feel the grades do not accurately reflect what they know and can do with regards to that specific information.In making this choice, students will be reminded that the previous grade will be discarded and whatever the new grade on the assessment attained, will be what is in the gradebook regardless whether it is better, the same, or worse than the original grade.

Although I do not assign large amounts of homework, nor do I assign homework every night, I do expect Honors Algebra I students to bring home their textbook and notebook each and every night and review what we did in class for at least 10-15 minutes. Going through notes and classwork will help keep the concepts fresh and promote long-term retention.

I am often available for extra help during students’ special areas and physical education class periods.Students who wish for extra help may schedule this at least a day in advance.

If you need to reach me for any reason, email is most efficient for me. My school email address is: nesslerr@middletwp.k12.nj.us and I periodically check for messages several times per day.

Remember: See me if you need extra help.