Sarasota Military Academy

Algebra 1 Honors Course Description

Instructor: Captain Matt M. Callihan

B.A., International Relations, Vanderbilt University. Graduate work in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Education, Middle Tennessee State University and University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.  Four years at SMA, thirteen years teaching experience.  Professionally licensed by the State of Florida in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Description: The purpose of this course is to develop the algebraic concepts and processes that can be used to solve a variety of real world and mathematical concepts, and to lay the foundation for higher mathematics courses, including Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Because this is an Honors course, the algebraic concepts are explored more deeply, the pace is faster, and the homework load is greater than in Algebra 1.

Textbook: Prentice Hall Algebra 1, Florida Edition

Cadet Behavior: Cadets are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the SMA and JROTC Codes of Conduct. They are also expected to comply with Classroom Procedures as posted in class.

Supplies:

  • One-inch three-ring binder with five dividers.
  • Three-hole notebook paper.
  • Pencils and erasers.
  • Four-function calculator with a square root function. (Please keep them cheap and simple – a Texas Instruments 503SV or a similar calculator has everything we will need and usually costs less than five dollars. Many similar calculators are available at office supply and discount stores. Please do NOT bring graphing calculators to class.)

Notebooks: The three-ring binder listed in supplies will be used in class every day. Contents of the notebook will include vocabulary, notes, homework, in-class assignments, tests, quizzes, and other material. Cadets will be given instructions on how to organize their material, and notebooks will be checked periodically for a grade. Also, notebooks will be used in taking some quizzes, and well-maintained notebooks will help to boost grades. All cadets must have their notebooks no later than the first Friday of the school year.

Grading: Grades will be calculated using the percentages below. There will be a final exam included in the second quarter test grades.

  • Tests: 40%
  • Quizzes (including notebook grades): 15%
  • Homework: 25%
  • Employability: 20%

Employability: The 20% Employability component of the cadet’s grade is based upon demonstrating progress and/or compliance in certain classroom behaviors. Cadets start each quarter with 100 employability points, which is a grade of 100%. Points can be lost by demonstrating lack of growth or compliance in eight key areas:

  1. Unexcused absences – 10 points (SMA attendance policy will be followed.)
  2. Unexcused tardiness – 5 points
  3. Missing work tools – 3 points
  4. Keeping up with assignments and due dates – 1 to 3 points
  5. Homework – 3 points
  6. Proper wearing of the uniform – 3 points
  7. Attitude of cooperation with instructor and fellow cadets – 1 to 3 points
  8. Proper behavior and use of time in class – 1 to 3 points

Homework: In general, homework is checked for completeness, but not graded for correctness, unless a specific take-home assignment states that it will be graded. Homework assignments are PRACTICE. They are designed to help the student strengthen skills and knowledge and uncover weaknesses. It is expected that students will make mistakes on homework and then learn from those mistakes. Every cadet is expected to make a valiant effort on every homework problem, even if confused or unsure. Part of every class will be devoted to going over the homework to answer questions and remove confusion and uncertainty. If the homework is not done, there is no basis for learning from mistakes. Late homework (without an excused absence) will be accepted for half-credit, but only one day after the due date. Exceptions to this policy must be agreed to in writing by the instructor.

Parent/cadet access to homework assignments: Students are expected to write down their homework assignments each day. Homework assignments will be posted in class daily, and will also be posted on the SMA Web site. For families without Internet access, an alternative method for finding out about homework may be arranged.

Academic Honesty: “HONOR” is SMA’s motto. The Academy Cadet Creed states: “I do not lie, cheat, or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.” Cadets are expected to apply the concept of honor to all of their academic work. Turning in another cadet’s work as one’s own (e.g. copied homework) is telling a lie. Copying another cadet’s test answer is stealing, as well as cheating. Cheating in any form will be dealt with according to SMA policy, which includes reporting to the Commandant of Cadets and the Honor Board. It will also result in a grade of zero for the assignment. Worst of all, cheating casts the shadow of doubt on a cadet’s honor and trustworthiness.

Homework Collaboration: Discussing homework problems with other students is not considered a violation of academic honesty in this class. Students can learn a lot by exchanging ideas on the best ways to solve problems. Cadets MUST understand that discussing and sharing ideas is NOT the same as giving answers or copying homework. If cadets submit homework that is the result of a joint effort, they should write the names of the other cadets who participated. Each cadet must be able to honestly state that the work represents his or her own effort. NOTE WELL! Splitting assignments (“You do 1 through 8 and I’ll do 9 through 16 and then we’ll swap.”) is NOT an acceptable method of collaboration. It is an honor violation.

Make-up work for excused absences: Cadets are responsible for turning in missing assignments after they return to school from an excused absence. This responsibility rests solely with the cadet. The instructor will not remind the cadet or ask the cadet for missing work. School district policy dictates one make-up day for each day absent. Tests are scheduled well in advance, so being absent the day before a test is not a reason to miss the test. If a student is absent on the day of a test, he or she must make up the test the first or second day back. In the case of extended illness, the instructor will work with the student to arrange a reasonable make-up schedule.

Extra help: The instructor will be available for help most mornings before school, and most afternoons until 3:30 except on Fridays. Other tutors are also available on campus. Do not wait until your grade is in jeopardy to seek help.

Other Expectations:

  • Answers to problems on homework, quizzes, tests, and classroom assignments should always show the work, processes, intermediate steps, etc.
  • Pencils, not pens, should be used on tests, quizzes, and homework.
  • Some students want to spend a great deal of time making their work especially neat and orderly. In my classes, I am less concerned about “pretty” work, and more concerned about legibility and showing the steps and methods of a solution.
  • Cadets are expected to ask questions when they do not understand something.

Suggestions for Parents:

  • Ask your cadet about homework and tests and how things are going in general
  • Check your cadet’s math notebook occasionally.
  • Encourage your cadet to seek help, and to learn from mistakes.
  • Contact the instructor if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Email: matt_callihan@sarasota.k12.fl.us
  • Home phone: 387-1340
  • Cell phone: 726-6922
  • School phone: 926-1700, ext. 279

To get to Capt. Callihan’s homework page on the SMA Web site:

  1. Go to http://www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.com
  2. Click on the Departments  link.
  3. Click on the Math  link.
  4. Click on the Captain Callihan  link.
  5. Click on the Algebra 1,  Algebra 1 Honors,  Algebra 1A, or Algebra 1B  link.
  6. Click on the Homework  link in the gray box on the right of the screen.
  7. Homework assignments are listed by date for the month.
  8. Homework assignments are usually updated daily by early evening.

 

 

Links

Homework

Test Re-work Rules