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PowerPoint from Spring Algebra Meeting at Quail Valley Academy.
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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.
Thank You!Don Simmons
