Part 1: Course Information Course Description Algebra 2 provides a thorough treatment of algebraic concepts through the study of functions, polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic equations, matrices, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, and data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the mechanics of algebra with real world applications and modeling. A transformational approach to graphing is used with families of related graphs. Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all problems as applicable. Graphing utilities, especially graphing calculators, are integral to the course. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. Prerequisite Algebra 1 and Geometry Textbook & Course Materials Required Text Algebra 2 Holt ISBN 003066054-8 Online Textbook is a supplemental text: Algebra I McDougall Littell ISBN: 978-0-6185-9541-9: Available by clicking on textbook button in Blackboard. Course Requirements Computer with Internet connection (DSL, LAN, or cable connection desirable), speakers or headphones, and microphone Word processing program, recommend Microsoft Word Account access to FCPS 24/7 Course Structure This course will be delivered entirely online through the Blackboard application named FCPS 24/7 and a virtual classroom called Elluminate. You will use your student account to login to the course from the FCPS 24/7 (http://fcps.blackboard.com). In your FCPS Online Campus course, you will access online lessons, course materials, and resources. At a designated time during the week, we will Page 1
participate in a synchronous activity using our virtual classroom, Elluminate. Activities will consist of chat, blogs, discussion forums, email, journaling, blogging, wikis, and web posting. FCPS Online Campus Access To access this course within FCPS 24/7, you will need access to the Internet and a supported Web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox). To ensure that you have a supported browser and all required plug-ins, you must complete an Online Technology Prerequisite Course before you begin working in your online course (this takes approximately one hour). Refer to the FCPS Online Campus welcome letter for additional instructions. Technical Assistance If you need technical assistance at any time during the course, call Presidium 1-866-434-8880. Also email your instructor in regards to the problem. Important Note: This syllabus, along with course assignments and due dates, are subject to change. It is the student s responsibility to check FCPS 24/7 for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any changes will be clearly noted in course announcements and/or delivered by your instructor through email. Page 2
Part 2: Course Objectives Algebra 2 provides a thorough treatment of algebraic concepts through the study of functions, polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic equations, matrices, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, and data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the mechanics of algebra with real world applications and modeling. A transformational approach to graphing is used with families of related graphs. Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all problems as applicable. Graphing utilities, especially graphing calculators, are integral to the course. The essential skills are as follows: Identify properties Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify rational expressions Perform operations with, simplify, and write radical expressions Use matrices to organize and manipulate data Create and use various representations to analyze a given set of data Identify and factor completely polynomials Perform operations on complex numbers Recognize multiple representations of functions Find domain, range, zeros and inverse of a function Recognize shape of polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions Investigate/Apply properties of arithmetic/geometric sequences/series Collect and analyze data to make predictions and solve practical problems Solve problems involving direct and inverse variations Solve absolute value equations and inequalities Solve a quadratic equation over the set of complex numbers Solve equations containing rational expressions and radical expressions Investigate and describe relationships Identify conic sections from equations Page 3
Use matrix multiplication to solve practical problems Model problems with a system of linear equations and solve the system Solve problems using systems of linear inequalities Solve nonlinear systems of equations Page 4
Part 3: Topic Outline/Schedule Important Note: Refer to the course calendar for specific meeting dates and times. Activity and assignment details will be explained in detail within each week's corresponding learning module. If you have any questions, please contact your instructor. Unit One: Linear Fundamentals Properties, Linear and Literal Equations Graphing Lines Using Tables Graphing Lines in Special Forms Writing Equations of Lines Linear Inequalities Introduction to Variation Unit Two: Linear Equations and Inequalities Linear Systems Matrix Operations Linear Inequalities Unit Three: Functions Introduction to Functions Operations with Functions Compound Inequalities Unit Four: Special Functions and Algebra Skills Piecewise Functions Absolute Value Functions Exponents Radical Functions Unit Five: Quadratics Solving Quadratics Graphing Quadratics Complex Numbers Completing the Square Fitting a Curve to Data Writing Equations of Lines Page 5
Unit Six: Polynomials Introduction to Polynomials Solving Polynomials Graphing Polynomials Polynomial Division Unit Seven: Rational Functions Variations Simplifying Rational Expressions and Solving Rational Equations Graphing Rational Functions Unit Eight: Exponential Functions and Equations Exponential Growth and Decay Solving Exponential Equations Unit Nine: Sequences and Series Sequences Series Unit Ten: Logarithms Logarithmic Expressions Properties of Logarithms Graphing Logs Unit Eleven: Conics Defining Conics Circles and Ellipses Parabolas and Hyperbolas Identifying Conics and Nonlinear Systems Unit Twelve: Data Analysis and Review Data Analysis Review Page 6
School Year The time demands for online students are similar to those for students in face-toface courses. You are expected to spend approximately 4 to 5 hours per week working in this course. Similar to your face-to-face courses, some weeks may contain projects or assignments that extend beyond the normal hours for instruction. Rolling Enrollment If you begin this course after September, then your teacher will adjust your course calendar so that you complete all required units by early June. The number of hours that you will need to work each week will increase proportionately based you re your start date. For example, if you start at the end of the first semester, then you would need to work 8 to 10 hours per week in order to complete the course. Summer School The calendar for summer school changes each year, but in general, students will work 7.5 hours per day on the course for 4 weeks or 20 weekdays. Page 7
