Class Expectations

Geometry/Trigonometry/Algebra 3 (A.K.A GTA3)

According to Professor Lee of Washington University, "Mathematics is the single field of human endeavor in which we are the most certain of the correctness of our knowledge. History points us to Geometry as the first branch of mathematics that humans managed to systematize and place on a rigorous footing." We use geometry, trigonometry, and algebra everyday.

The main goal of this class is to help you acquire a deep understanding of and appreciation for geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. You will learn to think about it in a more confident and focused manner.

A secondary goal of this class is to help you become adept at mathematical communication. Opportunities to improve your communication skills on several levels will arise throughout the class (see below for details): speaking precisely about mathematical ideas in class; writing informally about mathematical ideas on the GTA3 Blog; and writing careful mathematical conclusions on homework assignments.

Class Roles & Grading Setup

Tests 25%
Benchmarks 20% (Small daily quizzes that check understanding of material recently covered)
Homework Checks & Math Dictionary 15%
Class Roles (Scribing, Archiving, Searching) 10%
General Posting and Commenting 10%
Participation (Behavior, Supplies, etc.) 5%
Final 15% (can replace your lowest test score)
=Total 100%

Homework
Homework will be assigned with every lesson, to be completed by the next class. Homework assignments will be graded using a 5-point scale. In order to earn full credit, homework must be turned in on time and every problem must have been at least written down and attempted. In addition, you must: write down the original problem (you need not include every word, however); include all relevant diagrams; show your work; include units when they are given; check/correct your work when answers are given in the book or covered during class; keep your work neat. Please box or circle your solutions (when reasonable).

Attendance
You must come to class if you are at school. If you are not here when I take attendance you will be marked absent. If you arrive late I will change the mark to tardy. If you have a note your tardiness will be excused. (Note: excessive absences can prohibit you from passing the class) For every unexcused absence you will lose a whole point from your final average. For every three unexcused tardies you will lose a whole point to your final average.

If you miss class you are still responsible for the homework. The best way to prepare for a trip is to get your assignment in advance.

BEHAVIOR
Disruptive or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Offensive language is not used in my room.

NO CHEATING! Do not roam your eyes around the room. Please keep your eyes on your own paper to avoid even the appearance of looking at the answers of classmates it may be mistaken as cheating.

CELL PHONES
Cell phones must be turned off and put away at all times during class. A violation of this policy will result in the removal of the phone and it will be given to Paul Hayward.

EXTRA HELP
We all need a little extra help every now and then. While every effort will be made to answers questions during class, there may be times when you need further clarification. I will be regularly available to help students with math during:

Wednesday & Thursday @ Lunch

Please contact me as soon as you become uncomfortable and we will find a time even outside of these times to get you help. I’m more than willing to work with you, but I also expect you to make the effort and show me you are invested in learning. If you are having trouble with any part of my class, let me know and I will help you. I am a big helper, that’s my job.

The Path to Success!!

You can succeed in math and in this course if you:

1. Respect everyone in the class at all times. We all work at different paces and use different methods. Please respect those differences.
2. Always be on time and prepared for class.
3. Have read the lesson and done the homework.
4. Show all your work
5. Check your work carefully so that you know what’s hard for you and mark the items on your homework that you want to discuss in class.
6. Review your class notes every night before going to bed.
7. Always get extra help from the teacher when you feel you are falling behind.
8. Find one or two people to be your study partners and form a study group.
9. Make the class work for you by making sure you get your questions answered, and listening to what other students have to say. Your classmates have great ideas, sometimes better than my ideas, so, be attentive. They may also ask questions you want to ask. Listen to your classmates.
   
10. Participate regularly on the class blog