Welcome Back / Open House

By Wayne Alexander Mertens

Contents

What’s happening About Me Class room rules Homework expectations / Policies Grading To Parents Course Curriculum

What’s Happening

First of all, welcome. This presentation is to inform all about my course outlook. My name is Alex and I will be your host in discussing each topic set forth. I hope that the information I provide is enough to answer questions that you have in mind.In order to make sure everybody is on the right page, this presentation is just an outline that highlights the main points. In some main points will have subtopics or details so that it narrows down on I am talking about. I will also extend information of each topic by talking them through. If there happens to be any confusion onanything, feel free to stop what I am doing and let me know what needs to be clarified. I encourage this. Every question is important. This is my job and I enjoy it and want to make sure that everyone of you goes home feeling like everything has been covered and to ensure that your kids will have the proper training in getting a quality education under my guidance. On that note, let’s move on andhave some fun during the process.

About Me

Let me introduce myself. My name is Alex. I will be your kids high school math teacher. Let me just say that falling into education was a sign from a higher entity. I originally entered college as a Computer Science major. While taking all the requirements for that degree, I decided to use my free elective credits in math. During the process, I Had a change of heart and had an interest in math. Math was not a subject I was naturally great at. I struggled keeping up with the concepts just

like typical kids do. The usual complaints is because teachers can’t relate to their struggles and teachers tell them what to do in their view instead of working with the students learning ability strengths. Let me assure you that I worked hard in improving my strengths in math and can see why students just don’t get it sometimes. I have an open mind and feel that I do a good job of putting my self in other people’s shoes. That is why I feel education is my calling. I think with my experience, I can relate to students, pinpoint the problem and solve it efficiently.

Classroom Rules

No discrimination is tolerated race, disabilities, sexual orientation,

socioeconomic background, culture,..etc are potential discrimination if comments or actions are harmful to self or others.

No cheating allowed That means no plagiarism, copying test

answers, or stealing other students ideas or projects

Disciplinary Actions Disciplinary actions shall be assessed

appropriately and accordingly Disciplinary actions are to minimize

similar actions in occurring again In minimizing these actions, it will provide

a more comfortable learning environment

Homework ExpectationsWhen it comes to math, one thing is for sure practice makes perfect. I will be giving students homework assignments on a daily basis. The material will cover what has been discussed in class. I would not give an assignment that they are not familiar with unless it is for extra credit. I will try my best to make assignments challenging, but at the same time, not overly difficult where the

whole class can’t get it done. The benefit of homework is that students get to work at their own pace, but they have to be aware not to take too long on a particular problem. It’s better to skip some and finish the rest and then go back to do the more difficult ones than to spend all night on one problem and have no time left to get the rest done. It’s better to get some credit than none. Also, if students need help on the ones they could not get done, I will assist them and they will earn their points back this way. This at least show that they are putting effort and willing to learn.

Grading

What I grade on Class participation,

homework, extra credit, attendance

Grading Scale (%) A = 90 or better, B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 55-69 F = 54 or less

Late Work Late work is usually

unacceptable. If a student has a valid reason on why s/he can’t get it done, then s/he will an opportunity to earn those points back.

Parent Involvement (Facts)

• Parenting Styles - Authoritative: firm, but caring, explain reasons for rules, and are consistent. Have high expectations. [affect on child: high self-esteem. Confident and secure willing to take risks, and are successful in school] - Authoritarian: Stress conformity. Are detached, don’t explain rules, and do not encourage verbal give-and-take. [affect on child: Withdrawn. Worry about pleasing parent than solving problems. Defiant, lack social skills] - Permissive: Children have total freedom. Have limited expectations, and make few demands on children. [affect on child: immature, and lack self-control impulsive, unmotivated]

Course Curriculum

Algebra This course focuses on the study of

patterns and structure within the real number system. Topics include working with equations, graphing, and problem-solving strategies. Students become adept at solving problems which require the integration of a variety of mathematical concepts.

Cont. Course Curriculum

Algebra in Detail equations and systems of equations

- solve and graph linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables, including absolute value and radicals

- solve problems involving coordinate geometry: determine the slope, identify the x- and y- intercepts, and derive the equation of a line

- explore the effects of how changes in one variable affects other relationships

- distinguish between functions and relations, and be able to identify a given domain and range

- solve quadratic equations and inequalities using the quadratic formula, zero product property, and completing the square

- solve systems of equations, linear and quadratic, using graphing, substitution, and linear combinations

Algebra in Detail Cont…

Polynomials and Rational Expressions solve problems using the properties of real numbers add, subtract, multiply, divide, and factor polynomials solve problems using powers and radicals evaluate algebraic expressions simplify rational algebraic expressions

Problem Solving solve real-world problems using appropriate formulas,

relations, functions, and properties solve real-world problems using direct and indirect methods solve real-world problems using appropriate strategies and

tools generalize conclusions, make inferences, and justify the

reasonableness of mathematical problems.

Course Curriculum Cont..

Geometry In this course, a logical development of

inductive and deductive reasoning is developed. Emphasis is placed on developing visualization abilities, analytical skills, and logical reasoning through activity-based methods of instruction.

Geometry in Detail

Reasoning and Logic

justify and solve problems using geometric models and tools solve problems using the rules of logic and Venn diagrams solve real-world problems involving plane figures and three-

dimensional objects justify and solve problems using geometric constructions design proofs using deductive and inductive methods,

including indirect, paragraph, flow, and two-column formats use technology to extend problem-solving strategies,

develop reasoning and communication skills, and increase the students' ability to inquire

Geometry in Detail Cont…

Connecting Geometry and Algebra represent and solve problems using transformations

and tessellations solve real-world problems using properties of

congruence, similarity, and symmetry solve real-world problems involving properties of

polygons, circles, and the Pythagorean Theorem develop strategies for computing the area,

perimeter, volume, and surface area of objects develop estimation skills and accuracy in direct and

indirect measurement represent and solve problems using coordinate

geometry

Conclusion

This is the end. I hope I explained everything that you needed to know. Beforewe go, are there any more questions because after this you better ask yourneighbor….just kidding. At anytime if you need further explanation or a refresher you can contact me via e-mail at dubmertens@gmail.com. I also have a website where I can be reached at. It is….. http://alexmertens.blogspot.com/

Sources

Parenting StylesEducational Psychology (7th Edition), Paul Eggen / Don Kauchak

Course Curriculum Algebra / GeometryTitle: Course Curriculum: High School Overview 9-12http://ccsd.net/schools/pdf/curric/high9-12.pdf