Part 4: Grading Policy Graded Course Activities Visit your FCPS Online Campus course for details about each assignment and to access your quizzes and tests. All submitted work is available for review through the student gradebook as well. Late Work Policy Be sure to pay close attention to deadlines there will be no make up assignments or quizzes, or late work accepted without a compelling reason and instructor approval. Viewing Grades in FCPS Online Campus Points you receive for graded activities will be posted to the course gradebook. Your instructor will update the online grades each time a grading session has been completed typically 1-2 days following the completion of an activity. Grade Reports will be emailed to parents, students and counselors every one or two weeks. Grade Reports will reflect the student s quality of work by the scores on the assignments, but will also contain missing assignments if the student is behind schedule to finish the class. Letter Grade Assignment Quarter Grades Grades will be reported quarterly to the Student Information System for formal report cards. Quarter grades will reflect the quality of work for the work that should be finished in that grading period. The grade percentage chart will be used to convert to letter grade reporting (see chart that follows). Final Mark Final grades assigned for this course will be based upon the average of each of the four Quarter Grades, the Midterm Exam, and the Final Exam. Each of these grades will be weighted equally in determining the Final Grade for the course (each being 20% of the final mark). For reporting purposes, the chart that follows will be used to convert all percentages to letter grades. Page 8
Letter Grade Percentage A 93-100% A- 90-92% Definition Designates the status of a student who consistently demonstrates accurate and complete knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS), and applies that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings B+ B 87-89% 83-86% Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS), with some improvement needed B- 80-82% in accuracy and/or consistency in performance, applying that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings C+ 77-79% Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS C 73-76% Program of Studies (POS), but requires additional practice C- 70-72% and instructional experiences to acquire skills necessary to solve problems D+ D 67-69% 64-66% Designates the status of a student who needs significant practice and instructional experiences to acquire the knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) necessary to solve problems. As a final mark, it is not necessarily sufficient to meet the prerequisite requirements for the next level in a sequence of courses F 0-63% Designates the status of a student who has not demonstrated the basic knowledge of content and/or skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) and requires additional practice and instructional experiences in order to succeed. I * Designates the status of a student who has not been able to complete tasks that are major components of the quarter grade for reasons considered appropriate by the teacher or team or by the principal or his or her designee. The student is required to make up work within a specified time period in order to convert this "incomplete" to a grade by the next quarterly progress report *I (Incomplete) = May not be given as a permanent final grade Important note: For more information about grading, visit the grading and reporting policies at the FCPS website. Page 9
Part 5: Course Policies Participation You are required to be active in the course each week. A student is considered active in a course when he or she submits work to be graded by the instructor. You are expected to participate in all online activities as listed on the course calendar. Communicate If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the course, make sure you let your instructor know as early as possible. Building rapport and an effective relationship with your instructor is a key to success in an online course. Make sure that you are proactive in informing your instructor when difficulties arise so that your instructor can help you find a solution. Complete Assignments All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through FCPS 24/7 unless otherwise instructed. Assignments must be submitted by the given deadline or special permission must be requested from instructor. Extensions will not be given beyond the next assignment. Late or missing assignments will negatively affect the student s grade. Understand When You will be Removed from This Course It is state law that students cannot miss 15 days of class. If you are not active in our class for 15 school days, then you will be removed from the online course. Your teacher will notify you, your parents and your counselor after 5 and 10 days of no work being submitted. At 15 days, you will be removed from the course and returned to your counselor for a more appropriate placement. The goal for all students is to receive credit towards graduation, and if an online learning environment does not prove to be an appropriate placement for working towards this goal, then returning to face-to-face instruction is necessary. Inform Your Instructor of Any Accommodations Needed If you have a documented disability and IEP, and you wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. IEP and 504 accommodations must be submitted to the Online Campus before the class starts. The Online Campus can be contacted by phone at (703) 503-7781 (Voice) or via email at onlinecampus@fcps.edu. Page 10
Commit to Ethical Conduct As a student in this course, you are expected to maintain high degrees of professionalism, commitment to active learning and participation in this class and also integrity in your behavior in and out of the classroom. FCPS Ethical Conduct for Users (SR&R regulation 2601) It is the responsibility of the student to: Use only his or her account or password. It is a violation to give access to an account to any other user. Recognize and honor the intellectual property of others; comply with legal restrictions regarding plagiarism and the use and citation of information resources. Not read, modify, or remove files owned by other users. Restrict the use of the FCPS network and resources to the mission or function of the school system. The use of the FCPS network for personal use or for private gain is prohibited. Help maintain the integrity of the school information system. Deliberate tampering or experimentation is not allowed; this includes the use of FCPS network and resources to illicitly access, tamper with, or experiment with systems outside FCPS. The information systems and Internet access available through FCPS are available to support learning, enhance instruction, and support school business practices. Refrain from using offensive, obscene, or harassing language when using FCPS network systems. Abstain from accessing, changing, or deleting files belonging to others. Important Note: Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, will be reported to the administration office. Page 11