Mrs. Crystal Bolton » All things Algebra I

All things Algebra I

COURSE TITLE:    Algebra I- 8th Grade 

PROJECT MANAGER: Crystal Bolton (Mrs.B)

PHONE:  505-891-0757             

EMAIL: [email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Algebra I- 8th Grade 

The course description can be found on the ASK website using the link below.

(Link to course descriptions)  

CLASS EXPECTATIONS: 

HOMEWORK POLICY: I want to let you know that because this course is challenging and full of exciting stuff, we'll have some homework along the way. To make sure you do great in this class, practicing good time management is key. If you don't finish something during class, don't worry; you might have to complete it as homework. It's all part of making sure you master the material! Remember, when you get homework, make sure to turn it in on time. Meeting those due dates is super important. If you miss a deadline, there's a late work policy that comes into play. Let's do our best to stay on top of things and excel in this class together! You've got this! 

LATE WORK POLICY:  As we're getting closer to step into the real world, it's crucial to stay on track with your workload and get all your assignments done on time. If you ever find yourself unable to meet a deadline, no worries, but make sure to take ownership and email Mrs. B in advance. Don't wait until it's already past the due date; let's stay proactive! Keep in mind that completing and turning in your assignments on time is essential for your grades. We're all rooting for you to excel academically, so let's give it our best shot. Remember, late work won't be accepted after Friday of the week it was due, so do your best to submit everything on time. And if you need any extra support or assistance, you've got Friday support available whenever you need it. Let's work together to make this year a successful one. You've got this!



CELL PHONE POLICY: To keep everyone focused and engaged, cell phones are not allowed unless you get specific permission from me.  At the beginning of each class, you'll find a cell phone pocket pouch where you can safely store your phone. When the class ends, you can grab your phone as you leave the room.  If, for some reason, you forget to put your phone in the pocket or use it without my permission, it'll be taken and sent to the office. Your parent or guardian will have to pick it up from there. Remember, this policy is in place to create a great learning environment for all of us. So, let's keep our phones tucked away during class time and make the most out of our learning journey together! Thank you!

ABSENCES & Make Up Work:  When you miss any assignments because of an absence, It's essential that you make-up those missed assignments. Just reach out to your project manager(s) to get the assignments you missed. You can even check Google Classroom. They'll help you catch up and set a time frame for completing them. Taking responsibility for catching up will ensure you stay on track and keep up with the class. If you have any questions or need any support, don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help you succeed, so let's work together to make this a fantastic learning experience! Also, don’t forget to make sure a parent or guardian reports your absence. You've got this!

PROJECT EXPECTATIONS: Get ready for an exciting year with lots of cool projects ahead! As part of these projects, it's important that we all stay on track and complete each component on time. Group work is going to be a big part of these projects, and it's a fantastic opportunity to learn together and support one another. So, I expect everyone to be responsible team members and contribute their ideas and efforts to make the projects awesome! Let's embrace this collaborative spirit and make our learning journey even more fun and rewarding. Together, we'll achieve great things! Can't wait to see all the amazing work you'll do!!

Knowledge Checks: In Mrs. B’s Math Classes scholars have the opportunity to retake quizzes, possibly multiple times, before the grading period ends. However, it's essential to understand that retakes are not meant to be a crutch. Instead, they are designed to encourage you to take your learning seriously and to create a classroom environment where making mistakes is okay, and we can all grow from them. When you want to retake a quiz, we have a process in place to help you succeed. The first opportunity for a retake will be on the day we have a quiz on the next topic in our curriculum. It's best to wait for this day, which is usually about 7-10 class days later, so you have time to analyze your errors, practice, and work on further learning. Before retaking a quiz, we highly recommend completing an analysis report with reflection questions and practice problems related to the previous quiz. If you'd like to retake a quiz a second time or more, you must fill out another quiz analysis form based on your first retake to qualify. You'll also need to come in for Friday Support to continue your learning journey. Once you've met these conditions, you can retake the quiz a second time, and it must be on a Friday. Additional retakes will follow the same process. Remember, we only record the highest grade you achieve by the end of the grading period. This approach is designed to encourage you to keep striving for mastery without any penalty. We believe in your potential and want you to keep working until you demonstrate your understanding, no matter how long it takes. You've got this!


** Extra Credit: Just a quick heads-up about extra credit. While I do offer it from time to time, it's given only on special occasions, and we don't use it as a replacement for missing assignments. Remember, the best way to excel in the class is to stay on top of your regular assignments and participate actively. Extra credit can be a nice boost, but it's not a substitute for completing your regular work! If you have any questions about assignments or anything else, feel free to ask. You've got this!



STANDARDS:  This course is aligned with the New Mexico Public Education Standards

Course Learning Goals/Projects

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION: 

Quarter Grades:

  Major Assignments - 70%, Minor Assignments- 30%


Major Assignments can include but are not limited to:  Projects, Tests, and Quizzes etc..


Minor Assignments can include but are not limited to: Homework, Warm Ups, Exit Slips, participation, etc.


Semester Grades - Scholar’s semester grades will be calculated as follows:

Quarter 1 – 40%      Quarter 2 – 40%      Semester Final – 20%

Quarter 3 - 40% Quarter 4- 40% Semester Final - 20%

 GRADING SCALE:   The grading scale will follow the ASK Academy standards:

A+ = 96-100 %       A = 90-95 %   B = 80-89 % C = 70-79 %

N/C (No credit) = Below 70 %

Please keep in mind that this is a High School level class and is for High School Credit. Please remember that there is always room to grow and that if the work goes in, out comes great products and grades.  


Topics Covered in 8th Grade Algebra I (please note this is subject to change based on the needs of the scholars.) Guided by P2C, scholars will delve into Algebra 1 concepts applicable to numerous careers in New Mexico. These concepts include:

First Semester

Unit 1- Algebra Foundations

Unit 2- Statistics

Unit 3- Solving Equations

Unit 4- Solving Inequalities

Unit -5 Functions & Linear Functions

Unit 6- Systems of Equations & Inequalities

Unit 7- Exponents & Exponential Functions

Winter Break


Second Semester

Unit 8- Sequences

Unit 9- Polynomials & Factoring

Unit 10- Quadratic Functions & Equations

Unit 11- Graphing & Modeling w/ Functions

Unit 12- Radical Expressions & Inverse Functions