Welcome toPre-AP Algebra

Quail Valley Academy

Don Simmons

Who is this guy…

…and why do I want him teaching my child?

My Classroom Reflects My Philosophy

College tee-shirts cover the walls A constant reminder to students to keep their eye

on the prize

Banners hang in prominence Quick reminders of what my classroom is about

“Good is the Enemy of Great” Good enough is not good enough. Don’t be satisfied, you can always do better

“Learn, Not Earn” The knowledge is the objective… …not the grade

“Life Is A Word Problem” Solving skill problems is not enough Algebra must be put into context We will work with situational problems

throughout the year

“Don’t Blame The Train”

“ When the gates are down,

And the lights are flashing,

And the whistle’s blowing in vain;

If you sit on the tracks,

Ignoring the facts,

Well, don’t blame the wreck on the train.”-- Don McLean

Algebra Has Been Called… No less than a civil right. The gateway to success in this century.

Algebra It is the transition from concrete arithmetic

to symbolic mathematics. It develops the abstract reasoning skills

necessary in both math and science.

Algebra “Need-To-Knows” The foundation for all upper level math A high school course On your student’s permanent transcript Course content is 90% new material

Goals of the Course Algebraic thinking & symbolic reasoning Function concepts Relationships between equations &

functions Tools for algebraic thinking Underlying mathematical processes

How Will My Student Do? All of your students are capable of success The major hurdles will be…

Student effort and work ethic Abstract thought development Fast pace

Cognitive Dissonance The uncomfortable tension your child

experiences during intense learning It is a driving force that compels the mind to

acquire new ideas

Lesson Cycle Read and take notes from text Classroom lesson and notes Post-lesson practice Solutions check and discussion

Situationals (word problems) Applying the algebra Problem-solving skills Critical, higher-level, thinking

Assignments Yes Mom, we have homework

Tonight, tomorrow night, this weekend

Several different levels of difficulty We review difficult problems in class I do not collect homework

Assessment Scheduled assessment every Friday Quiz, Quiz, Test Quick Quizzes anytime Notebook checks anytime

Study Needs 2 – Quad-ruled Spirals 3-ring notebook with dividers & paper TI-84 graphing calculator Mechanical Pencils (many) Red checking pen 6-inch straight edge (ruler)

Success Takes Everyone You need to be involved This is not where you begin hands-off

parenting

Student Expectations Daily preparation for class discussion Complete, up-to-date notes from text and

classroom Stay current with practice assignments Learn for the long term

Parent Expectations Daily involvement and discussion with your

student Periodic checks of your student’s work

Teacher Expectations Ready to teach when the bell rings A positive attitude and an open mind A rigorous curriculum Demand of excellence Approachable & available at all times

Web Site www.the-q-factor.net Assignments Student discussions Lesson demonstrations & slideshows Printable materials

Summer Tutorials Website-based tutorials Fundamentals to prepare students for the

coming year Self-grading quizzes to check

understanding Selected math-oriented website links

Student Eyesight

There is a good chance your student does not see as well as you might think.

I strongly urge having an eye exam before school begins.

Your Questions Open Q & A If you have additional questions, e-mail me:

qvamath@gmail.com

Thank You!Don Simmons