ALGEBRA (1 and 2/Trig) Summer School 2011 @ Orinda Academy Teacher:  Bob Shayler

Summer School Overview:

Summer School algebra will serve several student needs: algebra 1 (full year - both terms), algebra 1 (second term only), elementary algebra 4 and algebra 1 / trigonometry (full year - both terms). Student assignments will vary depending upon the student's individual reason for taking summer school. Student assignments will be found on different pages on this site (see links below).

Requirements for Students:

Schedule:            Class starts at 9:00am promptly.  If you will be late for any reason or if you will be absent for any reason, you must either call Bob or IM him prior to class.  Class ends at 1:00pm.  Any deviations from this schedule must be reported to the office by a parent.  There will be two short breaks around 10am and 12noon.  There will be a longer break around 11am and that is when lunch should be eaten.

Attendance:            No more than two (2) absences each term for any reason are allowed before credit is lost.  Extended illness, pre-planned events, and vacations may result in loss of credit.

Grades:            The grade a student earns is based upon assigned work, participation, quizzes, tests and a final exam for each semester’s work (3.5 weeks).  During summer, grades will be maintained by Bob using a spreadsheet.  Updated grades will be available as soon as hey have been recorded.  A weekly report will be sent home each Friday.

Materials:            Students are required to have with them each day lined paper, ¼ inch graph paper, pencils or pens (multicolored preferred), a calculator (TI-30X IIS preferred) and the appropriate text book (provided by OA).  Students may have with them each day a laptop computer, iPad or smart phone for use only with assigned work.  Failure to have required materials each day may result in a decreased participation grade and will make it difficult to complete the required assignments.

Technology:            Technology is used in Bob’s classes to enhance learning and maintain communication.  Online and local computer applications to assist learning will be used in class.  Various communication methods will be used in class (online assignments, Instant Messaging, Facebook and email for notices and questions, etc.).

Behavior:            Students are expected to follow all school rules including technology rules at school.  Students are expected to create and maintain a productive and collegial work environment in class.  Irrelevant and/or distracting actions when repeated may result in removal from the class and loss of credit.  Bob will work with the student, parent and administration to assist students to meet behavior standards.

Parents:            Parents will greatly assist students by providing (requiring) sufficient sleep and a healthy breakfast before each school day.  Parents also can help by making sure arrival and departure times are appropriate.

Students and parents can contact the teacher (Bob Shayler) at the following email address:

bob @ orindaacademy.org (without the spaces)

Grading standards:

Algebra Resources:

Here are a few of the online resources available to a student in algebra at any level.  Use them.  Tell me what you think about them.  Find more online resources that are useful and earn participation credit!

Algebasics  < http://www.algebasics.com/ > offers video tutorials explaining the basics of algebra, equations, ratio and proportion, absolute value, polynomials, factoring, linear equations, radicals, applications, and much more.

Algebra-Class.com  < http://www.algebra-class.com/ > offers step-by-step examples solving equations, graphing equations, writing equations, inequalities, functions, exponents and monomials, polynomials, and the quadratic equation. It also has a list of resources.

Algebrahelp  < http://www.algebrahelp.com/ > contains lessons on topics that include just about any topic you can think of in algebra, as well as equation calculators and worksheets. This site also has an extensive list of math resources and study tips.

College-Cram.com  < http://www.college-cram.com/study/ > allows students to choose the subject (including algebra and trig) from a drop down menu, select the appropriate chapter, and pick their resources. The pages will feature formula solvers, bottomless worksheets, flashcards, quizzes, interactive overviews, and brief lessons and study sheets.

Interactive Mathematics  < http://www.intmath.com/ > has a large section on algebra, including information on factoring and fractions, the quadratic equation, exponents and radicals, systems of equations, matrices and determinants, inequalities, and trigonometry.

Math Expression  < http://www.mathexpression.com/ > has videos, worksheets,  a few iPhone/Touch/Pad apps and lessons to help you develop your algebra skills. Math topics include algebra, exponents, symmetry, fractions, measurements, angles, and more. The site also includes a list of useful resources.

Purplemath  < http://www.purplemath.com/ > contains lessons with explanations on everything from absolute value and negative numbers to intercepts, variables, and factoring. In addition, this site includes a forum that allows students to ask questions and receive answers, as well as a list of homework tips and guidelines.

site updated 14 July 2011