Algebra Overview: Algebra I is a high school credit course. The students will take an Algebra STAAR EOC in May (often called the EOC). This test is a high school graduation requirement, so it is imperative that your student complete all homework and assignments on time and come to tutoring as soon as he or she starts to struggle. Calculators are permitted on the Algebra EOC, so your student will be using a TI nSpire calculator throughout the year. 

Geometry Overview: Geometry is a high school credit course. Calculators are permitted on the end-of-year exam, so your student will be using a TI nSpire calculator throughout the year. 

Flipped Instruction: I utilize flipped classroom instruction. This means that class content, lectures and videos are done as homework, through Blackboard (https://neisd.mrooms.net/). Basically, what was traditionally done in the classroom becomes homework, and what was traditionally done as homework is done in the classroom. This enables me to make the best use of face-to-face time with students. Blackboard also works on tablets and mobile phones. Desmos has a free online graphing calculator (https://www.desmos.com/calculator) that students may use at home. It is critical to your student’s success that homework is completed in full and on time. 

Required daily materials: Pencil with eraser,  journal (graph paper composition book required), access to a device for homework. 

Grading:   Grades are a reflection of content mastered. Grades are from a variety of sources; weights for each category are as follows:

Homework: 10% 

Formative (Class Work and quizzes): 50%

Summative (Projects/Tests/PBL): 40%

Absent/Late/Makeup work: If a student is absent for any reason, whether excused or unexcused, it is the responsibility of the student to watch any missed video lessons on Blackboard and to secure any missed assignments immediately upon his/her return. Tests/quizzes must be made up at the next available tutoring session. I follow the NEISD late work policy: If an assignment is not turned in on the assigned due date, it is considered late.  The penalty for submitting an assignment late is 20% of the points earned. Late work will only be accepted until the content has been assessed (quiz, test, or project) OR until the corresponding 3-week grading period has ended (whichever occurs first).